TV
BBC Two is planning a primetime reality competition show to find Britain's best young public speaker.
Eight 14-to-18-year-olds will be picked to compete in a process starting with online video entries. The youths will be trained and given advice and inspiration by celebrity mentors. Ultimately judges will choose the best speaker.
The eight-part series, with the working title Speak Up, is lined up to air early next year. Producers billed it as "bringing the traditional school public speaking competition into the 21st century".
"Forget the public speaking stereotypes of nervous kids in school uniforms, shuffling notes and talking about dull, worthy things," said executive producer Kieron Collins.
"Speak Up is a modern and truly nationwide take on the speaking competition. It's about communication, confidence and giving British teenagers an opportunity to be heard."
He said the programme would have "an extensive multi-platform offering, aiming to understand and connect with younger audiences".
Clare Laycock, head of BBC learning campaigns, added: "Giving young people the skills and confidence to speak out for what they believe in can be a very powerful thing and will be of value to them throughout their lives."
Eight 14-to-18-year-olds will be picked to compete in a process starting with online video entries. The youths will be trained and given advice and inspiration by celebrity mentors. Ultimately judges will choose the best speaker.
The eight-part series, with the working title Speak Up, is lined up to air early next year. Producers billed it as "bringing the traditional school public speaking competition into the 21st century".
"Forget the public speaking stereotypes of nervous kids in school uniforms, shuffling notes and talking about dull, worthy things," said executive producer Kieron Collins.
"Speak Up is a modern and truly nationwide take on the speaking competition. It's about communication, confidence and giving British teenagers an opportunity to be heard."
He said the programme would have "an extensive multi-platform offering, aiming to understand and connect with younger audiences".
Clare Laycock, head of BBC learning campaigns, added: "Giving young people the skills and confidence to speak out for what they believe in can be a very powerful thing and will be of value to them throughout their lives."
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