Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition 2025
Likes, Lies and Legal Limits: “Is It Time the EU Banned Social Media for Under-16s?”
Competition opened to all ages!
Have your say at this year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition in Waterford. You could win an iPad or Samsung Tablet, sponsored by the European Commission Representation.
Regional winners will go on to represent their region in the national competition in Dublin.
Date and venue of the Europe Direct Regional Final: Thursday 9th October at 10am in the Dr Mary Strangman Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.
Please Note:
Entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic: Likes, Lies and Legal Limits: “Is It Time the EU Banned Social Media for Under-16s?”
• Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR 17 & over (Limit of 6 entries per category for schools).
• The winner of both categories will be announced on the day of the event and invited to attend the National final to compete for €1,000 One4All vouchers. Runner up prizes will also be presented on the day.
• The date and venue for the National final in Dublin is currently under review.
To Enter:
• Download the Application Form & read the competition rules or call into any of our branches. Read your checklist before returning the application form.
• Return your application form by email to both: pryan@waterfordcouncil.ie & katkins@waterfordcouncil.ie or in person to any of our library branches.
• Application Forms sent by email will be issued with a confirmation of receipt email. Please contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive confirmation.
•Application forms can also be dropped into or posted to any branch of Waterford Libraries by closing date: 4 pm on Monday 6th October. We regret we can’t consider applications after that date.
• Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules first!
For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library on 051 849975
Testimonial from Soapbox winner
“The Soapbox was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I would do it again if I could. I had a wonderful time both from the competition and social aspect. I learned so much about both Irish and EU politics from the study I did for my speech. Just taking part was enough for me, but winning was a better feeling than I can ever describe! If you or someone you know is interested in public speaking or the world around you, I would highly recommend entering the soapbox competition.”
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.
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