11/24/2009
National Public Speaking Competition 2010
TITLE
‘Speculation on Our Future’
E.S.U. Argentina, H.S.B.C. - British Embassy, British Airways
www.esu.org.ar
Creating Global understanding through English Language
British Embassy, Wednesday 28 April 2010
IPSC finals in London will take place 18 – 21 May 2010 with the Grand Final to be held at HSBC, Canary Wharf on 21 May 2010.
|
|
There are no words
There are simply no words to express this unbelievable experience I had thanks to the English Speaking Competition. Before starting to tell something about the experience, I would like to start giving the ESU Argentina a cordial “thank you for everything.”
Day 1
At the welcome meeting, to be honest, I was totally doubtful of what exactly we were going to do, and what exactly were going to be our tasks that week at London. But after hearing Annete Fisher, the Organiser of the event there, and after getting to know the 72 participants from every corner of the world, I realised that I was just starting a life-experience. Our programme was specific and precise, with all sorts of details of each visit, the schedules; our days were practically organised cautiously.
Afterwards, I went to visit Covent Garden with some of the participants, having a great time and, most important, knowing each other.
Day 2
We received proper formalities and tips regarding to debates. Furthermore, a representant of Kensington Palace came to offer us the opportunity to practise by making an interesting recreation of the English Parliament, in the times of the Glorious Revolution (seventeenth century), performed by us. A group supported this revolt, and another one claimed for the true heirs of the throne. I was at this last group, and we won obtaining an important number of votes on our favour.
After the debate workshop, we went to the famous Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre, where we had a fantastic tour through all the place, knowing historical curiosities and learning about the chain of events that allowed the founders of the Theatre to build it.
Finally, we had some fun and an enjoyable entertainment evening at a bowling place, where karaoke was included as well.
Day 3
The Constitutional experience was held at the breathtaking Kensington Palace. We started at 10 am, having one morning debate, where my role was to oppose to compulsory voting in an imaginary country. Furthermore, in the afternoon and after lunch, we had a second debate, with the motion: “This House believes that monarchies of the 21st century must be abolished.” It was a good performance on both debates, and also it was useful to defend with concrete arguments and coherently our ideas. At 3 pm, we were given free time and again we used this space to consolidate our friendship.
That evening we had dinner and after that we had the unforgettable opportunity to see a play called “The woman in Black”, at Fortune Theatre. A truly fantastic play to end up a long but pleasant day.
Day 4
The visit to the BBC Television Centre and the 3D TV workshop made a completely superb morning. Also we heard a presentation made by an important authority of the channel, so it was an honour as well to listen to a man with such a prestigious career. Personally, I learned the valuable experience of how to do the best in order to be objective and precise when transmitting information.
After lunch, from 2 pm onwards, we had free time. I used time to know more to London with some participants, but also to go to Dartmouth House to receive assistance for our speeches, listening to some advice and motivational tips that encouraged me to improve my speech delivery. This useful help was critical for my performance next day, as I was able to correct some pronunciation mistakes, say certain things of my speech in a different tone to create more impact, and finally to exploit every second of the six minutes we all had to speak.
|
|
 |
 |
|
20/02/2010
THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION ARGENTINA
UK Squad in Argentina March 2010
Buenos Aires,Tuesday 16th , 2010
Dear Member Schools
In response to the increasing demand from teachers and students of the ESU community, ESU Argentina is pleased to announce the arrival of two International Public Speaking experts: Mr. Can Okar and Ms. Eve Hibbert - Keene (See attached CVs) who will deliver a free of charge workshop on the ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING in the week of March 14. This hands-on workshop specially tailored for both teachers and students will be held at member schools/ member institutions in Capital Federal and different areas of Gran Buenos Aires.
We take for granted your enthusiasm and support in the knowledge that this experience will help improve the preparation of the speakers for the national and international competition.
To help as with the organization of these workshops, we would like you to confirm asap. your school`s interest in attending one of these workshops by answering this mail.
Further information will be sent to you in the coming weeks.
I do hope to meet you at these unique training sessions.
Best regards,
Mr. Malcolm Rodman
Chairman
ESU Argentina
www.esu.org.ar
RSVP
|
|
International Public Speaking Competition
2009-06-02
Dartmouth House
|
|
THE ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION ARGENTINA
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
| |
|
|
 |
 |
|
1. Ma. Florencia Rossi
“The puppets - puppeteers”
2. Florencia Leskovar
“Yours to male sense”
3. Madelaida Gamondes
“The Comedy of Power”
4. Soledad Arienza
“Looking back to Progress”
5. Greogorio Rossello
“Are we trying to keep up with time…? Or is it that time is trying to keep up with us?”
