Stand Up and Speak is a public speaking academy based in Mississauga that helps kids and teens develop strong communication skills through engaging, hands-on learning. Since 2001, we’ve guided students in finding their voice and speaking with purpose. Our summer camps and after-school courses focus on speech writing, storytelling, impromptu speaking, debating, and interview preparation. Whether a student is shy or outgoing, they gain practical skills to express ideas clearly and with courage. With small class sizes and a supportive environment, every student is encouraged to participate, grow, and feel heard. We prepare students to stand up and speak with confidence at school, on stage, and in life.
At Stand Up and Speak, public speaking is all we do: no tutoring, no academics, no side programs. Since 2001, we’ve taught over 15,000 students and currently coach more than 450 students each week. Our programs are interactive and high-energy, not lecture-based, and led by coaches who specialize exclusively in communication skills. Students learn real-world skills such as impromptu speaking, debating, presentations, and persuasive speaking in a supportive environment. Through our award-winning Competitive Program, students participate in multiple contests, learning from evaluations and peers. Parents choose us because their children don’t just attend; they thrive. They grow into confident communicators for life.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Stand Up and Speak currently has 15 programs available.
Instructor lead (group)|Debate|Empowerment|Public Speaking
Registration Details
Registration is easy and open online year-round. Our March break and summer camps fill quickly, so we recommend registering 3–4 weeks in advance. After-school programs run in 8-week segments, and our flagship competitive program runs for 9 months. A non-refundable deposit is required for our competitive program. Families can register directly on our website. We accept all students—no interview or screening required. We believe that every child can learn to stand up and speak with confidence. Once enrolled, families receive a welcome email with full program details. We’re highly responsive and happy to answer questions by phone or email. We make joining simple, supportive, and stress-free.
With locations in Mississauga, Milton, and Orangeville, Stand Up and Speak has a singular focus on helping kids and teens grow communication skills. Summer camps and after-school programs benefit from the organization’s vast experience, having run courses since 2001, graduating more than 15,000 students. Campers and students are taught speech writing, storytelling, ad-libbing, debate, interview preparation, and presentations. Intentionally small classes create a highly interactive learning environment that includes games, constructive feedback, and supportive coaching. Students also benefit from video evaluations and competition. For all the professionalism, families praise the organization’s warm, encouraging environment. Kids’ growth in confidence, self-awareness, and leadership is apparent, not only if they’re asked to step on stage but in everyday self-expression, communication, and ease with others—and themselves.
Stand Up and Speak kind of stood out from the initial research that I did. For him, I think he at the beginning, he always had challenges interacting with people, even when he was young. So I googled quite a bit regarding his ability to communicate with outsiders or even with friends. And then once he was in, I could gradually see his progression from where he was and rather where he is now.
What is unique about the camp?
I would say it's their ability to put them through quite a few challenges. It covers a breadth of in-person, online, and video-based formats. So it gives the kids the exposure across various means in which how they need to communicate or put their points across.
Was there any personal growth you saw in your child?
I could actually see the transition of how he has progressed over time from being hesitant, showing the key traits of being nervous while recording or while facing people, to where he is now. What they do is one unique thing is they send a recording on a weekly basis of what transpired in the class. I have a collection of all his recordings right from his first session four years back that he was at Stand Up and Speak up until now. That has been a great progression for him with the exposure that he has got at the platform that they provide.
Speaker 2: Camper
I think that I improved a lot at Stand Up and Speak. When I was a little kid, I realized that I didn't like talking to other people. I didn't like to interact with people. But after I have been with Stand Up and Speak for such a long time, I realized that it's not so bad after all. The teachers were very helpful. The competitions actually pushed me to my limits, seeing how other people can be better than me. So I have to try to be better than them. And also the lots of days of preparation that I have to do.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this experience?
Keep pushing them at home as well. I do interact with some of the teachers or instructors there as well. And we actually follow up with them after every contest or anything. And let's say there were a few improvements that we could make, and we do quite a bit of practice that supports him at home as well. And we are up there for him whenever he needs to attend any of the contests or of sorts, just to ensure that he's ready for it and support him in every way possible.
What would you tell other parents about the value of sending kids here?
The ability to communicate your thoughts and your views in a concise way is so critical. It's so critical at a day and age where we have to interact with so many people, be it in person or now post-COVID online as well. One thing is about you having the knowledge, and the bigger part is that you're able to articulate that in a concise way to others. So that's exactly what this platform provides for kids in terms of giving them the exposure. That definitely enables the child and builds them up to face real-life challenges as they grow up.
