It is not uncommon for people with dyslexia or who learn and think differently to also struggle with executive function skills.
Critical thinking is often described as questioning, analyzing, and weighing ideas. One of the most underappreciated tools in this process is speaking. When we put our ideas into words, we don’t just share them; we refine them. Speaking forces us to clarify what we mean, organize our reasoning, and notice gaps in our understanding.
Expressing our ideas aloud transforms abstract thoughts into something tangible. Students who “think out loud” while solving a problem often realize where their reasoning is strong and where it needs support. By verbalizing steps, assumptions, or questions, they make their thinking visible to themselves and others.
Conversation also acts as a proving ground for ideas. Sharing perspective and hearing responses sharpens reasoning skills. Discussion requires active listening, consideration of counterarguments, and flexibility to adjust one’s stance. In this way, speaking becomes a form of active testing. Ideas either stand up to dialogue or are reshaped by it.
For students, especially those who may struggle with written expression, like those with dysgraphia or dyslexia, speaking provides a pathway to demonstrate critical thinking. Expressing insights orally builds confidence, validates their perspectives, and allows them to engage meaningfully in academic and social contexts. Over time, finding one’s voice strengthens both confidence and critical thinking.
At Hamlin Robinson School, speaking opportunities are woven into daily life. Morning assemblies and the Question of the Day give students in both Lower School and Middle School a chance to step forward, take the microphone, and share their thinking with peers. Each student begins by introducing themselves, then answers a question in complete sentences.
Sometimes the audience is small with 40 to 50 students present. Other times it’s the entire lower or middle school, meaning a student might speak in front of 200 peers. In both cases, practice builds confidence, clarity, and courage.
The ability to state ideas clearly is essential beyond school walls. From collaborative workplaces to civic engagement, critical thinking often depends on the courage and skill to speak up. Dialogue leads to stronger decisions, deeper understanding, and more inclusive communities.
Speaking is not just communication. Speaking is a tool for thinking better. When we encourage students to voice their reasoning, ask questions aloud, and engage in dialogue, we help them grow into stronger critical thinkers. In a world that values clarity and collaboration, the power of speaking is inseparable from the power of thought
Stacy Turner
Head of School
