Child Talks typically features six speakers under the age of 18 who give five minute talks on their chosen topic on stage, in front of a live audience of schoolchildren. The event is also streamed live on the OCO website. You don’t need to have any public speaking experience to take part in Child Talks. All you need is an idea of a topic you want to speak about and how it has affected your life. All our speakers are supported by a storytelling coach and mentor to help them prepare for the talk. Since 2018 our speakers have talked about a whole range of different issues, including mental health, being LGBTQ+ in Ireland, growing up in Ireland as a young Traveller, period poverty, autism, homelessness, Direct Provision, life with scoliosis, accessibility, rural transport and vaping.

Selection:

A call out is made on our social media in the first quarter of the year for children and young people to apply on our website to take part in Child Talks. The OCO alongside storytelling coach and mentor Julien Clancy of the Dublin Storyslam, as well as an independent judge, come together to select the speakers each year. Speakers are selected based on:

Topic:

• Issues that are directly linked to children’s rights and a child’s ability to enjoy their rights.
• Relevant, topical issues that are currently impacting children (based on issues in the news, issues being raised by Government, OCO reports).
• New topics that haven’t featured in Child Talks before or haven’t featured for some time.
• A mix of serious/heavy issues and uplifting stories.

Location, age, gender:

• A good representation of different locations around the country
• A fair mix of gender
• All ages under 18 will be considered

Application or invitation:

• Speakers are selected through open callout and are invited to complete our application form.
• The OCO reserves the right to invite max two speakers per year to ensure seldom heard children are included or to include a unique story. 

Applications for Child Talks 2024 are now closed. You can register your interest for our next Child Talks event.