The Power of Speech: Speaking Up, Speaking Out, Making Change

In their ‘Power of Speech’ unit, Grade 9 students explored how persuasive language can inspire action and influence change.

This year, the unit deepened in impact with the addition of service partnerships, allowing students to connect their advocacy work directly to local and global organisations aligned with their chosen causes.

Each student took on the role of a changemaker, such as an activist, student leader, refugee, or climate scientist, and delivered a 3–5 minute persuasive speech addressing a specific audience relevant to their issue. Topics ranged from climate justice and sustainability to gender inequality and refugee rights. By working with ISP clubs, Prague-based initiatives, and global movements tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students grounded their speeches in real- world relevance. Selected speeches were shared through the ISP Social Media Changemakers Campaign, amplifying student voices across the broader community.

Through this project, students practiced powerful communication with purpose, using their words to move others toward meaningful change.