Oracy is our ability to communicate effectively using spoken language.​

It is the ability to speak eloquently, articulate ideas and thoughts, influence through talking, listen to others and have the confidence to express your views. These are all fundamental skills that support success in both learning and life beyond school.

Oracy isn’t just any talk that is happening - it is purposeful classroom talk which develops children’s speaking and listening skills, and enhances their learning through the effective use of spoken language. Oracy is to speech what literacy is to writing and numeracy is to maths.

Read next: Why oracy matters