ESU Youth Public Speaking Competition
YPSC 2026 — Voice the Future
Jointly hosted by the English-Speaking Union (ESU) and ASEEDER. An international public speaking platform for students aged 6–16 — from an online preliminary, to the Asian Round in Macau, to the Global Finals at the University of Cambridge.
Categories & 2026 Themes
Primary — Beginner
6–7Grades 1–2 · 1.5-min video
“The bravest thing I’ve ever done.”
Primary — Intermediate
8–10Grades 3–4 · 2-min video
“We don’t have to be the same.”
Primary — Advanced
11–12Grades 5–6 · 3-min video
““Never, never, never give up.” — Winston Churchill”
Secondary
13–16Grades 7–10 · 4-min video
““Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela”
Three Stages
1. Preliminary Round — Online
- Single-take prepared speech video
- Registration deadline: 6 November 2026
- Submission deadline: 18:00 Beijing Time, 9 November 2026
- Awards: Gold (Top 15%), Silver (15.01–25%), Bronze (25.01–50%)
2. Asian Round — Macau
- Co-organised with Macao Polytechnic University
- January / February 2027 (date TBD)
- Public Speaking Masterclass + Prepared & Impromptu Speech
- Open to Gold / Silver / Bronze finalists from the Preliminary
3. Global Finals — Cambridge
- Held at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge
- 5-day Public Speaking Bootcamp + Friendship Tournament
- London tour + traditional High Table Dinner
- Open to Intermediate and above; Asian Round medalists
Evaluation Framework
- ●Expression & Delivery — speak with confidence and engage the audience.
- ●Organisation & Prioritisation — clear structure, main arguments first.
- ●Reasoning & Evidence — logical reasons and relevant evidence.
- ●Listening & Response — engage with others’ ideas (Asian Round & Finals).
Download the Official Brochure
Full details on categories, themes, judging criteria, and video submission rules.
Download PDF brochure