"Listening to teenagers is very important." How an innovative school in Lviv prepares high school students for public speaking

The children mastered essential skills for a successful future: public speaking, audience engagement, speech structuring, voice control, and a confident stage presence. 

Creating a stage where every speaker can share their story — this was the core idea behind the public speaking course for high schoolers at ThinkGlobal Lviv private innovative school. The program was developed in partnership with the Agrus: Practice of Speech training center.

Just three months later, in the grand conference hall of the Sheptytsky Center, 14 teenagers took to the stage. Equipped with microphones and clickers, they spoke passionately about the topics that spark their interest and concern. This marked the debut of the '10 Minutes Conference' under the slogan 'MAKE TEENS GREAT AGAIN,' organized by the ThinkGlobal Lviv and GlobalKids network of innovative schools and kindergartens.

Event Host and Event Manager Tetiana Orel (left) and Academic Director Olha Dolaichuk.

"The preparation was just as valuable as the speech itself. Now, I feel free to express my thoughts—I’ve officially conquered my fear of public speaking," says Ostap Yanchynskyi, a 9th-grade student.

The lead trainer of the course was Oksana Robak, a professional orator who found a unique way to connect with the students. She didn’t just teach them; she inspired them to step onto the stage for the very first time in their lives.

Public speaking trainer Oksana Robak (left) and Iryna Snitynska, founder of "Agrus: Practice of Speech."

Meeting twice a week, the students mastered the essential skills for a successful future: public speaking, the art of captivating an audience, speech structuring, voice control, and building a confident stage presence.

9th-grade students Olha Dmytriv and Ostap Yanchynskyi delivering their speeches. 

Beyond the students, both parents and teachers also joined the course. This reflects one of the school’s core values—synergy—fostering a healthy openness and a lack of boundaries between everyone involved in the learning process.

What is Generation Z thinking about? What keeps them up at night? What topics truly matter to them today? As the conference revealed, their interests are incredibly diverse: from global environmental issues and sleep paralysis to dealing with aggression and defending against UFOs. Speakers on the Sheptytsky Center stage explored everything from human emotions and the theory of relativity to the mysteries of Tarot cards, and much more.

9th-grade students Bohdan Dunets and Serhii Kozlov delivering their speeches. 

The school administration, families, and guests all gathered to cheer on the students, as the event was truly unique in its format.

"A wonderful event with fascinating topics and brilliant speakers. Public speaking should be a mandatory subject in schools, as it is an essential skill for today’s world," shared one of the mothers. Her feedback confirms that the school’s educational program is truly preparing children for a successful future.

"We know that theoretical knowledge is worthless without experience. That is why it was crucial for us to conclude this first public speaking course with a real conference—complete with professional lighting, sound, staging, and screens. We wanted our children to fully live this moment and see themselves as true speakers. Our global mission is to transform education in Ukraine, making it modern and relevant. This conference is a step toward that goal, and its success is proof that we are moving in the right direction," says Nadiya Dubchenko, Head of the ThinkGlobal Lviv network of private innovative schools. 

This event proves once again: listening to teenagers is vital. Everyone has something to say, regardless of their age. That is why ThinkGlobal Lviv private innovative school continues to create the perfect environment for their voices to be heard."