Final thoughts
I have practically seen him grow from being a nervous kid on the block to being confident and being able to face people. I would recommend every parent to probably consider Stand Up and Speak because it's definitely, I have seen it in my son from the challenges that he had encountered and where he is now, and to an extent, he's better than me in terms of facing people. Last year, he was an MC at the IRN Gala, and he did an awesome job. So that truly, I would say, is what the platform provides.
Stand Up and Speak kind of had the highest reviews. To be completely honest, I think my parents actually were trying to find public speaking programs for me to enroll in. And so when I first went there to my first class, it was in grade nine, I actually really enjoyed it a lot. I actually think my parents only signed up my younger brother, or it was me and then they signed up my younger brother. But I kind of enjoyed the program so much, or my brother enjoyed it so much, that both of us, my younger brother and I, kind of continued going and attending these classes, and we signed up for multiple years.
What makes Stand Up and Speak special?
I think it's the community vibe of being close to teachers like Miss Nadi, Miss Jekyll, and then it's also the community vibe with your peers. So right in front of them, you're going to go up on stage in front of the classroom and give an impromptu speech or a speech you had 10 minutes to write about, and really spill the beans on the juice of your thoughts and share with everyone, and get their feedback on how you spoke and what your thoughts are on.
What memories stand out to you most?
I would say it's the public speaking competitions that Stand Up and Speak really allows you and prepares you to compete in. And so you get to travel across the city, across the province, competing in all these competitions. And teachers like Ms. Jekyll spend a lot of time training you, prepping you, rehearsing you, so you can kind of go and succeed in these competitions. I think that's one of the most fun times when you're winning these competitions.
What would you do differently if you had a chance?
Nothing really. I think public speaking is such an important life skill that everyone needs to have, and so it shouldn't be disregarded in any aspect. Having as much preparation in public speaking is key to success in life. And so for anyone, I think they should constantly be going to public speaking sessions like Stand Up and Speak and participating in as many competitions as possible, and kind of developing that life skill. And I think I was able to do that at Stand Up and Speak.
Do you keep in touch with the friends you made?
Yeah, a lot of my friends are actually in the same university as me, and so we kind of get to hang out sometimes here and there.
What have you learned about yourself?
I think one thing I've learned is that when you have a lot of support from people around you who know more about public speaking than you, your learning growth grows and exceeds exponentially. And the bar that you can achieve is significantly higher than you thought.
Was it fun to be challenged? Did you find more confidence?
It was good for me to be challenged. Because public speaking is something that's actually very scary. I think the statistic is that the number one fear in the world in life is public speaking, and number two is death. And so even though you may not like to do public speaking, it's challenging. But I think eventually, after the program, a lot of people will say that public speaking is not that scary compared to death.
What advice would you give to new campers/students?
I would say take part in as many competitions as possible. Every competition that Stand Up and Speak offers or is collaborating with, I would go and do it. Try to do as much as possible in the classroom. So go beyond; rather than spending five minutes writing your speech beforehand, why don't you try to do it impromptu? And put yourself in a lot of challenges. Because that's when you actually learn the most. No pain, no gain.
04:01 - What advice would you give to new campers/students?
Verified Reviews of Stand Up and Speak
(5)
Nahid Skeik, Current Participant
As the Principal of Stand Up and Speak, I’ve seen how our program helps students grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. What makes it truly special is witnessing each student’s transfo...
Stand Up and Speak is a fantastic program, and our son Arjun has had a great experience. He started off 3 years ago as a hesitant speaker and now thoroughly enjoys and excels at public speaking, thank...
My daughter has been a part of Stand Up and Speak for the more than five years, and her experience has truly been beyond my expectations.
When she first started, she was a quiet, shy girl. Now, I wat...
"Stand Up and Speak" was the one extracurricular activity my kids never said no to — and I truly mean that, especially considering how many nos I got for other things I signed them up for.
My kids...
Subhan completed a year with Stand Up and Speak. This year he gave his first presentation to his class (Grade 4) and he received a standing ovation. Everyone who meets him is appreciative of his effortless and spontaneous communication skills. Stand Up and Speak is doing an excellent community service in training and nurturing a very confident and well informed younger generation who will take the world to new heights of success ...Show More
Rian M, Parent
Extremely Happy!
My experience at Stand Up And Speak was simply amazing. My child completed the confidence builder program at the Mississauga location and I was extremely happy with my child's progress. I like how the teachers taught at a clear and understandable level that catered to my child's abilities. I also enjoyed receiving their video to see what they had been learning in class ...Show More
Nihal Thakar, Camper
Amazing!
