Young Activists book series launched

A new workbook for young people to develop their public speaking skills and to speak out on the issues that concern them has been published.

The publication was launched by Jason Austin, a young graduate of the Speak Up! Speak Out! public speaking programme and a Whitbread Young Achiever award winner.

“I feel so much more confident and focused having completed the Speak Up! Speak Out! programme - not just in public speaking, but in all areas of my life - including writing funding proposals!” said Jason.

The book design is engaging and lively. Cartoons are used to present practical information in an accessible way. The content focuses on developing young people’s skills and confidence, and includes sections on planning, voice projection and speech structure. The book also offers tips on where to practice public speaking, and can be used by young people themselves as well as schools and youth groups.

“Untie Your Tongue and Get Life Licked” is the third in a series of practical guides which encourage young people to become engaged with their communities. The Young Activists series have been developed by Michael Norton of The Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action (CIVA) and all titles are available from Community Links.

The other titles in the series, How to be a Community Champion and How to be a Fundraising Champion, provide practical guidance to the core skills that young people need to effectively engage in their local communities. Untie Your Tongue… focuses on young people wishing to share their passions and causes with a wider audience.

Sue Warner founding director of SpeakersBank said:
“Public speaking is not 'rocket science' it is a skill that can be learned by everyone The SpeakersBank Speak Up! Speak Out! programme teaches the basic tips and techniques, builds confidence and helps people speak up clearly and with conviction about issues and causes they feel strongly about. It is a remarkable process - that works!”

Richard McKeever, publications manager of Community Links said:
“Through practical publications such as our Ideas Annual series Community Links has always been committed to sharing knowledge… from the ground up. The new Young Activists books provide a starting point which will encourage young people to make their voices heard and become active in their own communities.”

Each of the books in the series is available at £3.95 per copy or £10.00 for a set of three from Community Links, 105 Barking Road Canning Town E16 4HQ. Tel: 020 7473 2270 www.community-links.org