Our middle school parent community had the privilege of hosting Francesca Beard, a renowned speech and language therapist, for an engaging parent seminar on confident communication. Part of our ongoing initiative to connect families with cutting-edge research and experts, the session offered valuable insights and practical tools to enhance communication skills within families.
Francesca’s presentation was a masterclass in understanding the many facets of communication. She emphasised the importance of modelling positive verbal and physical communication, showcasing how our words, tone, body language, and facial expressions work together to convey messages. Parents were introduced to strategies for cultivating open and encouraging communication with their children, fostering a sense of trust and respect.
One of the standout segments of the seminar focused on the power of non-verbal communication. Francesca demonstrated how gestures, eye contact, and posture can often say more than words, encouraging parents to be mindful of these subtle yet impactful methods of interaction. She also provided practical examples, such as how a smile or a nod of understanding can help bridge moments of tension and reinforce connection.
The seminar also included discussion around effective questioning techniques; by modelling different types of questioning, such as open-ended and reflective approaches, Francesca illustrated how thoughtful inquiry can inspire deeper conversations and help children articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many parents sharing how Francesca’s strategies resonated deeply with their experiences at home.
This event reflects our school’s commitment to supporting families in nurturing strong, confident communicators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Francesca Beard for her insightful and inspiring session and look forward to more opportunities to learn from specialists in the future.
Upcoming Seminars
Stay tuned for more events in our parent seminar series, featuring expert perspectives and practical tools for supporting middle school students’ growth and wellbeing.