Stand Up and Speak is an amazing organization that truly helps people build confidence in public speaking. The teachers are super supportive and make learning fun while pushing you to improve. I used to struggle with stage fright, but after attending their workshops, I feel way more comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Highly recommend to anyone looking to boost their communication skills ...Show More
Ryan Tao, Camper
Enjoyed Each and Every Class
Stand Up And Speak really helped me boost my confidence when public speaking. I really enjoy each and every class as well as the online book reviews.
The greatest soft skill your child will ever learn is the ability to communicate effectively. Strong communication empowers kids to speak up, advocate for themselves, and thrive in relationships, interviews, academics, and leadership opportunities throughout life.
At Stand Up and Speak, we’ve spent the past 24 years helping students overcome fear and find confidence through public speaking. You can’t buy confidence at a store—but with the right coaching environment, it can be learned, developed, and carried for life.
Public speaking is like a sport or an instrument—the more you practice, the better you become. Over the years, we’ve proudly coached provincial and international public speaking champions, helped students gain acceptance into top schools and programs, and guided shy speakers to become strong, articulate leaders.
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child go from nervous to empowered—and that’s exactly what we build every day at our camps and programs.
We invite your child to join us and discover just how powerful their voice can be.
Staff and Counsellors
Our staff are experienced communicators, educators, and public speakers who specialize in working with children and teens. Every coach completes our Train-the-Trainer certification, plus in-class audits and ongoing mentorship. Many have backgrounds in education, debate, and speech competitions. All staff must pass vulnerable sector checks. We pride ourselves on consistency, many team members return year after year, bringing energy, empathy, and professionalism. Our students are guided by mentors who empower, motivate and share their passion for standing up and speaking with confidence.
2285 Dunwin Drive, Unit 7, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 3S3
Orangeville, ON
150 First Street, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3T7
Accommodations
More details about accommodations: Our programs are held in a professional, fully indoor public speaking studio located in Mississauga. The space is designed to reflect a real-world communication environment—equipped with bright classrooms, presentation spaces, open floor space for practicing body language, and video tools for speech review and evaluation.
While the core of our training takes place indoors in a safe, air-conditioned setting, our summer camps also include daily outdoor breaks and walks to a nearby park, weather permitting. This balance helps students stay refreshed and energized while maintaining focus during interactive learning sessions.
Parents can expect a secure, clean, and structured space where students feel confident, supported, and ready to grow.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Snacks are provided for full-day and half-day campers
Rentals & Services
Available for private rentals: Yes
Stand Up and Speak offers private, tailored workshops for corporations, schools and one-on-one workshops. Send us a note at: [email protected] for more information.
Our son was due to present the topic "The Interior Plains of Canada" to his class and teachers at school. He had himself created the presentation and had done a few rehearsals at home presenting to his mom and dad.
What I am writing below are the exact words his teacher told us, when we went for the Parent Teacher conference that same evening.
"Subhan was the last speaker to go and the entire class was pretty much distracted and restless when he started. But the moment he said My Dear Friends, there was pin drop silence in the class. He had gotten everyone's attention with the tone and delivery of just those three words. Then he went on to present the 6 slides that he had created and there was not even a whisper in the class while he spoke. And at the end the applause was thunderous. The entire class congratulated him and there were some grade 5 students in the audience who congratulated him saying that he was very "professional".
His teacher told us, had she known he was so good, she would have asked him to go first, to set a high benchmark for the rest of the students.
After the applause died down, Subhan shared with his class that he had been training as a competitive public speaker for a year. His class teacher apparently asked him if he could share a speech that he had delivered or had prepared, with the class. Subhan presented his speech that he had prepared for the Osmow's contest. His teacher, said that when he ended the speech, the entire class stood up and clapped for a very long time. Some of his friends apparently told him that if he continued to speak that way he would soon need to buy ear plugs because the audience wouldn't stop applauding :-)
I know Subhan has been doing well in the contests, but as his parents, we felt that he had truly been victorious that day, since his speech had touched so many children who had probably not even known that Public Speaking was something that can and should be learnt.
This association with Stand Up and Speak has changed not only our son’s life in the past one year, but as his parents we have also learnt and benefited immensely as we participated in the speech creation, practices and presentation videos.
We feel that one reason why Stand Up and Speak is so successful is because you never run the school as a business. You do it as something that inspires you, something that you all believe will make a positive difference to society. And we witnessed that benefit first hand with our son.
We wish you and your team the best in all your future endeavors and hope the entire SUAS team continues to help us learn to Speak Up.
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