Beyond the Comfort Zone
Henri Veski
I represented Estonia at the International Public Speaking Competition in London in 2026. The programme lasted five days, from 13 to 18 July. The first three days were devoted to meeting people, learning and cultural exchange, while the competition took place over the final two days.
Before I had the chance to represent my country at such a prestigious event, I had to win the national English Olympiad. The Olympiad consisted of three rounds: a school round, a regional round and a final. I learned a great deal in each round, both about myself and about public speaking.
Before the competition, I had little experience of public speaking. Apart from presentations I had to give in front of my class, I had never spoken before a large audience. I did not really believe in myself as a speaker. Speaking in front of a crowd always made me very anxious and stressed, even when the crowd was made up of my own classmates. However, the school round was compulsory at my school, and for several years I had done only the bare minimum to get by. I decided it was finally time to challenge myself properly. I worked hard, kept refining my speech and worked with a coach from my school, who was a great deal of help to me. And the result speaks for itself. I am not saying this to boast, but to show that challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone are the first steps towards self-improvement.
Henri with the participant medal and diploma, ESU
The Estonian English Olympiad was already a very educational and memorable experience in its own right. All the participants were very talented, and listening to them helped me greatly on my way to the final. Everyone was given the same theme for their speeches: a haiku by Yosa Buson. The poem was very short and open-ended, so it could be interpreted in many different ways. It was fascinating to see how differently the students understood it. At every round, I made new friends and acquaintances, and I really enjoyed talking with them and sharing ideas.
The final of the English Olympiad was very intense. All the contestants were the best speakers from their regions, and everyone delivered strong speeches. In the end, I managed to win first place, which gave me the opportunity to take part in the International Public Speaking Competition in London. At first, when I found out I had won, I considered giving up my hard-earned place at the London competition in favour of the runner-up because I did not want to take on the extra work. Now, after the competition, I can see how valuable and life-changing the experience really was, and I am very glad I decided to take part myself.
Before the big competition, I had to write a new speech. I worked hard to refine my speeches and make sure I was fully prepared. I was worried that I would do badly and bring shame on myself and my country. Of course, there was no need to worry. Although I had travelled to England to compete, the competition itself was not the main focus of the trip. I spent most of my time making friends with people from around the world and learning how to become a better public speaker.
Henri giving a presentation about Estonia, ESU
When I arrived in London, I realised how helpful the Estonian competition had been, because its format was the same as the London competition’s. Talking to the other contestants, I learned that each country had a different process for selecting its representative. Many of them had never given an impromptu speech before, so I was very grateful to have had that opportunity.
The week I spent in London was an incredibly educational and memorable experience. We went to the theatre and a museum, were taken on tours around London and went out for meals several times, and everything was paid for. We also had several lectures and practical sessions where we learned different public-speaking techniques, practised giving both impromptu and prepared speeches, and received help refining our speeches. We were divided into groups led by public-speaking specialists, who supported us throughout the competition.
At the beginning of the week, I thought that if I did not make it to the final, I would have travelled all that way for nothing and should have given my place to someone more deserving. By the end of the week, though, I understood that its real value lay in the culture, learning and new international friendships and not in winning a gold medal. Taking part is what matters, not winning.
Paritcipants in front of Dartmouth House, ESU
The competition itself was intense and spectacular. Everyone was dressed beautifully, and we all did our best to represent our countries. The first round took place at Dartmouth House, which is the headquarters of the English-Speaking Union. To my great surprise, all the contestants were incredibly supportive of one another and cheered on everyone who made it to the final. No one was angry or disappointed about not winning; instead, they were happy for those who did. The final was even more spectacular, and just as they had in the earlier round, all the contestants cheered on the finalists. We became very close friends over the course of the week, and I am sure I made friendships that will last a lifetime.
To sum up, the IPSC was a life-changing experience for me. It broadened my horizons and expanded my knowledge. I learned a lot about public speaking, made many new friends and experienced some of the best that London has to offer. I now feel much more confident speaking in front of an audience and sharing my ideas. I also came back with ideas and perspectives from around the world, shared by my fellow contestants.