6. Mariana Mayochi
“Smile tho' your heart is aching”
7. Felipe Saenz
“Cultural Fision”
8. Catalina Gamba
“The modern fountain of youth “
9. Lucia Weihe
“Saving the world one sock at a time”
10. Valentina Iricibar
“Rock n' Roll Methuselah”
11. Andrea Jean Taylor
“A brave new world”
12. Evelyn Moon
“...humble seconds, mighty life.”
|
13. Juan D'Alotto
“The Darkest dawn”
14. Iván Cosentino
“Urban renewal. Progress or retrogression?”
15. Cindy Arlandi
“Does a facelift a day keep wrinkles away?”
16. Sofia Podetti
“Plastic People”
17. Nicolas Gimenez
“I still believe”
18. Camila Diaz Pizzarello
“Change and what it means for us”
19. Delfina Paterno
“Facing Change”
20. Sofia Nicolini
“Slowness for sustainability”
21. Mariana Gabriela Vera
“Creative understanding”
22. Martina Abbate
“A place to call home”
23. Maximiliano Zito
“All in all, we are just another brick in the wall”
24. Luca Macome
“The Asociation for the Preservation of the World”
25. Ma. Victoria Leone
“Crossroads”
|
We wish to give very special thanks to the Judges, Mrs. Christine Beattie (HSBC Argentina), Diego Balboa (British Embassy) and Mrs. Mary Godward (British Council), Chairlady: Mrs. Susana Cravino(ESU); and Timekeeper: Mrs. Lucila Marquez.(ESSARP)
NATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2009 - Results
Winner, Luca Macome , St. Georges’s College North , “The Asociation for the Preservation of the World”
Runner up Evelyn Moon , Escuela Argentina Modelo, “...humble seconds, mighty life.”
3rd prize Nicolas Gimenez, Islands International “ I still believe”
4th prize Lucia Weihe, Holy Trinity College, Mar del Plata, "Saving the world one sock at a time"
|
|
International Public Speaking
Title Goes to the Philippines
 The final of the 27th annual International Public Speaking Competition was won by Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines with the
interestingly entitled speech Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus.
Gian’s presentation, given at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, highlighted some of the environmental problems facing his country. His success in claiming the International Public Speaking title endorses the truly global reach that the contest has attained since it was launched back in 1981. Recent winners have come from China, Russia and Yemen.
Later this year, Gian will return to London to receive a certificate
from HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
The runner up was Kanyanat Piticharoen from Thailand, the prize
for Best Non-native English-Speaker was presented to Dobri Dobrev
of Bulgaria and the Audience’s Choice Award went to Martin
Racimo of Argentina.
New Horizons; New Frontiers was the theme for this year’s
speeches and the diversity and quality of responses to this brief
impressed the judges of both the Grand Final and the heats, which
took place in the morning at Dartmouth House.
Fifty-eight entrants from 33 different countries took part, each of whom
had already achieved success in their own national competitions.
Participants were welcomed to the Embassy by Mr Richard
LeBaron, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States
of America, who congratulated the finalists on their achievement and wished them
luck. Valerie Mitchell opened the proceedings and, at the conclusion of the event, Edward Gould,  Deputy-Chairman
of the ESU presented each competitor with a certificate and a copy of the Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners,
kindly donated by Macmillan. Judging the Grand Final were Mr Peter Kyle, Chief Executive, Shakespeare Globe Trust
who chaired the panel, Dame Mary Richardson, former Chief Executive, HSBC Global Education Trust and President of SOS
Children’s Villages UK and Mr Tony Byrne, Director of The Royal Academy Trust.
 Participants traditionally enjoy a week of events in England and
this year was no exception. Competitors had the chance to learn
more about our supporters during a tour of HSBC’s global
headquarters in Canary Wharf. They also took part in a mock
parliamentary debate, visited the House of Commons, and attended
a performance of The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre,
which was preceded by a talk from the show’s director, Robin
Herford, a former ESU scholar.
 Two-thirds of the contestants went on to spend the weekend with
ESU members around the country. This is a highly valued part of
the programme, and we would like to thank the host families and
branches for their generous hospitality. We would also like to thank
branches who gave financial support to the participants, those who
judged during the heats, and ESU Colchester branch member
David Watson who kindly filmed the final.
