Your voice matters!

Your Voice Matters! Present an Idea for Change

Step into the role of an active citizen or local activist and share your ideas for positive change!

Prepare a short, persuasive speech to convince others why your proposal should be supported — then take part in a lively community discussion to decide together.

Possible topics:

• Introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI)
• Install new traffic lights on a dark street
• Create more green spaces
• Offer free school meals
• Start a recycling campaign

Perfect for practising persuasive speaking, expressing opinions, and learning useful vocabulary for real-life discussions.

Would your community say yes or no to your idea?

Cover image: …
Activity contributed by: bit schulungscenter / Emma Brösel

Group exercise

Learning objectives:

• Develop persuasive speaking skills in a formal setting.
• Practice expressing and defending opinions on socio-economic policies.

Instructions for this exercise

Step into the shoes of an active citizen!

The task of the students is to prepare and deliver a short speech to the classmates — who represent members of the local community — about an issue or idea that should be introduced or changed in your town or country.

After each speech, the class will come together as a community council to discuss and debate the proposal.

The goal is to share ideas, listen to different opinions, and explore possible solutions.

1. Research & Prepare (individually or in small groups):

• Choose a real-life topic or issue that affects people in your community or country.
• Examples:
  • Introducing a Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) program
  • Installing new traffic lights on a dark street for safety
  • Creating a public recycling campaign
  • Building more green spaces
  • Offering free school meals for all children
• Understand what the issue is and why it matters.
• Think about its potential benefits and challenges.
• Prepare a 2–3 minute speech arguing for your proposal.

2. Deliver Your Speech:

• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Use real-life examples or facts to make your argument stronger.
• Try to persuade your audience to support your idea.

3. Classroom Discussion:

• After all speeches, take part in an open discussion.
• Ask questions, agree or disagree respectfully, and share your own views.
• As a group, try to decide: Should this idea be approved?

Optional roles:
Instead of government ministers, students can act as:

• Local activists / Concerned citizens
• Community representatives / Members of a local council