Confidence Building Through Drama & Communication
Helping children find their voice, express their ideas and connect with confidence
As technology becomes a greater part of children’s everyday lives, many young people are spending less time practising the real-world communication skills that help them feel confident, understood and connected to others.
Confidence Building Through Drama & Communication is a small-group project that uses playful drama activities, conversation and public-speaking exercises to help children become more confident speakers, attentive listeners and thoughtful communicators.
Through movement, discussion, improvisation and group challenges, participants are encouraged to share their ideas, explain their opinions and take positive social and creative risks within a supportive environment.
The project culminates in each child preparing and delivering a short public speech about a subject they genuinely care about.
5 to 18 years old
1 hour per session
Flexible
Family homes (West London)
Confidence
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Communication
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Public Speaking
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Listening
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Empathy
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Connection
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Confidence - Communication - Public Speaking - Listening - Empathy - Connection -
Confidence that reaches beyond the workshop
Confidence is not simply about being the loudest person in the room. It is about feeling able to speak, listen, contribute and express yourself without fear.
This project gives children the opportunity to practise those skills in a playful and encouraging environment. Sessions begin with manageable activities, such as introducing themselves to the group, before gradually progressing towards longer conversations, opinion-sharing exercises and short public-speaking challenges.
Drama techniques are used as practical tools rather than as preparation for a traditional performance. Movement activities help children explore how posture and body language can influence the way they feel and communicate. Paired discussions encourage curiosity, listening and empathy, while group games give children the confidence to explain their ideas in front of others.
By progressing step by step, participants begin to understand that communication is a skill that can be practised and strengthened.
Speaking Up, Listening Well & Connecting with Others
The project explores how children communicate with their voices, bodies and attention.
Participants take part in paired conversations about their interests, personal strengths and future ambitions. They then practise listening carefully and presenting what they have learned about their partner back to the wider group.
Opinion-based games invite children to move to different sides of the room depending on their viewpoint before explaining the reasons behind their choice. These activities show children that people can hold different opinions while still listening to and respecting one another.
Short public-speaking challenges inspired by Just a Minute encourage participants to think quickly, organise their ideas and speak for a set period of time. The emphasis is not on perfect performance, but on having the courage to continue, recover and communicate clearly.
Across the project, children are supported in becoming more aware of how they speak, how they listen and how their body language affects the way they connect with others.
5 to 18 years old
1 hour per session
Flexible
Small-group workshop or after-school club
Approximately 10 participants
Age Group:
Duration:
Sessions:
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WHAT CHILDREN WILL EXPLORE & LEARN
Confidence Building Through Drama & Communication uses practical activities to help children feel more comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with others.
Although the project is rooted in drama techniques, its wider purpose is to strengthen communication skills that children can use in school, friendships and everyday life.
Participants explore speaking, listening, body language, opinion-sharing and collaboration through gradually structured challenges. Each activity is designed to help children take manageable social and creative risks while feeling supported by the group.
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Introducing themselves clearly to a group.
Speaking about their interests, strengths and ambitions.
Developing greater comfort when addressing others.
Learning to continue speaking even when they feel nervous or unsure.
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Taking part in focused paired conversations.
Listening carefully to another person’s ideas.
Remembering and presenting information shared by a partner.
Developing curiosity, empathy and respect for different experiences.
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Exploring how posture can affect confidence.
Using movement to communicate feelings and intentions.
Becoming more aware of eye line, gesture and physical presence.
Understanding how non-verbal communication supports spoken words.
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Exploring personal viewpoints through movement-based games.
Explaining the reasons behind an opinion.
Listening respectfully to alternative perspectives.
Developing confidence without needing everyone to agree.
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Taking part in short, timed speaking challenges.
Organising ideas before presenting them.
Speaking with greater clarity and purpose.
Preparing and delivering a speech about a personally meaningful subject.
PROJECT ESSENTIALS
Materials
The project may require:
- Open space for movement and group activities.
- Chairs arranged for paired and group discussions.
- Paper and writing materials.
- Prompt cards or discussion topics.
- A timer for short speaking challenges.
- Optional presentation materials for final speeches.
Safety & Accessibility
- No previous drama or speaking experience required.
- Activities develop gradually from simple introductions to longer presentations.
- Children are encouraged but not pressured to participate beyond their level of readiness.
- The small-group format supports individual attention and participation.
- Exercises can be adapted for different confidence and communication levels.
- Clear expectations help create a respectful, inclusive and non-judgemental environment.
Learning Outcomes & Benefits
Participants develop:
- Greater confidence speaking in front of others.
- Stronger listening and conversational skills.
- Improved awareness of posture and body language.
- Greater ability to explain opinions and personal ideas.
- Experience organising and presenting a short speech.
- Increased empathy and respect for different viewpoints.
- Stronger collaboration and group communication skills.
- Greater willingness to take positive social and creative risks.
Pricing
To confirm.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
Builds practical confidence children can use in everyday life.
Strengthens speaking, listening and social communication skills.
Encourages children to express their ideas with clarity and purpose.
Helps children become more aware of body language and personal presence.
Offers a supportive space for taking positive social and creative risks.
Develops empathy and respect for different opinions.
Get started today
About the Project Leader
Lucy h.
Theatre-maker, performer and creative facilitator with a background in acting, community theatre and musical theatre working with children
Lucy is currently studying Acting and Community Theatre at East 15 Acting School, building on her previous BA in Theatre from the University of Bristol. Her work combines performance, creativity and education, with a strong interest in helping young people build confidence through expressive, playful and collaborative activities.
Lucy has experience supporting and leading activities for children across a range of ages. As a Teaching Assistant at Harrodian School, she worked with children aged 8-13, supporting group supervision, sporting activities and one-to-one learning, as well as helping to run art sessions for younger children. She has also worked as a Choreographer and Assistant Director with Barnes Musical Theatre, co-leading classes for children aged 4-12, teaching choreography and helping children learn well-known musical theatre songs.
Alongside her theatre training, Lucy is a certified yoga instructor and has completed a University of Cambridge course in comedy writing and performance poetry. This creative mix brings energy, imagination and confidence-building into her approach.
Lucy’s sessions are designed to feel welcoming, expressive and fun, encouraging children to explore music, performance and creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.