Special thanks are due to HSBC Global Education Trust, which
supported the International Public Speaking Competition and
without whom, it would not take place. The ESU would also like
to thank the US Ambassador and his staff for allowing us to use
the Embassy as the venue for this year’s final.
|
International Public Speaking Competition
|
The ESU International Public speaking Competition is one of the most successful and far-reaching international programmes. It has three overall objectives:
- To give young people practical experience in the fundamental skills of public speaking.
- To provide a focus for the learning of effective English and communication skills among young people in countries where English is not the first language.
- To give students from a variety of countries and backgrounds a chance to meet, exchange views and form friendships.
The first competition was held in 1981 and included speakers from three countries. Since then the competition has expanded rapidly, especially since the early 1990s in East and Central Europe and more recently in Asia, where the competition has proved to be an extremely popular way of promoting English.
|
Creating Global understanding through English Language
E.S.U. Argentina
National Public Speaking Competition 2008
“New Horizons, New Frontiers”
British Embassy, Wednesday 16, 2008
1. Olivia Morris
“Are we Progressing?”
2. Alan Sigal
“Assisting The Future”
3. María José Cachau
“More freedom or less freedom”
4. Franco Andres Sturla
“Of Fires and Livers”
5. Gaston Zeziola
"Never mind matter”
6. Tamara Hache
“Clearly Complex”
7. Luciana Zanella
“Alter Alterations”
8. Itziar Moure Abo
“Are new horizons within ourselves”
9. Francesca Libarona
“Symphony of the Universe ”
10. Cristian Dominguez
“To the infinity and beyond ”
11. Augusto Terracini
“Old resources, new rules”
12. Maria Belen Tavella
“That which does not kill us”
|
13. Alvaro Luciano Di Tella
“Mankind Can Make it Possible”
14. Francisco Accornero
“What has not been invented yet”
15. Martin Racimo
“There’s no place like home”
16. Maria Victoria Sartor
“Childrens and Peace”
17. Ignacio Noel
“All for One and One for All”
18. Sebastian Tomas Saravi
“As new as it can be ”
19. Maria Catalina Vazquez Verde
“The Ballerina”
20. Laila Liberjen
“The Lost Bonds”
21. Bryan Patrick Bour
“Keep in Touch“
22. Carla Lucia Giannotti
“Two sides of the same coin “
23. Gonzalo Ignacio Cervetto
“Nip`n Tuck”
24. Mariano Bino
“Space Colonisation” |
|
We wish to give very special thanks to the Judges, Dr. Lynne Hughes (British Embassy), Mrs. Christine Beattie (HSBC Argentina) and Mrs. Mary Godward (British Council)
|
|
|
NATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2008 - Results
Winner, Martin Racimo Escuela Argentina Modelo, “There’s no place like home”
Runner up Tamara Hache Woodville School-Bariloche, “Clearly Complex”
3rd prize Gonzalo Ignacio Cervetto, Colegio "Las Cumbres" “Nip`n Tuck”
4th prize Sebastian Tomas Saravi , St.Catherine's Moorlands Tortuguitas , “As new as it can be ”
5th prize Francisco Accornero , Del Viso Day School , “What has not been invented yet”
|
15 May 2008
On behalf of the English-Speaking Union, I should like to congratule you on your outstanding contribution to the 2008 International Public-Speaking Competition Grand Final last week. I do hope that you will look back upon this experience with fondness and with great pride in your success.
I understand that all 58 students formed great friendships during their time in London. I hope that you benefited from the opportunities that the programme offered and that you will keep in touch with the ESU in the future.
It was a great pleasure to hear your speech and to present you with your much deserved prize.
The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE Chairman |
|
|
News
Winner and runner-up of the Netherlands BBC Awards give excellent presentations during the International Public Speaking Competition of the English-Speaking Union in London
17 May 2008 Our winner Stijn Depla and the runner-up Akhila Jambagi were among a group of 58 participants from 35 countries from every continent who took part in a varied and interesting week organised by the ESU.
After workshops, debates, a visit to the House of Commons, a theatrical performance, a musical and a VIP tour through the BBC TV Centre, on Friday their week culminated in the competitions in which the participants competed for the honour of being selected as best speakers of the year.
The preliminary round in which the Dutch participants had been placed comprised 15 candidates from the Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, India, the United States, England, China and Pakistan.
