Competition Judge

English-Speaking Union (ESU), a charity and membership organisation that works to give young people the speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive

The ESU’s speech and debate programmes and international exchanges improve young people’s attainment, self-esteem and social skills, helping them to fulfil their potential and to change their lives and communities for the better

We are looking for volunteers to help support and judge our competitions, please find details below:

• Schools’ Mace - The oldest debating competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 11-18) Schools’ Mace | ESU

• Public Speaking Competition - The largest such competition for schools in England and Wales (ages 13-16) Public Speaking Competition | ESU

• Performing Shakespeare Competition - Students express their passion and imagination and compete for a chance to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe (ages 11-14) Performing Shakespeare | ESU

Tasks 

• You will listen to thought-provoking debates, speeches and performances. 
• You will assess, mark and deliberate with fellow judges to decide a winner.
• As a volunteer judge, you will work with fellow volunteers to provide positive and constructive feedback to young people involved in competitions that take place both online and in-person.

Full training is provided on each competition.

You will receive guidelines and materials before the competition and use these as references when listening to the students. 

Competitions start from Sept 2025 and have flexible dates. Competitions start from 4:30pm to 8:30pm (latest finish)

However you choose to help, you will join a friendly network of volunteers committed to supporting young people

Skills

You don’t need to be a debater or public speaker yourself – you just need to be enthusiastic about encouraging and inspiring young people to be the best they can be.

However, some experience is desired but not essential:

• Public Speaking or debating experience
• Drama or theatre background