ABSTRACT
The changing nature of the economy makes communication skills evermore vital and a growing commitment to develop civic participation requires that educationalists do more to help their pupils scrutinise the media and politicians. Schools in the private sector have long had a tradition of developing confident and articulate speakers. State-funded schools must do more to narrow this gap and encourage a culture of quality talk-based learning. Critical oracy in particular encourages students to debate the core ideas in any discipline, thereby increasing engagement and understanding. The benefits of oracy are examined looking at the academic, professional, social, personal and civic spheres.
