Speech training for children

Bondholder Ignite Your Inner Potential has launched its 'Create and Speak Kids' course to create a future generation of leaders.

Kul Mahay spent more than 30 years working for Derbyshire Constabulary and decided to start 'Create and Speak Kids' after a recent report from Childwise, a national company which researches behaviour in children and young people, found that youngsters are struggling when it comes to developing vital social skills and often find it difficult to hold a conversation, due to spending an average of 3 hours and 20 minutes per day on mobile phones.

Kul said: “The idea about a public speaking course for children came about when I was key-noting at an awards ceremony last month. There was a young woman/man who got up on stage, in front of hundreds of people, and gave one of the most inspirational speeches I’ve ever heard.”

He added: “My job is to train senior leaders. I’ve worked with people in education, the police force and major businesses. Even successful company CEOs can suffer from what is known as ‘imposter syndrome’.

“Children have the same barriers with regards public speaking that adults have. Maybe they’re lacking in self-esteem, are low on confidence. All of these insecurities are formed as youngsters so if we can eradicate them now, then these children will go on to become confident adults.”

The 'Create and Speak Kids' course is open to seven to 18-year-olds and priced at £99. The course will take place on Saturday, March 28 from 10-4.30pm at the Hallmark Hotel Derby Mickleover Court, Etwall Road, Derby, DE3 0XX.

“There will be small group work which will be age-based,” Kul said, “I will choose 10 youngsters from my course – graduates, so to speak – to talk at an event which I’m hosting later in the year.”