PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Every year since its inception in 1998, ESU-Georgia  organises Public Speaking Competition in Tbilisi. The Public Speaking Competition is one of ESU’s  most successful projects, with 64 countries taking part in the Final in London- up from just three when the project was started in 1981. Georgia has participated for 19 years and has so far sent 34 youngsters aged between 16 and 20 to speak there.

The topic for public speaking competitions is sent from London. With the speakers each having five minutes to give their take on the topic and be asked on-the-spot questions by the panel of five judges. 

Announcement for the  Competition is made  in February  and the finals in Tbilisi is held in March. 

Approximately 40 000 young people take part in National Competitions  annually worldwide  and all the winners are sent to London to take part in the finals.

The main purpose of the ESU International Public Speaking Competition is to bring together some of the world's best speakers. It showcases the highest standard of public speaking, while giving the participants a chance to meet and make friends with young people  from various cultures. 

The 2002 Georgian winner, Sophia Gorgodze went on to win the entire international competition against 58 entrants from 33 countries and was invited to Buckingham Palace to receive her certificate from Prince Philip. BBC made a programme about her and also there was an article in the journal “Time”.