The We Speak team

Julia studies French and international relationst at the University of Westminster.

“I’ve taken part in the programme as a student, and I’ve taken part as a facilitator. I saw what a difference it made to my confidence and the positive impact it left me with.

The confidence influences in all aspects of my life, wether that may be school, work or even socialising and networking with new people."

Mahdi works with We Speak, delivering workshops and programmes to young people, and supporting corporate Mentor training.

"I like to think that having an audience doesn’t faze me, but of course it does because I’m human. I feel fairly confident about speaking in front of a group. When I’m passionate about something, I never run out of things to say about it.

I really enjoyed interacting with mentors from the career of my choice, as often times you don’t get advice from employees. I would like to forward the benefits that the We Speak programme gave me. It is a very helpful opportunity to develop skills in something so daunting as public speaking."

Kelly studies Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

“I feel like I know how to better handle my nerves when I am speaking in front of an audience ranging from 1 person to a much larger group. Receiving feedback from facilitators and professional mentors allowed me to improve progressively.

I really enjoyed being able to work together with students on the programme as a facilitator. I was able to facilitate their growth and confidence. As a previous We Speak student, I felt strongly on this as I want to equally provide an even better experience by working with the students."

Didan currently studies Medicine at King's College London.

“When I was in secondary school, I was incredibly nervous and shy, garnering my reputation as the "quiet one". I am always nervous leading up to speaking in front of a group or audience, but I know that once I get started and start flowing, I find it hard to stop talking!

I know how it feels to have all eyes on you, and equally I know what it takes to guide someone away from feeling like that. This gives me the motivation to help students improve their own speaking confidence."

Tolu is a International Business Management graduate from the University of East London.

“I believe that effective communication is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Having experienced the impact of structured preparation and constructive feedback, I understand how transformative it can be for those who lack speaking confidence.

I am passionate about helping students develop their voice, build self-assurance, and express their ideas clearly, equipping them with a skill that will serve them for life. I believe that with the right guidance and encouragement, anyone can become a strong communicator, and I would love to be part of that journey!”

Desire recently graduated from MA User Experience Design at the University of the Arts London.

“Thanks to the We Speak programme, I have greatly increased my confidence and enthusiasm when speaking in front of large groups. The mentors were excellent at providing guidance.

I'm looking forward to working in a team that encourages and motivates other young people to reach their full potential and be the best they can be.”

Fazira studies Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London.

"Joining the We Speak programme has really helped with my confidence and self esteem.

I really look forward to helping young people find the courage and confidence to speak in front of an audience."

Eleanor is currently studying Geography at University of Southampton.

“I enjoyed building connections with other facilitators on the programme, and now feel confident about speaking in front of a group.

I’d like to make a positive change in others’ confidence as I feel it is a skill that empowers me.”

Yaman studies Law LLB at Kent.

“I love mentoring, it is an amazing way to help others, and learn yourself. I get to meet amazing people from different backgrounds and enjoy tackling confidence barriers in any way possible.

I am super excited to work with We Speak. Even as a facilitator, I learned so much in a few months and intend to keep learning every step of the way.”

Akio is currently studying English with Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London.

“I think no matter how much experience you have with public speaking, there is always some sense of nervousness. I'm no different. I get nervous. The most important thing to me, however, is understanding that this nervousness is normal and coming to terms with it is often the biggest hurdle anyone has to go through.

I want to help others with their speaking confidence; not only would this allow me to make a difference in peoples' lives, but I would also be able to practice my own speaking skills!"

Natalie is a graduate of Bangor University, where she studied Psychology.

“With continued exposure to public speaking, it has become an inspiring experience that enables me to create meaningful connections and make a lasting impact.

I truly enjoyed guiding each student throughout the programme and seeing how their confidence have boosted when sharing their stories and ambitions. Helping them find their voice and grow throughout their journey."

Tay-Ann studies International Relations at the University of Westminster.

“Before I started at We Speak, I wasn’t confident in public speaking at all. I was there, where the students are now, just a few months ago - not confident, scared of speaking in front of people, even through a screen.

Nowadays, I am generally confident and treat public speaking as a performance. I think nobody should be nervous about expressing themselves through their voice and speech.”

Sophie is currently studying Drug Discovery and Pharma Management at the University College London.

“As a student on the programme, I most enjoyed Learning how to organise my thoughts in a short amount of time, something which I struggled with before. I believe that anyone can gain this confidence with the right support and I want other students to have the same positive experience that I did."

Elisabetta graduated from Goldsmiths, she studied. Music, Mind and Brain

“I'm feeling comfortable in talking about something that is very important to me. A bit of anxiety is normal before I start talking. I loved the warm environment during the sessions - so many nice people!"

Hamidou studied Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London.

“During the programme helped me enjoy speaking, even though I was nervous towards the beginning, as I did more, it became easier. I want to work with students because I know I wanted the same support when I was in a similar position."

Emmanuella is studying International and Commercial Dispute Resolution Law at the University of Wesminster.

"Because of We Speak I feel more confident and now feel comfortable doing speaking. It gave me enough tools to feel at ease when talking to a crowd. I want to help other students who may be like me so that they can be more confident, it is such a great feeling."

Mishal is currently studying Data Science with Analytics at University of Westminster.

“I particularly enjoyed the activities we did in our sessions during the programme. I want to help others not be in the same situation as me, just a small push from the programme is what can help start their journey.

I gained confidence while participating as a student, I believe I could further enhance my confidence as a facilitator."

Shraddha recently graduated from Middlesex University, studying Sport Rehabilitation and Soft Tissue Therapy.

“We Speak sessions have made me more confident and motivated to help more students. It has played a huge role in my personal and professional life. I have gotten more comfortable speaking in interviews and conversing with people in all situations and settings. I want more students to have the same experience I did.”

Jae-Ann studies Computer Science at Goldsmiths, University of London

“My experience with We Speak has helped me change how I view public speaking. I am more comfortable trying experiences outside of the comfort zone. I have learned that trying something new doesn't have to be intimidating it can also be fun and really rewarding. Everyone has valuable ideas and perspectives."

Aseel studies Biomedical Science at Brunel University.

“Although it can feel challenging at times, I'm able to communicate effectively and I'm actively working on improving my confidence. The positive environment and the friendliness of the facilitators and mentors made the experience feel less daunting.

I understand how challenging it can be to lack confidence when speaking. Having the opportunity to support students going through the same experience makes the role much more meaningful and rewarding to me."

Mizuki studies Architecture at the University of Edinburgh.

“I am fairly confident if I prepare well. I really appreciated the fact that I could get a real time feedback from the mentors during my time on the programme.

I know what it is like to struggle with speaking confidence. I feel that it is an essential skill to have to thrive in certain career paths. I will be happy if I could help others overcome their fears on speaking."