Speak up
- Build confidence in public speaking
- Organize and express ideas clearly
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Speak up
Stand out
Step up
Give your child the confidence to speak up and the skills to lead
Does your student have great ideas but sometimes hesitate to share them? Our free, hands-on, 8-week program helps students in grades 7–12 become confident speakers, clear communicators, and effective leaders.
Spaces are limited. No public-speaking experience needed.
A LITTLE PRACTICE, A LOT OF POSSIBILITY
Start where you are
Grow from there
VOICE
MATTERS
Sponsored by Lexington Toastmasters Club
WHO IT’S FOR
Students in
grades 7–12
DATES & TIME
January 5–February 23, 2027
Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 PM
8 weekly sessions
WHERE WE MEET
Lexington Community Center
39 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA (opens map in a new tab)
THE COST
FreeNo program fee
DISCOVER THEIR POTENTIAL
Confidence now
Skills for life
Give your child the opportunity to develop skills they can use in school, in future careers, and throughout life.
Stand out
- Learn to think on their feet
- Communicate with confidence in new situations
Step up
- Develop teamwork and leadership skills
- Discover their potential and find their voice
In a fun, encouraging setting, students learn through practice, teamwork, and constructive feedback. No previous public-speaking experience is needed.
LEARN BY DOING
Less watching
More trying
This hands-on program gives students chances to speak, listen, and take the lead in a fun, supportive group.
Over eight weekly sessions, students practice public speaking, clear communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Explore the Toastmasters approach (opens in a new tab)- 01
Tell a story
Prepare a short talk about an idea or experience you care about. Practice your pace, voice, and gestures.
- 02
Think on your feet
Respond to a surprise prompt. Share your thoughts without worrying about a perfect answer.
- 03
Take a turn leading
Help guide an activity, introduce a speaker, or keep a group on track.
- 04
Cheer on someone else
Listen closely, name a strength, and suggest one helpful next step. Then try feedback on your own speaking.
A TINY TASTE OF THE PROGRAM
Got 30 seconds?
Give your voice
a little practice
Read the prompt, take a breath, and say your answer out loud. On your own or with someone cheering you on.
ONE IDEAONE EXAMPLEONE CLOSING THOUGHT
Just for fun. Nothing is recorded or submitted.
YOUR SPEAKING PROMPT
If you could teach everyone one skill, what would it be and why?
0:30
Ready when you are. You can pause at any time.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRAM
Meet the organizers
PROGRAM ORGANIZER
Caroline Yang
Caroline Yang is a Toastmasters leader and organizer of Lexington’s Youth Leadership Program. Since joining Lexington Toastmasters in 2020, she has served as club president and vice president of education, as well as Area 24 Director in 2024–2025 and District 31 Division B Director in 2025–2026. She is currently serving as the PR Manager of District 31 in 2026–2027.
Drawing on her experience in public speaking and volunteer leadership, Caroline helps students in grades 7–12 build confidence, communicate effectively, and develop leadership skills through guided practice and constructive feedback.
PROGRAM ORGANIZER
Yaroslava Karpova
Yaroslava Karpova is a fellow Toastmaster, mother, and organizer of Lexington’s Youth Leadership Program. She is committed to helping young people develop public speaking and leadership skills from an early age.
Her goal is to create a supportive space where students can practice expressing their ideas, learn from one another, and build the confidence to take on new challenges.
FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
A few things
you might
be wondering
A small commitment now.
Skills to keep practicing for years.
Is this right for a shy or first-time speaker?
Beginners are welcome. This is a place to practice and learn. Short speaking activities, repeated opportunities, and constructive feedback can help students become more comfortable sharing their ideas.
Who can join, and what does it cost?
The Youth Leadership Program is free and is designed for students in grades 7–12. It is sponsored by Lexington Toastmasters Club. No previous public-speaking experience is needed.
When and where will we meet?
The program meets on Tuesdays, January 5–February 23, 2027, from 7:00–8:00 PM. All eight sessions take place at Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA.
Open registration form (opens in a new tab)What could my child take away from it?
Practice in organizing ideas, presenting to a group, responding to questions, listening carefully, and offering constructive feedback. These skills can support students in school, in future careers, and throughout life. The program gives them opportunities to discover their potential and find their voice.
How do we register?
Spaces are limited, so register today using the online form. A parent or guardian should complete it with the student, including the attendance and permission sections.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email the program organizers at D31youthprogram@gmail.com.
SPACES ARE LIMITED
Help your student
find their voice
Build confidence and develop the skills to lead.
January 5–February 23, 2027. And the best part? It’s free.
Register for the program (opens in a new tab)Students in grades 7–12
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Your voice deserves
practice too
Inspired to build your own confidence? Toastmasters clubs for adults offer a supportive place to practice public speaking, strengthen communication, and develop leadership skills. Visit Lexington Toastmasters Club or explore clubs across Greater Boston to find one that fits your schedule.
Search Boston or your town in the Toastmasters club finder.