Programmes for Public Speaking in School: The English Speaking Union Winston Churchill Public Speaking Competitions

Having been a member of the English Speaking Union for over 30 years, I wanted to set up a local branch to give local people the opportunity to participate. I set it up in 2014 (the previous local branch had disbanded in 2008) and we now have over 230 members. 

Further information about the competition can be found here.

Aims

This local branch of the ESU was set up to give local pupils the opportunity to compete in public speaking competitions. There was no prior provision. 

This year, after our training and encouragement, two thirds of the pupils competing were from the maintained sector.

I also set up a local state primary school teachers’ training programme to teach debating.

Resources

I have held some heats of the contests at Farnborough Hill, and the School has won the national championships a few times (beating hundreds of top schools). There is little financial contribution from the School as funds are raised from the 230 members outside the school. Some former pupils are on the local committee, one of whom was a national winning speaker.

I also run events to generate income for the ESU with speakers, one of whom was a former pupil and one our Chairman of governors.

Impact

My being Chairman put Farnborough Hill at the heart of the contest and the organisation. 

Former speakers have been invited to the School to give talks, and a former pupil has worked for the ESU on a Gap Year. 

Pupil Involvement

The contest is for pupils 10 – 18 years of both genders. Pupils from Farnborough Hill compete (and win) often, and staff are involved in coaching the pupils. 

Frequency

ongoing