Both Stijn and Akhila delivered their presentations convincingly; clearly they had taken to heart the advice they'd received at the National Finals. They answered the often critical questions from the public with verve and assurance.
The standard of almost all the speakers was very high.
Unfortunately the jury did not select our candidates for the Grand Finale.
They did, however, select Stijn for an honourable mention.
In the Grand Finale which was held in the American Embassy in London, the 8 finalists represented Romania, Thailand, Poland, Bulgaria, Argentina, Lebanon, China and the Philippines.
Gian Karlo Dapul of the Philippines was the winner, Kanyanat Piticharoen of Thailand was number 2, Dobri Dobrev of Bulgaria was the best non-native speaker and Martin Racimo of Argentina received the public prize.
Stijn and Akhila enjoyed their week, the many contacts which they made and the experience gained among contemporaries, many of whom had totally different cultural and political backgrounds.
|
|
|
E.S.U. Argentina
Theme
“Dynamic Earth"
The
English Speaking Union Argentina
Announces the theme of the ESU
National and International Public
Speaking Competition to be held
on April 2007.
|
|
International
Public Speaking Competition
9 - 13 May 2005
Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London
W1J 5ED
Speakers’
Programme
Please note that due to the number
of participants this program me
is for speakers only, not accompanying
adults. Accompanying adults are welcome
to attend lunches (excluding the
one at HSBC), workshops and the competition
itself.
Monday 9 May
Participants arrive in London. You
may check in any time after 2.00
pm.
06.00 pm
Welcome meeting.
Helen Green and Gemma McCoy will be
in the Caesar Room in the Imperial
Hotel, next door to the President Hotel
(ask for directions at the President
Hotel Reception) to say hello, hand
out information packs and make sure
there are no problems. Participants
who are not arriving in time for this
meeting must collect their packs from
the Hotel Reception.
Tuesday 10 May
09.15 am Depart from
the Foyer of the President. Do not
be late.
09.45 am Introductory
meeting at Dartmouth House
10.15 am Workshop
A
. Participants will prepare for the
following day's workshop.
12.00 pm Lunch at
Dartmouth House
Afternoon Tour of Shakespeare’s
Globe - TBC
7.00 pm Depart for
Fortune Theatre
7.45 pm Theatre
visit - The Woman in Black by
Susan Hill, Fortune Theatre, Russell
Street, WC2B 5HH [For Speakers Only]
Wednesday 11 May
09.30 am Depart
for HSBC (bus)
10.30 am HSBC Tour
12.00pm Lunch at
HSBC
02.30 pm Workshop
B
Debate based on preparation from Workshop
A
05.00 pm Homestay
information available for those who
have requested it
Evening free
Thursday 12 May
08.15 am Participants
depart for Dartmouth House
09.00 am Participants
arrive at Dartmouth House.
09.10 am Participants
briefing in Long Drawing Room - with
Gemma McCoy
Judges briefing in Small Drawing Room
- with Helen Green
09.30 am Heats
Part 1
There will be four concurrent heats.
Friends and relations of the participants
are welcome to attend the heats and
the final.
10.50 am Coffee break
11.10 am Heats
Part 2
After your heat ends, please remember
that others may still be speaking.
Please remain quiet as you wait for
the other heats to end.
12.30 pm Judges summing-up
and announcement of finalists
01.00 pm Sandwich
Lunch at Dartmouth House (DH)
01.45 pm Eight finalists
depart DH
02.15 pm Remaining
participants depart DH
03.30 pm Final
of the International Public Speaking
Competition at Merchant Taylors’ Hall.
Welcome remarks by The Lord Watson
of Richmond CBE, Chairman, English-Speaking
Union
5.00 pm Tea break
5.30 pm Judges’
Summing up and Announcement of Winners.
Presentation of Prizes
5.55 pm Closing
Remarks by Mrs Valerie Mitchell OBE,
Director-General, English-Speaking
Union
There is a prize for the participant
voted Best Speaker by the audience.
Voting will close at 5.15 pm.
6.15 pm Group Photo
for participants and judges
Evening Free
Friday 13 May
Free morning for those
with Homestays.
Participants depart for homestays.
You must check out of the hotel by
12.00 midday.
Participants not taking homestays my
stay in the hotel until Saturday 14th
May and must check out by 12.00 Midday.
