Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2017
Entry is open to all and contestants can compete in one of two categories:
1) 18 and under
2) 19 and over
Each contestant must present a three-minute speech for or against the topic at a regional final before a public audience and a panel of judges.
A winner from each category will be selected on the day. Both will qualify for the grand final in Royal Kilmainham Hospitall, Dublin on 7th November.
| EDIC | Regional Soapbox Date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballinalsoe | Friday, 29th September | Ballinasloe Library | |
| Blanchardstown | Wednesday, 18th October | Blanchardstown Library | |
| Dundalk | Thursday, 19th October | Drogheda Library | |
| Letterkenny | Thursday, 26th October | Letterkenny Libary | |
| Mallow | Thursday, 12th October | Mallow Library | |
| Mountmellick | Wednesday, 18th October (19&over) & Wednesday, 25th October (18&under) | Mountmellick, Library | |
| Sligo | Wednesday, 25th October | Sligo Central Library | |
| Waterford | Tuesday, 17th October | City Hall, Waterford City | |
| Please contact your local Europe Direct Centre for full details of an event near you! | |||
You can download an application form here, but please note you will need to check the submission process and deadline for entry with your local Europe Direct Centre
Background:
The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.
Regional prizes and the overall prizes of €1,000 are sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland.