SPEAKSTARS ACADEMY

 

SpeakStars Academy: Turning Chatter into Impact

What starts in the classroom flows into boardrooms!

Welcome to SpeakStars Academy, where we empower youth aged 7 to 17 to discover their voices, harness confidence, and use their words to shape a future of meaningful impact. At SpeakStars, we believe that every young person has a God-given power to create, inspire, influence, and lead.

About SpeakStars Academy

SpeakStars Academy is a 6-week/6-session youth public speaking 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 well-equipped to provide the skills youth need to lead. 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, leveraging all their communication aids (vocal cues and body language).
  • Discover Their Signature Sound: Your voice is a harmony between your anatomy, experiences, and identity. Together, these make every young SpeakStar a remarkable, set apart young leader.
  • Build a Robust Vocabulary: Expand their language skills to articulate ideas with creativity and flair.
  • Master Eloquence: Learn the art of structuring 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: 7 to 17 years old
  • Duration: 6 weeks (with ongoing enrolment options)
  • Weekly session length: 1 hour 30 minutes per week
  • In-person training: Fridays | 15:00 | 348 Waterbok St, Theresapark, Akasia
  • Online training: Wednesdays | 15:00 | 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, and a speech assessment.
  • Fee (excl VAT): R 1,200.00 once-off or R 200.00 per session

2025 Group Intake
Cohort 1 sessions: 24 February – 1 April [APPLICATIONS CLOSED]

Cohort 2 sessions: 30 June – 17 July [APPLICATIONS CLOSED]

Cohort 3 sessions: 28 July – 5 Sept [APPLICATIONS CLOSE 25 JULY]

 
2025 One-on-one sessions
Available on request

Turn Chatter into Impact!