The We Speak team

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."

Imaan studied Education at Goldsmiths University and recently graduated.

“I feel like I am able to clearly communicate and I can coherently communicate whatever it is I need to. I really enjoyed the feedback element of the programme, it allowed for growth in many areas and allowed me to identify the areas I needed to put more work in!

I've been in the same position myself, which is why I’m passionate about helping students build confidence and self-belief. I would hate to see bright, talented individuals feel limited or undervalued simply because they lack confidence in this area."

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."

Salem is currently studying English with Creative Writing at Queen Mary University of London.

“Before I speak in

front of an audience, I usually feel a mix of anticipation and excitement which is replaced by relief and delight once I begin. 

I'm excited to work with We Speak because it is a brilliant way of helping other young people who have been in the same position as me to develop their skills and I will be able to contribute in creating the same supportive environment that I experienced on the programme.”

Noshin is a recent graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London. She studied Psychology

“I feel quite confident about speaking in front of a group or audience. We Speak is amazing because it teaches you how to do it from the ground up, connect with like minded individuals and employers! I now actively seek out networking events to attend!

I want to work with students who lack speaking confidence because I can relate. I've been in their shoes - terrified to speak in front a small group let alone a big one. I just hope to show others that progress is possible with the right support and practise and this is an amazing place to start on that journey."

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.”

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."

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.”

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.”

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!"

Habiiba studies Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, University of London.

“I struggled with speaking confidently for a very long time so I would love to provide the help I was given to students who are in the same boat as I was.

I really enjoyed how encouraging the programme environment was. After the first session I felt as if I had the space to improve as well as make mistakes.”

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."

Marisa is currently studying Psychology and Counselling at the University of Westminster.

“For much of my life, public speaking was something I found terrifying and actively avoided whenever possible. However, through my involvement in the We Speak programme, my public speaking skills have developed significantly.

Having been part of the programme myself - I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it creates. I have seen not only how it transformed my own confidence, but also the meaningful changes it brought to the students I worked with."

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."

Anastasia currently studies Film and Screen Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London.

“I am a quiet introvert. I really wish that I had found something like We Speak when I was in my late teens or early twenties.  

I enjoyed meeting people on the programme with different levels of confidence and learning from them. It really helped me to receive constructive feedback from the mentors. I'm excited to be a part of the programme that gives this vital support to someone like the younger me.”

“I’m completely confident speaking in front of people. I have participated in the We Speak programme and particularly enjoyed the warm and friendly environment that the programme provided.

I want to work with We Speak because I have confidence speaking publicly, and I am able to pull from my own experiences to provide effective feedback.”

Esohe recently graduated from University of Westminster, studying Global Public Health Nutrition.

“The We Speak programme has equipped me with essential skills and techniques and I now feel confident to speak publicly.

I want to share my experiences and knowledge, and make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Iqra is currently on a gap year, working part time.

“Being able to communicate ideas to large groups used to be something I found daunting, but with the We Speak programme, I learnt skills to help me find my voice and utilise it in the best ways possible.

I find speaking in front of an audience to be such a rewarding and positive experience due to the growth in my confidence and self esteem!”

Mina studies Biomedical Science at University of Westminster.

“I enjoyed the We Speak programme - everyone was friendly and amazing.

I want to work with We Speak to help students develop their speaking confidence, and feel empowered.”

Omotomiwa is a recent graduate from the University of Kent.

“Joining We Speak in June helped me build a great skill set and now I feel very confident speaking in front of a group or audience.

I’m looking forward to helping students go on the same journey towards confidence that I had.”

Assiya studies Politics and Sociology at Queen Mary University of London.

“After taking part in the WeSpeak programme I have grown significant confidence in speaking in front of a group.

We Speak helped me to develop a vital skill of speaking in front of an audience. I want to help others become more confident in themselves.”

Vanessa studies MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths University of London.

“Finding my voice and being able to use it confidently was something very empowering for me, and I want to help others to do that too.

The WeSpeak experience has made a huge impact on my speaking confidence especially when delivering presentations.”

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."