the practice space blog
Who Are We? – Youth Aloud Podcast Episode 5
Photo: Hawi Abraham and Mela Seyoum at the Get Involved event, organized by the West Contra Costa Unified School District Youth Commission In this week’s episode, Youth Aloud field reporters, Hawi and Sophie, ask youth to answer the question, “Who are you?” When asked this question, people tend to answer […]
How to Find Your Voice – Youth Aloud Podcast Episode 4
Photo: George Elsbury at The Practice Space’s Young Wishes event Finding your voice is easier said than done. In this guest interview, former high school public speaker George Elsbury explains concrete tips and techniques for figuring out what to say and how to feel more confident performing in front of […]
Get to Know Our Newest Team Members: Mariana and Caitlin!
Photo: Mariana and Caitlin at our recent donor dinner along with high school students and a board member. We wanted to let our newest team members, Mariana and Caitlin, introduce themselves to The Practice Space community so you get to know a little more about them and what led them […]
Getting Ready to Speak: Creating Student-Led, Inclusive Communities
Video: Matteo Nouve, Davis High School Davis High School student Matteo Nouve hardly looks nervous at all as he walks up the front of his school cafeteria to give his speech about art education. Even at the end of the program after ten other student speeches, the room is quiet […]
Rethinking Leadership: Helping Youth Have a Voice
It is 3:30pm on a Tuesday, and 14 high school students have gathered together to prepare speeches for an upcoming community engagement night. It is the first time they have been invited as keynote speakers and they know it is a big deal. Chattering excitedly over pizza, they try to […]
When Feeling Awkward – Youth Aloud Podcast Episode 3
Awkwardness. We all feel it at some point in our lives. Members of the podcast, Ava Remler and AnnMarie Baines, share some of their awkward moments. Lindsey Lam connects their stories with words from the experts and some awkwardness of her own. “The worst thing in the world is when […]
How We Faced the Fear – Youth Aloud Podcast Episode 2
Photo: Lindsey Lam Public speaking is scary, but somehow we make it through. Two high school students, Lindsey Lam and Ava Remler, describe what they did to overcome their fear of public speaking. AnnMarie Baines, Executive Director of The Practice Space, connects their stories to broader research on communication anxiety, […]
Speaking Up For Kids
Some of the most powerful work at The Practice Space has been with parents and families, where we go out into the community and work with organizations that help parents advocate for their children’s needs. If you think public speaking is hard, try speaking about something as personal and emotional […]
Why Listening is Hard – Youth Aloud Podcast Episode 1
While we all have moments when we find it hard to listen to others, we may not know why. This week’s episode offers research and analysis behind the listening challenge we face every day. Two high school students, Lindsey Lam and Ava Remler, share personal stories and discuss why we […]
Public Speaking Summer Camps for Kids
Summer is the best time to work on public speaking. In the summer, it is not only easier to focus on a specific skill but we are allowed to have fun in the process. The Practice Space summer camps attract a whole range of students, from those who already […]