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Speak Out Tour: What you need to know
Speaking Out: What You Need to Know
The Speak Out tour takes place every March. Activate projects are allocated to an event in their region. YSI Guides supporting teams in Activate will see their team's Speak Out event invite when they log into their Educator Dashboard in mid-November. All teams are asked to confirm their attendance no later than 6 February 2026.
Just click on the link on the dashboard and let us know if you can make the event, how many young people will be attending, and if you have any special requirements in relation to access etc. If you can't make the event you've been allocated, simply contact us and we'll do our best to accomodate you at an alternative venue. We request that all change requests are made by 12 December 2025.
Things to Remember
- Each team has two minutes at the event to take to the stage and speak out on their chosen social issue.
- There are three key messages that need to be incorporated into your speak out presentation - be sure to communicate these to the panel.
- Teams are encouraged to present their issue creatively and CAN use props, music, dance, posters, costumes etc., BUT no PowerPoint, film, or slideshows are allowed.
- If you are planning on using music or sound effects, please bring it on a device with a headphone jack or have it loaded onto a USB.
Key messages to convey in your Speak Out:
- 1. What is the social issue you chose to tackle and why?
- 2. Why is change needed and what change would you like to see?
- 3. What is your innovative idea to bring about this change and what actions are you / have you taken?
Preparing Your Speak Out Presentation
How you present your project and the key messages you need to incorporate is up to you! Your presentation can be as creative as you like and can include music, dance, poetry, mime, drama, visuals etc. The only thing you cannot use is Powerpoint, film or slideshows, i.e. nothing that requires a projector/screen.
Speaking out is about advocacy - about convincing people that the social issue you are addressing is important and sharing your creative idea as a potential way of bringing about change.
Check out the example below by YSI Team 'Mind Your Mind' from Largy College in Clones who were speaking out about mental health. It might provide some creative inspiration!
You can see a highlight videos from past Speak Out tours:
There are many ways of presenting a YSI Speak Out. How you choose to do it is up to you!
YSI Guides, don't forget there are dedicated resources for helping you team prepare when you log in to Part 4, Session 3: 'Speak Out & Advocate' on the Educator Dashboard.