Self Advocacy Presentation Slides
Future Readiness & Life Design 40-Minute SEL Session • Ages 13–17
Life Competency
SPEAK UP.
The power of asking for help, clarification, and resources effectively.
Your voice is your most important tool in school and life. Let's get started
Roadmap
Today's 3 Goals
By the end of this session:
01
Define & Value
Explain what self-advocacy means and why speaking up is vital for your future.
02
Spot the Need
Identify moments that require asking for help, clearer directions, or tools.
03
Role-Play
Demonstrate your skills by communicating your needs clearly and respectfully.
Asking for help is taking ownership of your own growth and wellbeing.
Warmer • Scene 1
Would You Speak Up?
Type A, B, C, or D in Chat!
The Confusing Assignment What would you do?
Your teacher gives instructions for an assignment, but you do not understand what you are supposed to submit.
A. Stay quiet and hope you figure it out later.
B. Ask a classmate what the teacher meant.
C. Ask the teacher to explain instructions again.
D. Ignore the assignment for now.
Drop your letter in the chat—let's see what you would actually do!
Warmer • Scene 2
Would You Speak Up?
Type A, B, or C in Chat!
The Missing Resource What would you do?
You cannot access the learning materials, link, or software you need to complete your work.
A. Keep trying alone, even if you are totally stuck.
B. Explain the problem to your teacher and request materials or an alternative.
C. Wait until the deadline has passed.
Why do so many of us stay quiet even when we need help?
Introducing Today's Topic
What Is Self-Advocacy?
Core Life Competency
"Sometimes we know that we need help, but we do not know how to ask for it. Today, we will learn how to communicate our needs clearly and respectfully."
The Definition
Self-advocacy is recognising what you need and communicating it clearly and respectfully so that you can access support, information, or resources.
Taking responsibility for your learning
Essential for school, college, and career
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of leadership!
Teaching Delivery
The 3A Method
Your 3-Step Formula
1A
Acknowledge
Recognise what is stopping you or what support you need.
"I understand the topic, but I'm unsure how to structure my answer."
2A
Ask Clearly
Explain the problem and make a specific, polite request.
"Could you show me an example of a well-structured answer?"
3A
Act
Follow up, try the advice, and explain what remains unclear.
"Thank you! I'll try that. Could you check if I did it correctly?"
Acknowledge → Ask clearly → Act on support!
Toolkit & Practice
Starters & Chat Challenge
Type Your Rewrite in Chat!
Useful Sentence Starters
Help: "I am having difficulty with ______. Could you help me with ______?"
Clarity: "Could you explain what you mean by ______?"
Resources: "Could you share the notes or resources for ______?"
Quick Chat Challenge
Rewrite this vague request in the chat:
"I don't get it. Help me."
Model Upgrade: "I understand the first part, but I'm unsure about step 2. Could you show me an example?"
Specific requests get fast, helpful answers!
Group Task • 10–12 Mins
Speak Up! Role-Play
Breakout Rooms • 3–4 Members
Assigned Roles
Student A (Needs Help): Uses the 3A Method.
Student B (Approached): Acts as teacher or peer.
Student C (Observer): Checks: Clear? Specific? Respectful?
Pick 1 Scenario
1. The Confusing Rubric: You don't understand the assignment. The teacher says: "I've already explained this in class."
2. The Internet Problem: Internet dropped during lessons. The teacher asks: "What have you already tried?"
Perform → Receive feedback → Improve and swap roles!
Reflection & Wrap-Up
My Self-Advocacy Plan
1-Minute Exit Reflection
Complete in Your Notes
-
Which 3A step will help you most: Acknowledge, Ask, or Act?
-
Complete this sentence:
"The next time I need help, I will..."
Key Takeaway
"You do not need to have all the answers on your own."
Self-advocacy begins with recognising what you need, asking clearly, and taking the next step. One clear question at a time.
Future Readiness & Life Design • Self-Advocacy Workshop Your Voice. Your Future.