IN BRIEF
The International Public Speaking Competition is at the heart of the English-Speaking Union’s mission, bringing together oracy, cultural exchange and a hefty dose of friendly rivalry.
The competition brings the best young speakers from all over the world to London for a week of cultural exchange and public speaking contests. Established in 1980, it now reaches over one million young people in more than 50 countries across the globe, showcasing the highest standard of public speaking, while giving delegates an opportunity to meet and engage with other young people of different backgrounds and nationalities.
Finalists (national winners of the English-Speaking Union’s or other public speaking competitions in their country) must write and deliver a speech connected with the theme for the year’s competition. Past themes have included ‘Culture is not a luxury but a necessity’ and ‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they have none’.
KEY FACTS
- What:An international public speaking competition bringing together students aged 16 to 20 from more than 50 countries around the world
- When:Registration closes in February each year; the final is held in London in May
- Take part:Please contact your national ESU for more details on how to get involved in your country.
THE THEMES FOR 2020
As normal, there are two themes: the theme for national competitions and the theme for the international competition.
This year’s theme for national competitions is ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced’ and may be used for national public speaking competitions.
This year’s theme for the prepared speech heats of the international competition is ‘Think globally, act locally’. Those advancing to the IPSC final will be asked to give the speech on ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced’.
THE DATES
The IPSC registration will run from Monday, 23 December 2019 to the evening of Monday, 3 2020.
The deadline for submitting preliminary registration forms is Sunday, 2 February 2020.
The regional competitions will be organized till the 15th February 2020.
The semifinals will be held on the 22 February 2020.
The finals will be held 29th February 2020.
The grand finale will be from the 11th May to 15th May 2020 in London.
THE IPSC SUBSCRIPTION FEE
Participants
Every participant must pay a 20 Euro fee to take part at the 2020 IPSC.