The youth exchange project “To Speak or How to Speak” was created to address a clear need we identified among young people in our communities: the fear and lack of skills in public speaking. This project, designed in partnership with Lumira (Romania), Pangea Youth Association (Turkey), and TAVO Europa (Lithuania), stemmed from our collective experience of how difficult it can be to find the confidence to speak up. For many of us, public speaking had been a personal struggle, and we wanted to use this project to help others overcome similar barriers. The goal was to empower 28 young people to express themselves confidently in front of others. We wanted participants to move from hesitating or staying silent to speaking their minds effectively, whether in university, the workplace, or even informal discussions. At its core, the project was about helping young people find their voices. The project had 3 main objectives, which we designed to reflect the steps needed for this transformation: -Building knowledge of public speaking: During 10 months (before, during and after the implementation), participants explored the essential elements of public speaking: planning their message, crafting speeches, and delivering them effectively. This foundation gave them practical tools to use in real-world situations. -Gaining confidence to handle public speaking anxiety: During the implementation we focused on techniques to help participants manage the stress and fear of speaking in front of others. Through emotional regulation and speech exercises as well as exposure, they learned how to stay calm and confident in front of an audience. -Improving communication skills holistically: Public speaking is not just about words, so we helped participants improve their verbal, non-verbal, and preverbal communication. This included posture, gestures, tone, rhythm, and even strategic pauses. These improvements were reinforced through daily practice and reflection sessions, ensuring sustained growth. We noticed that formal education often leaves gaps when it comes to soft skills like public speaking. While students might excel in technical subjects, they frequently lack the ability to articulate their ideas effectively. This gap inspired us to design a program based on non-formal education principles, focusing on experiential learning and practice. Public speaking was chosen as the focus of the project because it unlocks opportunities in so many areas of life. Yet, for many, it is a source of fear rather than empowerment. We wanted to change that by creating a supportive environment where participants could practice, fail, learn, and grow. This supportive atmosphere was crucial for participants to overcome their initial barriers and engage fully with the program. The project wasn’t just about technical skills. It was about personal growth—helping young people build self-esteem, overcome doubts, and develop a sense of agency. We wanted them to leave as better speakers and as more confident individuals ready to engage with the world. Each partner organization brought something unique to the project. Lumira emphasized storytelling as a tool for self-expression, Pangea introduced techniques for building self-confidence, and TAVO Europa focused on trust-building exercises. This diversity of approaches made the program dynamic and adaptable to different learning styles. A long-term vision: Although the project officially lasted 10 months, its impact was designed to last far longer. We wanted participants to take these skills into their future lives, whether delivering a presentation, participating in debates, or simply expressing their thoughts during everyday interactions. We also aimed for sustainable connections between the organizations involved. This project laid the groundwork for future collaborations and inspired us to think about how we can continue supporting youth development in our communities. “To Speak or How to Speak” was a journey of transformation for everyone involved, our organizations and trainers developed as much as the participants. Watching participants step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and find their voices was incredibly rewarding. The path wasn’t without challenges, but the growth we witnessed made every effort worthwhile. Without trying to sound impressive, we believe that through this project, we didn’t just teach public speaking. We created a space where young people could explore their potential, connect with others, and embrace the power of communication. It was a privilege to play a role in their journeys and to see how far they c