Renfrewshire youngsters invited to join public speaking webinar and competition

Young people across Renfrewshire are being encouraged to take part in a new initiative designed to help them discover their voice, conquer stage fright and develop lifelong communication skills.

The British Youth International College (BYITC) has launched its Public Speaking Webinar for children aged 8–14, which will take place online on Saturday, 27th September at 11:00am.

The interactive online session will explore key aspects of public speaking, including:

• Introduction to Public Speaking
• Conquering Stage Anxiety
• Crafting a Strong Speech Structure
• Mastering Non-Verbal Communication
• Vocal Delivery Techniques
• Engaging with Your Audience
• The Power of Rehearsal

After the webinar, participants will take a short assessment, with the top 25 performers advancing to BYITC’s FREE live Public Speaking Competition in Glasgow on 11th October. This exclusive event will be open for all webinar attendees to attend and support, with prizes and certificates awarded to winners.

“At BYITC, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to shine. From our recent Drone Event demonstrations to the Inspire Awards, we’ve celebrated talented youngsters across the country in many ways. Public speaking is another essential skill – it builds confidence, leadership, and the ability to inspire others. I am excited to see the creativity and courage our students will bring to the stage,” said Dr. Rashmi Mantri, founder of BYITC.

“Public speaking is more than just delivering words – it fosters confidence, leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills that empower children for life. In an era where clear and confident expression sets individuals apart, these skills are vital for success both inside and outside the classroom.

“A shining example of the confidence and leadership that BYITC seeks to nurture is Aarush Gosain, who has been with BYITC for more than two years. During this time, Aarush has shown extraordinary progress, with his public speaking and writing skills developing tremendously. Today, he communicates with clarity and poise, with his confidence in the English language shining through in every interaction. His journey has also been marked by several accolades, reflecting both his talent and dedication. His mum proudly tells me he “never calls it a day without writing something”, such is his passion for communication.”

Earlier in the year, Aarush and his classmates were victorious at a Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) event. With strong collaboration, preparation and an inspiring presentation, his team championed RiverKids, a charity supporting children and youth affected by abuse and neglect. Their efforts secured a £3,000 grant for the organisation, highlighting how communication and teamwork can drive real change in the community.

“Public speaking is more than just delivering words – it fosters confidence, leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills that empower children for life. In an era where clear and confident expression sets individuals apart, these skills are vital for success both inside and outside the classroom.”

Headline photo: Aarush Gosain receives his award at the Inspire Awards 2025. Pictured from left: Dr Rashmi Mantri, Mr Azaan Sarwar, award winner Aarush Gosain, and Mrs Sunita Poddar
Photo Credit: British Youth International College