SPEAKSTARS ACADEMY

 

SpeakStars Academy: Turning Chatter into Impact

Welcome to SpeakStars Academy, where we empower youth aged 12 to 17 to discover their voices, harness confidence, and think differently about how everyday words can shape a future of meaningful impact. At SpeakStars, we believe that every young person has a God-given ability to create, inspire, influence, and lead.

About SpeakStars Academy

SpeakStars Academy is a youth program powered by Speakingdom, designed to help young people become eloquent communicators and confident leaders. In today’s fast-paced, digital world, effective communication is more critical than ever, and our academy is versed in equipping youth with the skills they need to shine. Through engaging activities, expert coaching, and real-world practice, students will:

  • Find Their Confidence: Overcome stage fright, express themselves clearly, and speak with authority in any situation.
  • Discover Their Signature Sound: Your voice is harmony between your anatomy, experiences, and identity. Together, these make every young SpeakStar a remarkable, unique storyteller.
  • Build a Robust Vocabulary: Expand their language skills to articulate ideas with creativity and flair.
  • Master Eloquence: Learn the art of crafting and delivering persuasive, impactful messages.
  • Harness the Power of Words: Discover how to use communication for influence, and leadership.

 

 

Academy Outcomes

  1. Foundations of Communication
    • Understanding the basics of verbal and non-verbal communication.
    • Finding the keys to self-confidence (awareness, acceptance, and affirmation).
    • Overcoming the fear of public speaking, learning to use your voice in different life settings.
  2.  Vocabulary and Expression
    • Expanding vocabulary through fun and interactive exercises.
    • Exploring tone, pacing, and articulation to deliver clear messages.
    • Practicing active listening to enhance engagement.
  3.  Persuasion, Impact and Leadership
    • Crafting persuasive speeches and presentations.
    • Learning how to influence and inspire an audience.
    • Using storytelling to connect and captivate.
  4. Real-World, Future-fit Critical Skills
    • Delivering speeches in front of peers and receiving constructive feedback from experienced facilitators.
    • Learning to use communication in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
    • Participating in mock debates, panel discussions, group presentations and a final individual presentation.

Mahlodi Kgatle

Lead Facilitator

  • TED x Speaker
  • CEO of Speakingdom Pty Ltd
  • 12 years of public speaking adjudication experience
  • Member of the Professional Speaker’s Association of Southern Africa

 

  • Winner of the ATKV National Speech Competition
  • Bcom Honours degree holder from the University of Pretoria
  • 2015 President of the Golden Key International Honour Society

Why Choose SpeakStars Academy?

  • Expert Coaches: Our team of experienced communication facilitators is dedicated to helping youth succeed.
  • Safe & Supportive Environment: We create a space where students feel comfortable experimenting, learning, and growing.
  • Interactive & Fun: Learning is hands-on, engaging, and tailored to the interests of today’s Gen Zs.
  • Life-Long Skills: The tools and techniques learned at SpeakStars Academy go beyond the present stage – they’ll benefit students in school, relationships, and future careers.

Program Details

  • Age Group: 12 to 17 years old
  • Duration: 6 weeks (with ongoing enrolment options)
  • Weekly session length: 1 hour 30 minutes per week
  • In-person training: Fridays | 348 Waterbok St, Theresapark, Akasia
  • Online training: Wednesdays | Google Meet
  • Modules Covered: Confidence building, structuring influential speeches, delivering memorable speeches, finding your God-given signature sound, using your voice for influence and impact.
  • Fee: R 1 200.00 or R 200.00 per 1hr 30min session

2025 Group Intake
Cohort 1 sessions: 24 February – 1 April 

Cohort 2 sessions: 30 June – 17 July 

Cohort 3 sessions: 28 July – 5 Sept

 
2025 One-on-one sessions
Available on request

Turn Chatter into Impact!