The English-Speaking Union

Education Programs

2023 International Public Speaking Competition

Pictured is 2013 participant Pranay Yeturu. IPSC brings together the best young public speakers from around the world.

The International Public Speaking Competition brings together outstandingly articulate young people from all over the world for a week of public speaking competition and international cultural exchange with the ESU of the Commonwealth in London. The finalist contestants meet and learn with their peers of different backgrounds and cultures from some 50 countries. Through all its qualifying levels, the program engages more than 40,000 young people globally.  

This year's event, happening between May 8 - 12, 2023 will feature the same celebration of young people's voices, world-class competition and global cultural exchange as in years when we have been able to welcome you to London.

Eligibility

  • You must be 16 - 20 years old
  • You must be a US National
  • You must be available for the entire IPSC program in London May 8-12, 2023 The Grand Final is at the Royal Institute

Timeline

February 28  Video Submissions for US National Competition Due.

Week of March 21 US National Winner Notified

March 31 US Participant Registration Form Due

The ESU US National Competition Winner receives:         an all-expense paid trip to London to represent the United States in the ESU International Public Speaking Competition May 8 - 12, 2023 in London!

About Submitting

The 2023 IPSC Themes

  • The National/Regional Theme is: "Relations between nations are too important to be left to governments alone"
  • The Theme for the prepared speech heats of the International Competition is: "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression."
  • Please Note: those advancing to the IPSC Final in London will be asked to give their speech on "Relations between nations are too important to be left to governments alone."

Video speech submissions for the National/Regional Competition are due: February 28th  As you prepare your video entry, please review the Guidance for IPSC Speakers 2021 packet as reference. All participants in the 2023 competition must make a recording of their performance. Recordings must be 5 minutes or under on the IPSC National Theme:"Relations between nations are too important to be left to governments alone" Please upload your video to YouTube and enter the complete video address in the submission link below. PLEASE MAKE YOUR VIDEO UNLISTED. If you have any issues with your video upload, please contact Alice Uhl at auhl@esuus.org


Review Guidelines and Submit Here


PAST ESU NATIONAL COMPETITION WINNER:

Meet Ali Cohen, the 2018 American Delegate

Read about Ali Cohen's Speech at the Grand Final

Read Ali's blog from London

IPSC in the News

Wrangler News – June 13, 2018

For many high school students, the end of the spring semester and the advent of the warmer summer months are a time to relax from the rigors of academia, maybe by sleeping in or just sitting beside the pool.

Let's just say that Ali Cohen has an entirely different agenda on tap. Read full story.

East Valley Tribune – May 27, 2018

Ali Cohen of Chandler spoke in London last week as the American delegate at the Grand Final of the English-Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition.

The Chandler Preparatory Academy junior used her platform to urge those who have power and influence in the world to speak out for uneducated girls in their fight for education, opportunity and equality. Read full story.

Inquirer.net – May 23, 2018

In chilly London last week, Johanne Jazmin Tan Jabines was given five minutes onstage. It was all the time the 20-year-old needed to share her meeting with a dearly missed relative and wow the competition's judges and her global audience. Read full story.

MENAFN – May 21, 2018

Chandler Prep Academy junior is a Grand Finalist at the International Public Speaking Competition -- English in Action. Read full story.