Finding My Voice: Martin’s Experience with Youth Ambassador residential

Being a Youth Ambassador for YMCA St Paul’s Group is more than just a title—it’s a platform for young people to make a real impact. As a Youth Ambassador, Martin Bushaway is part of a dynamic programme designed to empower young people to raise their voices, influence change, and take part in exciting opportunities that help shape policy and community initiatives.

Youth Ambassadors are given the chance to:

• Engage in government consultations to represent the voices of young people.
• Take part in training and events that build essential skills like leadership and public speaking.
• Advocate for positive change within the YMCA and beyond.
• Connect with like-minded young people passionate about making a difference.

One such opportunity was the annual Youth Ambassador residential Martin recently attended—a two-day event celebrating their successes from the past year and shaping the future direction, where he participated in a public speaking training that he gained an experience that left a lasting impact on him.

An Unforgettable Training Experience

The training focused on both the technical and emotional aspects of public speaking. While it covered essential techniques such as voice control, clarity, and message delivery, it also explored the often-overlooked issue of public speaking anxiety—how to understand it, manage it, and ultimately use it to enhance performance.

One of the most valuable aspects of the training for Martin was the focus on emotion in storytelling. Public speaking is not just about delivering information—it’s about connecting with an audience on an emotional level.

Beyond storytelling, the training also touched on an essential aspect of public speaking: personal branding. Participants were guided through exercises to help them understand how they present themselves and how to shape their personal brand effectively. This insight is crucial for anyone looking to engage audiences and build credibility in their field.

For Martin, the experience was incredibly rewarding.

“This training has made me feel more prepared for future public speaking events, and it’s inspired me to explore even more opportunities to develop my skills further,” he said.

With a renewed sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate and connect with audiences, Martin is now even more motivated to refine his public speaking skills and take on future opportunities with greater self-assurance and enthusiasm.

Want to Get Involved?

If you’re passionate about making a difference, developing new skills, and gaining access to life-changing opportunities, the Youth Ambassador programme could be for you!

Are you interested in becoming a Youth Ambassador? Learn more at the link below: