Public speaking isn’t just a skill; it’s a foundation for real leadership and positive change, especially for teens at cYp. When youth stand before an audience of adults and share their perspective, they’re not only building confidence and communication. They are influencing decisions. They are inspiring stronger community connections while building lifelong leadership skills.
At Cincy Youth Productions (cYp), teens learn to speak directly to the adults. These adults shape policies, run organizations, and make local change possible. This opportunity goes far beyond rehearsed speeches. It enables young leaders to organize their ideas. They can advocate for what matters to their community. They also challenge adults to see the world through a different lens. Whether it’s in board rooms, classrooms, or offices, building your voice at cYp involves practicing lifelong skills. These include critical thinking, listening, and the power to persuade with your own thoughts and ideas.
Here are some leadership activities that if youth don’t start now, they will certainly have to step up for in a successful future:
Leadership Activities Requiring Public Speaking
• Facilitating team meetings or group workshops
• Leading a classroom discussion or tutoring session
• Presenting project updates or strategic plans to colleagues or community partners
• Training new staff, volunteers, or club members
• Speaking at board or committee meetings
• Delivering speeches, presentations, or keynotes at events like our youth conclaves, rallies, or conferences
• Performing live on stage—spoken word, drama, being an MC, or our panel moderation
• Hosting webinars, town hall forums, or virtual events
• Recording video announcements or promotional messages for social media
• Interviewing for media, podcasts, or school broadcasts
• Advocating at city council hearings or public forums
• Running workshops, seminars, or masterclasses for peers or the public
• Leading parent, staff, or stakeholder engagement conversations
• Presenting awards or recognitions at ceremonies
• Pitching ideas to funders, sponsors, or local businesses
• Storytelling or sharing personal journeys at public events
• And more…
Structured public speaking also helps teens develop agency and resilience. Studies show that youth who regularly present to adult audiences become better critical thinkers, more resourceful, and more civically engaged. They build a network of allies and mentors, often sparking opportunities beyond the classroom.
Why does this matter? In Cincinnati, we need every voice to matter. Supporting teens as they speak up and ensuring adults see them and are truly listening. This is a reminder that “it still takes a village.” At cYp, the microphone isn’t just for talking. It’s for leading, connecting, and making sure the next generation writes the story of our city, our county, state and beyond!
If you know you are ready to sign up visit https://cypcincinnati.org/contact and complete the form.
For information to become a sponsor, click here: https://cypcincinnati.org/sponsors/
For information to become a partner, click here: https://cypcincinnati.org/partners/
For information to become a volunteer, click here: https://cypcincinnati.org/volunteer
