How to Help a Shy Child Speak Up in Class: Public Speaking Anxiety and Communication Skills That Kids Can Learn

Today, Lara sits down with Carmen Leibel—a former CTV news anchor and journalist turned entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Project Five, a program built around five practical steps to help kids (and adults) become confident communicators. Carmen launched Project Five after noticing how much youth communication shifted online during the pandemic—and how many students were quietly losing the skill (and courage) to speak up in real life.In this episode, we dig into what’s really happening when kids know the answer but freeze the moment eyes turn toward them. Carmen shares what she’s learned from working with thousands of students (from elementary to post-secondary), along with athletes, musicians, community leaders, and high performers—including how confidence isn’t something you’re born with… it’s something you build through repeatable skills.We talk about the difference between being “shy” and being stuck, why presenting can feel like a threat to some nervous systems, and how parents can support their child without pushing too hard or accidentally reinforcing avoidance. Carmen offers actionable strategies you can use at home—simple ways to practice speaking that feel safe, doable, and even fun—so your child can find their voice socially, academically, and emotionally.If you’ve ever watched your child shrink into the background, avoid presentations, panic in front of a group, or stay silent even when they have something valuable to say… this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, equipped, and ready to help them step forward with confidence.In today’s episode, we cover:Why kids freeze, avoid presenting, or “go blank” when speaking in front of othersHow communication skills build real confidence over time (even for anxious kids)The difference between supporting growth and accidentally reinforcing avoidanceParent-friendly ways to practice speaking at home without pressureWhy confident communication helps with friendships, interviews, leadership, and self-advocacyCarmen’s “Project Five” approach and what makes it work for different agesMeet our guest:Carmen Leibel spent 17+ years in broadcast journalism with CTV as a producer, reporter, and anchor. She now runs Project Five, delivering in-school residencies, youth workshops, corporate workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help people communicate with confidence and clarity.Find more of Carmen’s work:Project Five (website): https://projectfive.ca/In-school programs & workshops: https://projectfive.ca/in-school-programsCorporate workshops: https://projectfive.ca/corporateProject Five on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectfive.ca/Carmen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/carmen-leibel-876b4925b