About Oracy

Now, more than ever, young people must find their voice....

Oracy—the ability to speak and listen effectively—is as fundamental to education as literacy and numeracy. It enables students not just to absorb knowledge, but to express ideas, think critically, and collaborate meaningfully. As education becomes increasingly global and communication-driven, oracy is emerging as a key skill for success in every sphere of life.

For Younger Students: Building Confidence Early

Oracy is foundational to early learning. For young children, learning to speak clearly and listen attentively shapes their ability to read, write, and relate to others. It helps them articulate thoughts, ask questions, and build the confidence to take part in classroom life. Strong oracy skills also support emotional regulation, social interaction, and inclusive learning—especially in linguistically diverse classrooms.

For Older Students: Speaking for Success

As students progress, oracy becomes a powerful tool for independence, leadership, and self-expression. It plays a vital role in exam success, interview readiness, university entrance, and future employment. The ability to speak with clarity, authority, and empathy is what transforms knowledge into influence—and learners into leaders.

"Oracy is intrinsic to children’s early development, to the testing of thought, to social and emotional well-being, to the development of reading and writing, and to their success in learning and in life."

— We Need to Talk, Oracy Education Commission (2024)

"Spoken communication skills are a key attribute for business graduates... oracy must be viewed as both a process and a product in the undergraduate curriculum."

— Embedding Oracy Practices in Higher Education, Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice

“On average, pupils who participate in oral language interventions make approximately five months’ additional progress over the course of a year.”
— Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

The World Economic Forum lists complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication as essential skills for the future workforce—all of which are strengthened through oracy.
— Future of Jobs Report, WEF

— We Need to Talk, Oracy Education Commission (2024)

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— Future of Jobs Report, WEF

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