1918
establishment year
54 countries
with ESU branches
1,000,000+
youth engaging in ESU-organized English-speaking competitions
Youth Public Speaking Competition
Introduction
The English-Speaking Union runs a number of programmes bringing people from different countries together, including the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) for students aged 16-20, renowned as the Olympics of English public speaking. The ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the International Churchill Society, is specifically for students in England and Wales. The ESU Youth Public Speaking Competition marks the first ESU event for young people aged 6-16 worldwide, aiming to nurture exceptional communication skills and cross-cultural understanding in young minds.
In April 2025, ESU and ASEEDER formed a strategic partnership to launch YPSC, bringing the spirit and standards of IPSC to a younger generation. Open to participants aged 6–16 worldwide, YPSC provides an international platform for public speaking, cultural exchange, and leadership development. In 2026, the ESU officially open the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) to participants from Macao, China, further expanding opportunities for young speakers to engage with the global public speaking community.
Former presidents
ESU International Partners
ESU Competitions
INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC), established in 1980 by ESU, is one of the world’s most influential English-speaking competitions for young people. It now reaches over one million young people aged 16 to 20 in more than 50 countries across the globe. IPSC adjudicators consist of international language education experts and renowned scholars. Award-winning participants are often seen as potential talents for future roles in diplomacy, international organizations, or multinational companies. The IPSC’s certificate is highly esteemed in the realms of global higher education and professional careers.
In 2023-24, a total of 111, 205 students from around the world took part in the national and regional selections for the competition. Ultimately, only 39 participants were invited to London to compete for the global championship.
In China, the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition is the sole official qualifying event for the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC). Winners of the national finals will advance to the IPSC China Representative Selection, competing for the opportunity to represent the country at the IPSC World Finals.
Preliminary Round
Advancement system
Rules
Eligibility: Students aged 6-16 (Grades 1-10)
Participation Format: Online video submission
Task: Prepared speech
Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026
Submission Deadline: 18:00 (VN time) on November 8th, 2026
Categories:
Primary School – Beginner: Grade 1-2
Primary School – Intermediate: Grade 3-4
Primary School – Advanced: Grade 5-6
Secondary School: Grade 7-10
* Please select the participation category strictly based on students’ grade. No cross-category participation.
* Students in the Beginner category are eligible to participate in Preliminary Round, while the Asia Round and Global Finals are exclusively open to the Intermediate and above.
Asian Round
Award
● Gold Awards: Top 15%
● Silver Awards: Top 15.01% – 25%
● Bronze Awards: Top 25.01% – 50%
Global Finals
Global Finals
Rules
The Global Finals of YPSC will take place at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge. Established in 1348, the college is one of Cambridge’s oldest and most academically distinguished institutions, ranking as the fourth- oldest college within the university and now among its largest. With an impressive track record of academic excellence, Gonville & Caius has produced 15 Nobel laureates – surpassed only by Trinity College – underscoring its outstanding scholarly influence.
Finalists who qualify for the Global Finals will have the chance to engage in an immersive learning experience at Gonville & Caius College, soaking in the rich history and dynamic academic environment of this storied institution. They will also be invited to attend a traditional Cambridge High Table Dinner, giving them an up- close appreciation of the unique blend of British academic tradition and formal etiquette, creating an unforgettable and treasured milestone in their personal development.
Eligibility: Finalists with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in the Asian Round
Category: Primary School – Intermediate and above
Date: August 2026 (Specific date TBD)
Location: London, UK (Location TBD)
Academic Session: 5-Day Public Speaking Bootcamp, British Student Friendship Tournament
Non-Academic Session: London Tour
Video Recording Requirement – YPSC
1. Language: English
2. Format: Online submission
3. Duration: The required duration for the speech video differs by category. Generally, the speech video should not exceed the stipulated time. It is recommended for participants to rehearse extensively before recording to ensure the final submission adheres to the specified duration requirements.
4. Equipment Requirements: A high-quality recording device (e.g., a smartphone, camera, tablet, laptop, or camcorder) is necessary. The device must remain stable throughout the recording process. During the assessment, the clarity and loudness of the expression will be considered; hence, external microphones are prohibited.
5. Environment Requirements: Participants must be fully visible in the frame and ensure the examination space is well-lit and clear, with a quiet and non-distracting background. Recording in a bedroom is strictly forbidden.
6. Dress Code: No fixed dress code. Participants may wear any comfortable clothing that facilitates movement. For speech segments involving props, participants can choose whether to use them. If props are used, please ensure your speech will not exceed the allotted time. Using props will not earn extra points.
7. Recording Requirements: The entire speech video must be recorded in a single, uninterrupted take. Once recording begins, it cannot be paused and should only be stopped after the participant has finished all speech content. The speech video must ensure the synchronization of sound and video. No editing, either before or after recording. If the organizing committee detects any editing
or clipping in the video, it will be deemed a violation of exam rules, resulting in the invalidation of the speech score.
8. Submission Regulations: Participants are prohibited from submitting the same video multiple times (unless specifically requested by the organizing committee, such as due to technical issues affecting playback). Participants must not share the video on social media or use it for other examination purposes.
9. Submission Method (To be determined): Participants must submit their speech video and Word file to GeniusStar via the designated Drive folder before 18:00 (VN time) on November 8th, 2026. (GeniusStar will send a form to each participant via email, please check your email regularly). The video and word file’s name should be formatted as “Full Name + School + Registration Category“
registration form
Includes: Registration, assessment fee, certificate and medals. (Mailing charges are not included)
registration deadline of Preliminary Round6 November 2026
