Oracy Cambridge is a research-informed ‘bridge centre’ based at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, dedicated to improving the quality of spoken language and communication in schools and the wider society.
In classrooms, workplaces and the public sphere, the quality of spoken communication shapes thinking, decision-making, and people’s lives. When talk is effective, people collaborate, reason, and create. When it’s not, misunderstandings grow, ideas stall, and voices go unheard.
Better talk leads to better thinking. Better thinking leads to better learning and decisions. And when everyone has access to these skills, participation becomes broader and more equitable.
Oracy – the ability to use spoken language effectively – is foundational.
Yet historically, oracy has not been taught with the same clarity, rigour or consistency as written literacy and numeracy.
Addressing this gap is the focus of our work.
What we do
We work with schools, organisations, and governments to make effective spoken language and communication a normal, everyday part of learning and working life.
- About us – meet the team!
- Implementing oracy – find out about our annual programme for schools and other organisations
- Training and consultancy – explore our courses and bespoke professional development packages, and see our testimonials
- Resources – useful tools, documents and videos
- Blog – theory, practice, analysis, useful ideas and case studies
- Contact – get in touch!