Friday 13 May - Sunday
15 or Monday 16th depending on
Flight
Homestays for those who
have requested them with ESU fam ilies
outside London. Transport will
be arranged for you and details
available during the week.
|
|
|
International
Public Speaking Competition
9 - 13 May 2005
Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London
W1J 5ED
Speakers’
Programme
Please note that due to the number
of participants this program me
is for speakers only, not accompanying
adults. Accompanying adults are welcome
to attend lunches (excluding the
one at HSBC), workshops and the competition
itself.
Monday 9 May
Participants arrive in London. You
may check in any time after 2.00
pm.
06.00 pm
Welcome meeting.
Helen Green and Gemma McCoy will be
in the Caesar Room in the Imperial
Hotel, next door to the President Hotel
(ask for directions at the President
Hotel Reception) to say hello, hand
out information packs and make sure
there are no problems. Participants
who are not arriving in time for this
meeting must collect their packs from
the Hotel Reception.
Tuesday 10 May
09.15 am Depart from
the Foyer of the President. Do not
be late.
09.45 am Introductory
meeting at Dartmouth House
10.15 am Workshop
A
. Participants will prepare for the
following day's workshop.
12.00 pm Lunch at
Dartmouth House
Afternoon Tour of Shakespeare’s
Globe - TBC
7.00 pm Depart for
Fortune Theatre
7.45 pm Theatre
visit - The Woman in Black by
Susan Hill, Fortune Theatre, Russell
Street, WC2B 5HH [For Speakers Only]
Wednesday 11 May
09.30 am Depart
for HSBC (bus)
10.30 am HSBC Tour
12.00pm Lunch at
HSBC
02.30 pm Workshop
B
Debate based on preparation from Workshop
A
05.00 pm Homestay
information available for those who
have requested it
Evening free
Thursday 12 May
08.15 am Participants
depart for Dartmouth House
09.00 am Participants
arrive at Dartmouth House.
09.10 am Participants
briefing in Long Drawing Room - with
Gemma McCoy
Judges briefing in Small Drawing Room
- with Helen Green
09.30 am Heats
Part 1
There will be four concurrent heats.
Friends and relations of the participants
are welcome to attend the heats and
the final.
10.50 am Coffee break
11.10 am Heats
Part 2
After your heat ends, please remember
that others may still be speaking.
Please remain quiet as you wait for
the other heats to end.
12.30 pm Judges summing-up
and announcement of finalists
01.00 pm Sandwich
Lunch at Dartmouth House (DH)
01.45 pm Eight finalists
depart DH
02.15 pm Remaining
participants depart DH
03.30 pm Final
of the International Public Speaking
Competition at Merchant Taylors’ Hall.
Welcome remarks by The Lord Watson
of Richmond CBE, Chairman, English-Speaking
Union
5.00 pm Tea break
5.30 pm Judges’
Summing up and Announcement of Winners.
Presentation of Prizes
5.55 pm Closing
Remarks by Mrs Valerie Mitchell OBE,
Director-General, English-Speaking
Union
There is a prize for the participant
voted Best Speaker by the audience.
Voting will close at 5.15 pm.
6.15 pm Group Photo
for participants and judges
Evening Free
Friday 13 May
Free morning for those
with Homestays.
Participants depart for homestays.
You must check out of the hotel by
12.00 midday.
Participants not taking homestays my
stay in the hotel until Saturday 14th
May and must check out by 12.00 Midday.
Friday 13 May - Sunday
15 or Monday 16th depending on
Flight
Homestays for those who
have requested them with ESU fam ilies
outside London. Transport will
be arranged for you and details
available during the week.
|
|
|
E.S.U. Argentina
National Public
Speaking Competition 2006.
Creating global understanding through
English.
“Mapping
the Global Future"
R
E S U L T S
T he result of the ESU 2006 PSC was
as follows,
1. Juan McLean
"The die
is cast"
St.
Hildas College
2. Clara Montaruli
"Are our
brains being nibbled"
St.
Margarets College
3. Nicolas de Anchorena
"Getting
"serious" on education"
St.
Catherine´s Moorelands, Tortuguitas.
4. Stefania Bray
"The hitchhiker´s
guide to a globalized world"
Northern
International School
5. Jorge Andres Marcos
"Your future
my Future"
Colegio
Champagnat |
|
1. Florencia Cirio
“Shared prosperity and shared
problems”
2. Cecilia Lomaglio
“Is the environment really endangered?”
