Finding Your Voice & Presence: Inside Our Participatory Video Workshop in Spain
When young people witness harassment or toxic behaviour online, most do not stay silent out of indifference. More often, they stay silent because they are unsure what to say in order to get the desired effect, worry about escalating the conflict, or feel insecure about putting themselves out there.
Standing up to digital hostility requires practical communication confidence.
As part of the HATE-LESS project, our team at Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC) hosted an interactive participatory video workshop in Spain titled “Finding Your Voice & Presence”, developed as part of the EAC EMPOWER Impact Series.
Moving Beyond Abstract Theory
Instead of delivering a lecture on media literacy, the session focused on tangible, ground-level exercises designed to help participants feel grounded when communicating in public and digital spaces:
- Vocal Delivery & Posture: Exploring how simple adjustments to breathing, posture, and pacing dramatically reduce anxiety and change how a message is received.
- Managing Nervousness: Hands-on practice speaking in front of peers and on camera, helping participants overcome the hesitation and fear of judgment that often prevent young people from speaking up.
- Kind & Constructive Feedback: Connecting the session directly with our work on constructive dialogue, participants practised giving peer feedback that remains clear and honest without slipping into defensiveness or personal criticism.
Why Participatory Video?
Participatory video is a core methodology across the HATE-LESS initiative. Rather than consuming content created by adults about youth issues, young people step directly into the process.
By practising delivery and reflecting on how words land, participants learn that speaking up does not have to mean shouting. A calm, well-articulated voice is often far more effective at de-escalating hostility and setting boundaries than an angry reaction.
When youth gain confidence in their presence, they are much more likely to step in as supportive upstanders when someone is being targeted online.
Watch the Session Video
You can watch the video from this session on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gYcV4WZUE4U
Official Website of the HATE-LESS Project: https://hate-less.eu
Consortium Partners:
- EUROPEAN YOUTH4MEDIA NETWORK EV – Germany: https://youth4media.eu/
- EESTI PEOPLE TO PEOPLE – Estonia https://www.ptpest.ee/
- MITRA FRANCE – France: https://www.facebook.com/mitrafr/
- Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL – Spain: https://ea.consulting/
- WAVES FOUNDATION FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION – Cyprus: https://www.wavesfoundation.org/
Funding Agency: JUGEND für Europa
