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JUST WHAT THE WORLD IS DESPERATELY LACKING... ANOTHER OPINION!
ABOUT US
Ironically Speaking is a youth-led platform where teens can share their voices, thoughts, and passions through powerful articles on global affairs, politics, identity, and everything in between. As a 16-year-old aspiring diplomat, I believe that writing is a form of activism. each article is a step toward the change we want to see. This is a space for young people to be bold, be real, and be heard.
FOUNDER
Hello! My name is Manuela, a 16-year-old student, born and raised in Brazil and currently living in Portugal. I’m about to start Year 12, and if there’s one thing that defines me, it’s my passion for making sense of the world. and helping others do the same.
I am passionate about history, physics, politics and art. But even with a diverse spectrum of passions, whether I’m reading political theory or studying how the universe works, I’m driven by a desire to understand—and to use that understanding to make a difference.
Since Year 8, I’ve been deeply involved in Model United Nations, and it completely changed my life. MUN didn’t just teach me how to speak or debate, it taught me how to listen, to empathize, and to believe that words can be the beginning of real change. Through it, I found my voice. Now, I want to help others find theirs.
That’s why I created Ironically Speaking—a platform where teenagers from all over the world can speak up about what they care about. This isn’t meant to be just a blog or a writing site. It’s a space for passion, purpose, and truth. Whether you're writing about global issues, identity, science, pop culture, mental health, or your own story, your perspective matters.
I believe that teenagers are powerful.
We’re not “too young” or “too inexperienced.” We’re just full of ambition.
Through writing, we can challenge the way things are and imagine how they could be.
So if you have something to say, say it. Share it. This platform is yours as much as it is mine.
Don’t just witness greatness, be the reason it happens!
BECOME A WRITER!
MY LITERARY PICK
OF THE MONTH
When I read How to Be a Successful Tyrant, I was immediately struck by how cleverly the author blends satire with serious political insight. While the title might suggest a literal guide to becoming a dictator, I quickly realized that the book is actually a sharp, ironic exploration of how tyrants consolidate and maintain power.
As I went through the chapters, I found myself both amused and unsettled. The author walks me through strategies such as manipulating fear, controlling information, and exploiting societal divisions. I couldn’t help but notice how recognizable these tactics can be in real-world contexts, which made the book feel both relevant and thought-provoking.
Overall, I found How to Be a Successful Tyrant to be a compelling read. It’s both a cautionary tale and a work of social commentary, and I walked away with a deeper understanding of political strategy and human nature, even while laughing at its darkly humorous approach.
Never Miss a New Article.
“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
- Sylvia Plath
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