Why does speaking matter in a democracy? And whose voices are valued?

Speaking and listening shape how we learn, participate in society and exercise our democratic rights. But whose voices are valued? And what does it really mean to speak well?

Speaking Citizens is a major research programme exploring the politics of oracy — the ability to speak and listen effectively.

Bringing together historians, social scientists and educators, we have investigated how oracy can be taught, while critically examining its relationship to power, inequality and democratic participation.

Our research has helped shape national education policy, contributing to a growing recognition of the importance of speaking and listening in schools.

Led by Tom F. Wright (University of Sussex) and Arlene Holmes-Henderson (Durham University), Speaking Citizens has worked with teachers, charities and policymakers to connect research with educational practice.

Explore our findings, publications, educational resources, conference recordings and public events, or watch the video below to discover more