Building my Confidence with Speed Mooting

As a final year law student at the University of South Wales who is aspiring to be a barrister, advocacy has become something I'm deeply passionate about. Volunteering with Citizens' Advice Bureau and my university’s legal advice clinic has shown me how vital strong advocacy skills are. It gives a voice to those who can't advocate, especially for those who struggle to access or afford legal services.

However, my journey into advocacy wasn’t always a confident one. Last year, I was terrified of public speaking. The idea of public speaking and presenting, let alone mooting, felt extremely overwhelming and nerve-racking. I experienced significant nerves and anxiety, and very often I doubt my own ability to communicate effectively with others. It felt as though advocacy wasn’t something I was ever going to be good at. I felt that advocacy was meant for other people, not me.

This all all began to change a few months ago when I discovered Speed Mooting. Since getting involved, my confidence has increased tenfold. What once felt daunting has become something I’m thoroughly enjoying and actively seeking out to participate in. Being involved with Speed Mooting has encouraged me to push myself and led me to participate in mooting, advocacy and client interviewing competitions as well as judging and organising competitions at my university to give others the same opportunity and develop their skills further. This transformation has been so incredibly noticeable that my lecturers have commented on the improvement of my public speaking skills, offering incredibly positive feedback. It is incredible that other people are seeing it, not just me.

What makes Speed Mooting so impactful is that it offers more than just a space to practise. It provides a supportive and warm, welcoming environment where we can develop at our own pace. At the Legal Skills Academy (Speed Mooting's flagship training programme), all feedback is peer-to-peer, making it constructive yet friendly and a lot less intimidating. We also received great advice at these sessions from either John Dove or Hayley Dove, who are practising barristers and solicitors respectively. This helps us develop further. Speed Mooting is a community, we encourage growth, help build confidence and celebrate each other’s progress and achievements.

As Speed Mooting offer so many invaluable opportunities, including clubs, fairs and other events, I’ve developed not only my advocacy skills but also a wide range of transferable skills like communication, critical thinking, confidence and resilience. It has also helped me develop my networking skills and connect with so many people. These are invaluable, not only for my future at the bar but for life in general.

Most importantly Speed Mooting has reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible legal education and support. Not everyone begins their journey with confidence, but with the right encouragement and opportunities available, anyone and everyone can develop the skills needed in order to succeed.

I’m incredibly grateful for everything Speed Mooting has given me, as its helped me find my voice and shape the advocate I aspire to be.

If you’re an aspiring barrister and feeling unsure, nervous or hesitant about mooting and public speaking, I cannot recommend Speed Mooting enough. It might change everything for you.