National Speak Out Challenge - North West FINAL 2026

The National Speak Out Challenge

The National Speak Out Challenge is a programme designed to develop young people's confidence and communication skills, giving them the opportunity to speak out on issues they care about.

In its first year in Greater Manchester, the National Speak Out Challenge 2025-26 programme has reached over 300 young people with a full day public speaking workshop, and CPD for teachers. The event's speakers are all Year 10s who have progressed to the final with their phenomenal speeches.

The Event

15 finalists will speak out in front of a crowd with an original speech that highlights their unique perspectives and passions. Each speech will last between 1.5 and 3 mins.

Speeches will be judged by a panel of VIPs from a wide range of sectors and the evening will conclude with an awards ceremony, celebrating young voices from across the region, and crowning the Manchester National Speak Out Champion 2026!

“It’s so wonderful to see the confidence and the passion of these young people, doing something I wouldn’t have even dared to at that age. I was honestly blown away by what I heard.” - Dr Peter Olusoga, Senior Lecturer, Podcast host, VIP Judge 2023-25

The event is FREE.

Speakers Trust

Speakers Trust exists to unlock potential through the power of communication. Our vision is for every young person to be able to speak confidently and be heard. In the 2025-26 academic year, we are working with over 35,000 people across the UK, delivering the UK's largest youth public speaking competition.

We are thrilled to have delivered this programme in Manchester with Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation, a new family foundation that supports young people to discover new passions, have fun, find purpose in life and experience the joy of leading their own personal growth.