We’ve been reflecting on the growing importance of the ability to express ideas, build understanding and engage with others through speaking and listening.
Following a recent workshop with Voice 21, we’ve been reflecting on the growing importance of oracy, the ability to express ideas, build understanding and engage with others through speaking and listening.
Often described as the 'fourth R' alongside reading, writing and arithmetic, oracy is increasingly recognised for its impact on confidence, wellbeing and future opportunities. Importantly, it isn’t about being the most polished speaker. It’s about participation, asking questions, sharing ideas and making sense of learning through talk.
At Calibre Audio, audiobooks already provide a strong foundation for this. Listening exposes readers to rich language and expressive storytelling, while shared experiences naturally open up space for discussion. For many of our members, particularly those with visual impairments, conversation becomes a key way of connecting with stories and with each other.
In schools, this can be strengthened by encouraging purposeful discussion during reading interventions, prompting pupils to explain their thinking, build on others’ ideas and reflect on what they’ve heard. In our book groups, a similar approach can help create more inclusive and engaging conversations, where every voice is valued and participants feel confident sharing their interpretations.
We are already doing much of this in practice. By being a little more intentional, we can deepen the impact of our work, supporting not just reading, but communication, confidence and connection.
As oracy continues to gain momentum nationally, audiobooks are uniquely placed to play a powerful role in developing this essential skill.