English Speaking Union of Bangladesh holds IPSC

For the tenth consecutive year, English Speaking Union (ESU) of Bangladesh organised the national level preliminary rounds of International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) - 2019 on January 26 in Dhaka. Enthusiastic young speakers aged 16 to 20 from institutions such as University of Dhaka, BUET, MIST, BUP, Jahangirnagar University, St Joseph Higher Secondary School and Cadet College participated in this competition.

ESU Bangladesh is a chapter of  the International ESU based in London , UK, which is among 60 worldwide ESU chapters that feed into the international level.The ESU is a unique educational charity and membership organisation dedicated to helping people realise their potential through giving them the skills and confidence in communication to articulate their ideas and share them with others. It has recently seen 100 years of its existence.Founded in 1918 by the writer and journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench, international friendship and global understanding is the core principle of this organisation. It runs educational programmes, competitions and cultural exchanges to develop confident communicators, critical thinkers and empowered citizens. It also believes that good communication and cultural exchange is essential to individual, community and global development and understanding.Their aims, as laid out in their official Royal Charter, are to promote education across the English-speaking world and beyond, respecting the traditions and heritage of those with whom they work, whilst acknowledging the current events and issues that affect them and to use English as a means of international communication of knowledge and understanding.

IPSC is an initiative of ESU to bring non-native English speakers together on a platform where they share their ideas and common beliefs. There are themes for the national and international competitions. This year's theme for the national competitions is 'Nature is a common language' and the theme for the prepared speech parts of the international competition is 'A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.'  Those advancing to the IPSC final will be asked to give speeches on 'Nature is a common language.' From the preliminary rounds, the top six participants will be selected to compete for the National Champion title in March 2019 at BUP. The winner of this competition shall represent Bangladesh at the IPSC - 2019 finals in May 2019 in London with an all-expense paid full sponsorship. The IPSC provides students an opportunity to develop the vital skills that enable them to speak with confidence in public and also meet others and build friendships.

In a nutshell, IPSC is all set to present some of the fiercest speakers from all around the world on one stage where the best minds and speeches would transform the lives of many youths. The idea of providing this platform is to inspire non-native English speakers to effectively use the language as a tool in their daily lives and value the growing power of words.