IEU hints from public speaking training
Clear and confident communication is central to effective union work – whether addressing staff, speaking with parents, or advocating for members in difficult conversations. It is essential to advancing the IEU’s values.
Here, one of our Organisers shares insights after completing union-specific public speaking training. The course she attended emphasised a reassuring message: effective public speaking is not an innate talent but a learnable skill.
Participants explored a range of simple yet powerful techniques to manage nerves, stay present, and connect with their audience.
Breathing exercises were introduced to steady the body, and vocal warm-ups were recommended for anyone regularly presenting or campaigning.
One technique involved identifying an imaginary ‘target person’ at the back of the room – an anchor point that helps speakers project their voice, maintain posture, and avoid being overwhelmed by audience reactions.
Visualisation was another tool, encouraging participants to imagine a protective bubble, redirect the sense of ‘power’ in the room, or use humour privately to relieve pressure.
A grounding mantra was suggested before speaking: “I know what I know. I am kind and people are kind. I want to be here, and the audience wants me to be here.”
This simple affirmation reinforces that speakers bring knowledge, experience, and goodwill – qualities that position them to succeed.
The course also covered the fundamentals of structuring a strong, purposeful message.
A clear speech typically includes four elements:
A compelling introduction or hook
A clear body or main message(s)
A concise conclusion
An ‘ask’: the action or change you want your audience to consider
This structure mirrors the communication principles unionists often rely on in campaign work: anger, hope, action.
To create engaging openings, participants explored a variety of hooks, including provocative statements, startling facts, personal stories, quotes, questions, and humour.
The focus was on authenticity rather than theatrics. Usually, sharing a genuine workplace experience – about workload, wellbeing, or fairness – proves the most powerful way to build connection.
Developing these skills directly supports member empowerment, fairness, and collective action. As campaigns for better salaries, manageable workloads, and safe, respectful workplaces continue across Catholic and independent schools, the ability of members and organisers to convey their experiences and solutions clearly becomes even more vital.
Every effective public speaker strengthens the union and each individual story adds to our shared voice and amplifies our advocacy.
Members interested in building their own public speaking confidence, whether for school meetings, campaigning, or leadership development, are encouraged to contact their Organiser for support.