ITANAGAR, Mar 15: A series of communication and public speaking workshops conducted under the ‘Let’s Speak Arunachal’ initiative in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha, Education Department (GoAP), equipped nearly 1,800 students across six districts of the State with structured training in communication, leadership, and critical thinking.
The programme, implemented through 10 workshops across six districts — Namsai, West Siang, Kurung Kumey, Tirap, Leparada, and Papum Pare — covered 10 educational institutions, including government schools and welfare institutions.
The initiative aimed to create inclusive platforms where students could develop confidence in public speaking, articulate ideas clearly, and engage in meaningful dialogue through structured and participatory learning methods.
Workshops were conducted in diverse institutions including Gyan Mission Orphanage School, Donyi Polo Mission School for the Visually and Hearing Impaired, Oju Welfare Association, Deepak Nabam Living Home and PM Shri Upper Primary School in Lekhi, ensuring participation from students belonging to varied educational and social backgrounds.
During the sessions, facilitators used interactive methods such as guided presentations, role-play simulations, impromptu speaking exercises and moderated debates to encourage active participation rather than passive listening. Students were given opportunities to present their ideas, simulate real-life communication scenarios, and engage in reflective discussions.
According to Let's Speak Arunachal founder Porsum Ori, the workshops focused not only on improving speaking abilities but also on building confidence, leadership orientation, and civic awareness among young learners.
“The programme recorded encouraging levels of participation, with many students stepping forward to speak publicly for the first time. Repeated speaking opportunities helped students gradually overcome stage fear and develop greater confidence in expressing their views,” she said.
The sessions also introduced students to structured communication techniques, including organizing thoughts, responding to questions, and presenting arguments logically. Activities such as debates and impromptu speeches encouraged students to think quickly, form opinions, and articulate their viewpoints in a coherent manner.