Jordan Williams Public Speaking Programme
Bermudian student Jordan Williams – who has won multiple international speaking contests – has launched Next Voices, a free six-week public-speaking programme for students aged 13 to 17.
Mr Williams said, “Clear articulation is consistently rated among the top skills that stand out to admissions officers, recruiters and employers – yet many young people lack the confidence and opportunities to develop it. The UK’s National Literacy Trust’s 2025 Annual Literacy Survey, which surveyed more than 105,000 students, found that opportunities to practise speaking and listening decline during the transition to secondary school. Furthermore, data published by Voice 21 in 2023 indicates that the percentage of students who lack confidence speaking in the classroom increases from 29% in early primary years to 52% by high school.
“As communication increasingly shifts towards screens and AI-generated responses, young people may have fewer opportunities to practise expressing themselves face-to-face and responding spontaneously. Over time, less practice in these situations can leave us less prepared and confident when we need to speak in front of others. While some schools across Bermuda have established public-speaking and debate programmes, access to structured training remains limited. Public speaking is not only for formal competition, aspiring politicians or future leaders; it is a vital life skill that shapes confidence, educational outcomes, career prospects and the ability to advocate for oneself.
“I am Jordan Williams, a 16-year-old student at Saltus Grammar School, and I have experienced firsthand the impact these opportunities can have. When I joined my school’s Public speaking and debate club, my speeches were boring, my delivery monotonous, and I lacked confidence in conversation. Through training, mentorship and practice, I developed into a much more confident speaker.
“Since then, I have represented Saltus and Bermuda on the international stage in the UK, Canada, the US and soon China. Based on the 2026 rankings of the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition [IISPSC] and the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships [WIDPSC], I am currently the number one high school public speaker in North America and number two in the world, respectively. But the greatest change has not been the rankings or competitions; it has been my ability to communicate clearly, express my ideas and connect with others. I would like other young people across Bermuda more confident hence why I developed Next Voices.
“Next Voices will be a 6 part, free introductory Public Speaking program for High School students (13-17). This will be in partnership with the Bermuda English Speaking Union. As a branch of the Global English Speaking Union, the organisation seeks to promote effective communication, cultural exchange, and public speaking. While I will be teaching the majority of the sessions, the Bermuda Toastmasters will also join to teach select lessons throughout the programme.
“Date: Every Friday 4-5pm January 15th – February 19, 2027 at The Bermuda Youth Library. Final showcase on Saturday February 20th at City Hall.
“The interactive six workshops include:
- Unlocking your Presence – Composure and presence
- Commanding attention – Voice and delivery
- Building a message – Structure and story telling
- The art of persuasion – Persuasion and Rhetoric
- Mastering Spontaneity – Impromptu speaking
- Speaking with impact – Review
“These skills will benefit students in college applications, future interviews and professional networking.
Ready to find your voice?
“If you’re a student aged 13–17 who wants to become a more confident communicator, register for Next Voices using the form below. Places are limited, so interested students are encouraged to sign up early. Register here through this link.”
