EATE Open Public Speaking Competition 2027
The Embassy of the United States and the Estonian Association of Teachers of English (EATE) , together with the English-Speaking Union, invites outstanding secondary school students aged 16–19 (Grades 10–12) to take part in the EATE Open Public Speaking Competition.
This competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their English language skills, fostering confidence and adaptability in a global environment. Encouraging English language learning at all levels is crucial in a world where language and communication skills are key to success.
Each participating school may register up to two speakers, and participation in the competition is free of charge. Schools are encouraged to organise their own internal competitions to select their strongest speakers. However, if the number of registrations exceeds the available places, we may be able to accept only one speaker per school. Participating schools will be notified in due course.
To give teachers a more thorough overview of how to prepare students for the competition, the US Embassy, in cooperation with EATE, has arranged four regional training sessions. These will take place at different American Centres. For more information, please visit the trainings webpage.
Themse and topics
The theme of the competition is inspired by Mary Oliver’s words: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
There are eight different topics for the speakers to choose from. Each speaker is expected to pick one topic and give their speech a unique title.
- Learning to pay attention to the world around us can change the way we see it.
- Future generations should be able to experience the beauty of nature.
- Schools can help every student feel that they belong.
- Listening to people whose lives are different from our own can broaden our understanding.
- One invention or idea can give us hope for a better future.
- A healthy life means more than simply being free from illness.
- The stories we tell can change the way people see an issue.
- People in the future may be astonished by the way we live today.
Registration
We kindly request schools to pre-register their participation (just school & the number of participants) by 31 January 2027, through this LINK.
We encourage you and your students to seize this unique opportunity for growth and national exposure. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the organisers (kristi.vahenurm@real.edu.ee).
Recognition
The winner of the speech competition will receive a diploma and a small prize on behalf of the US Embassy.
All participants will receive a participants diploma.
Overview of the competition
Prepared Speech
In small groups of 8-10 students speakers present their prepared speeches.
Duration of the speech: 5 minutes
Theme: one of the given themes narrowed down by the speaker, each speech is expected to carry a unique title.
Palm cards are allowed, but memorisation is highly recommended.
Questions and Answers: duration: 3-4 minutes
From each group 1-2 speakers will advacne to the semi-finals
Semi-Finals (For Qualifying Students)
Impromptu Speech
Duration of the speech: 3 minutes
Topic: provided on the spot, with 15 minutes preparation time.
Permitted materials: English-English dictionary, paper and pen.
Additional Details: Refer to the official ESU International guidance for speakers.
Finals (For Qualifying Students)
Students who have passed first heats and semi-finals will perform the prepared speeches once more.
Event Schedule, 31 March 2027
Venue: Tallinn Secondary School of Science (Estonia pst 6, Tallinn)
11:30 – Registration in the hall
12:00 – Opening in the auditorium
12:15-13:45 – Heats in 4-5 rooms
13:45-14:15 – Free lunch for speakers and teachers
14:30-15:30 – Impromptu Speeches
16:00-17:00 – Finals
17:30 – Awards ceremony and photos
For any enquiries about the competition or the pre-registration process, do not hesitate to contact us at kristi.vahenurm@real.edu.ee
* Please note that the winner of the EATE Open Public Speaking Competition 2027 will not have the opportunity to represent Estonia at the International Public Speaking Competition in London in May 2027. The representative for the London competition will be selected through the English Olympiad organised by Tallinn University.
