West Midlands Speak Out Challenge FINAL 2026

Welcome to the West Midlands Speak Out Challenge 2026! Get ready for an evening filled with powerful speeches at George Cadbury Hall.

The Speak Out Challenge

The 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.

Over 1000 young people across the West Midlands have taken part in the Speak Out Challenge 2025-26 with a full day public speaking workshop. The event speakers are all Year 10s who have progressed to the final with their phenomenal speeches.

The Event

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 West Midlands Speak Out Challenge Champion 2026!

“It’s been a wonderful evening. The students spoke with such passion and commitment on a diverse range of interesting and challenging subjects... such talented individuals and potential leaders of the future.” Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston

-- 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.

In the West Midlands this year, we are thrilled to have partnered with Aimhigher and Movement for Good to deliver this programme.

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