Register for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

Registering for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition involves different steps for students and national organizers. Students aiming to take part in 2026 need selection from their country’s public speaking competition. Their registration also requires a video submission. For national competition organizers, preliminary registration forms are due by Friday, 24 November 2025, with country registration opening on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.

How to Register for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

To register for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition, you must first win your country's national public speaking competition. This selection process is how participants are chosen to represent their nation. After winning a national competition, you receive an invitation to London for the global championship. For specific details on how to get involved in your national competition, contact your national competition organizer. They will guide you through the initial steps for participation.

Rules and Format of the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

The ESU International Public Speaking Competition unfolds in two main stages. For both the semi-finals and grand finals, prepared speeches should be five minutes long. These speeches are then followed by a three to four-minute question session. Impromptu speeches, also part of the semi- and grand finals, are three minutes in length.

For impromptu speeches, you receive a choice of three topics and 15 minutes to prepare your address. Participants cannot use any props or visual aids for either prepared or impromptu speeches. For the Semi-Final Prepared Speech Heats in 2026, the specific theme is “The power to question is the basis of all human progress.” Winners advancing to the IPSC Final in London must present their prepared speech on this theme.

Important Dates and Deadlines for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

The ESU International Public Speaking Competition involves several key deadlines for both organizers and participants. Country registration for the competition opens on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, with the preliminary registration form due by Friday, 24 November 2025. For national competition organizers, these early dates are critical to ensure their country's involvement. National competitions, which select student participants, then run from September 2025 through April 2026.

The main IPSC program in London is scheduled from Monday, 13 July 2026, until Saturday, 18 July 2026 — a busy but exciting period. The Grand Final of the ESU IPSC 2026 takes place on Friday, 17 July 2026. All payments for the IPSC are due by the end of this week in 2026. For those participating in the ESU US National IPSC Competition, video submissions are due on March 16, 2026. US finalists receive notification of their Churchill/Eisenhower Theme on April 8, 2026. The finals competition to select the ESU US delegate happens on April 24, 2026, and their registration form is due by May 1, 2026. Paying attention to these specific deadlines is crucial for smooth participation.

Preparation Tips and Resources for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

To prepare effectively for the ESU International Public Speaking Competition, you should focus on developing a compelling speech and understanding the specific rules. The 2025-26 International Participant and Educator Handbook offers guidance on how to create and deliver a strong speech.

When preparing your speech, choose a topic you genuinely want to speak on. Participants should explore the competition's theme and develop a personal interpretation, but avoid using the theme itself as the speech title. For initial brainstorming, try writing down related words and ideas for 60 seconds, or use a search engine, online dictionary, or thesaurus with individual words from the theme. Effective research is crucial; utilize resources like your school or university library, local library, or the internet. Remember that prepared speeches for the semi- and grand finals must be five minutes long and connect to the ESU's given theme. Neither prepared nor impromptu speeches allow props or visual aids. For impromptu speeches, participants receive a quiet room, a dictionary, and writing materials like pens, pencils, paper, and cue cards.

Benefits of Participating in the ESU International Public Speaking Competition

Participating in the ESU International Public Speaking Competition offers significant benefits for your personal and skill development. You will experience growth and build confidence as a speaker, gaining valuable networking opportunities and recognition. For any student aiming to develop their voice and connect with peers globally, this competition is a clear path to enhancing their abilities.

Beyond personal growth, you also develop and improve crucial communication skills. This helps you articulate ideas more clearly and effectively. The competition further provides an opportunity to make a meaningful social impact, allowing you to turn your words into action.