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‘The skills I learned then are every bit as valid now’

ESU debating alumnus Gerry O’Donnell tells us about his experiences and the teachers who made him, and why he’s happy to judge for us today

'Not winning the IPSC is the best thing that has happened to me'

In May 2018, 19-year-old Estonian Markus Aksli took to the floor at the Royal Institution as one of the grand finalists in the ESU’s International Public Speaking Competition. The winner of his country’s national final, Markus had arrived – along with dozens of other national winners – in London a week earlier for an intense few days of public speaking training, heats and cultural visits

Why I volunteer for the ESU

Joël Lawson, originally from Guadeloupe (French Caribbean/West Indies), tells us why he’s pleased to bring some diversity to ESU judging panels – and why he hopes others will follow suit

The art of the interview in the age of AI

Oracy skills are soon to become the determining factor in the world of work, says Natasha Goodfellow

‘The SSE has been the most transformative, exciting and enriching chapter of my life’

Lucia Gamble, a recent scholar on our Secondary School Exchange programme, tells us about her experience

Impact Report 2024/25

Our Impact Report for 2024/25 is now live, showcasing the incredible work taking place across the organisation to equip young people with the communication skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive and build a more collaborative world

‘Discussion and debate are essential for our society and for our democracy as a whole. Teaching young people that is probably one of the most valuable things we can do’

Peter Nyvold Bojsen-Møller, from Denmark, tells us about his experience of the International Public Speaking Competition

Four oracy approaches that will transform your classroom

Oracy experts Lyn Dawes and Neil Mercer share their suggestions for promoting oracy in ways which really make a difference 

‘For students to be able to argue and understand both sides of a debate, regardless of their personal opinions, is such a valuable skill’

We catch up with Ben Willis, Head of English at Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, Cheshire, to find out why he’ll always enter his students for the Schools’ Mace

Sixth Formers Speak Up

Thomas Rickett from The Sixth Form College, Colchester, wins the ESU East Region Sixth Form Online Public Speaking Competition