3. Mariana Levy
“The Theory of walking“
4. Paula Welsh Miguens
“Cosmopedia: The Doomsday of
Books?”
5. Yanina Elizabeth Carucci
“A Pass-Key to happiness or dismay?”
6. Cora Fila
“A hole in the wall”
7. Lucila Beatriz Miramontes
“The world moves backwards as
technology moves forward”
8. Natalia Martinez Lopez
“Just human”
9. Florencia Marino
“The enlightment of today”
10. Sofía Delcarlo
“A moving target”
11. Fiorella Andrea Fidanza
“A life changing experience”
12. Clara Montaruli
“Are our brains being nibbled?”
13. Martina Spadafora
“Global Changes Needed to Map
my Future”
|
14. Ainoa Moure Aboitiz
“In change we trust”
15. Juan McLean
”The die is cast”
16. Josefina Ma. Massot
“No man is an island”
17. Ma. Bárbara Gimberg
“Beyond the Scope of our Mind’s
Eye”
18. María Noel Salviolo
“I’m a genie in a bottle”
19. Emilia Gotlieb
“The Tree: My Neighbour“
20. Carla Abbate
“A grain of sand”
21. Jorge Andrés Marcos
“Your Future, My Future”
22. Ma. Paz Orgeira Venegas
“Psychedelic is this year’s
pink!”
23. Nicolas de Anchorena
“Getting “serious”
on education”
24. Stefania Bray
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide
to a Globalized World”
25. Ma. Sol Zambon
“The road to el Dorado”
26. Agostina Spinella
“Educating a Globalised World”
27. Pablo Ignacio Lopez
“Globalising Biotechnology”
|
|
| We wish to give very special thanks
to the Judges, Dr. Lynne Hughes (British
Embassy), Mrs. Janet Calladine (HSBC)
and Mr. John Asenjo (M.
A. Ed. California State University),
Chairlady: Mrs. Susana Cravino;
and Timekeeper: Mrs. Ma. Isabel
Paz. |
|
| SCHOOLS |
. A.A.C.I.
. All Saints’ School
. Barker College
. Colegio Champagnat
. Colegio Jesús María
. Colegio Las Cumbres
. Del Viso Day School
. Escuela Argentina Modelo
. Holy Trinity College
. Island International School
. Nueva Escuela Argentina 2000
. Nordbridge School
. Northern International School
. Northlands School |
. Southern
International School
. St. Andrew’s Scots School
. St Catherine’s Moorlands, Bel.
. St Catherine’s Moorlands, Tort.
. St. George’s College
. St. George’s College North
. St. Hilda’s College
. St. Margaret’s School
. St. Matthew’s College
. St. Matthew’s College North
. St. Stephens College
. Victoria College
. Woodville School |
|
|
|
| REPORTS |
|
 |
 |
When I look back at my experience in London, I can’t help but remember the words of Samuel Johnson: “By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show.” From where I was standing before this amazing journey, London seemed far away. It looked like an image in the distance, covered by the mist of dreams, blurred by “what might be”. And yet, I felt this city close to me because somehow I knew that it would show me as much as life can show. And it did. There are not enough words I could say to convey all I would like you to know, but there are two that are as close as can be: thank you. Thank you, not only for making my dream come true, but also for making it linger in my heart like a precious glow I will carry with me for the rest of my days. Thank you, British Council, for joining the gap between two worlds; thank you, English Speaking Union, for truly creating global understanding through this beautiful language; thank you HSBC, for supporting us and our country. And thank you, Woodville School, for being my home and my growing environment throughout the last ten years.
But let us not waste words in something that cannot be expressed by words. Let us use them for their true purpose: telling tales, building worlds. So, let me tell you what happened during the time my wings skimmed the gleaming surface of London. Martín and I arrived at the airport after having whirled around the city for about half an hour; it seemed as if even our pilot wanted to create expectation, which had been building up since our National Public Speaking Competition. When we finally landed and went through passport control, we were greeted by Sofía Rodman. Not exactly a familiar face (which made her being there for us even more selfless than it already was), but most importantly, a familiar language in a city of strangers. She was an amazing guide: she walked with us as we stumbled upon our first steps in the streets of London, and came with us to the President Hotel, where we left our bags and set sails for our tour through one of the most charming cities in the world. We had arrived one day earlier than expected, so we made the most of it: we went to St. James Park, and the Buckingham Palace, we walked through the haunted dungeons of the Tower of London, and the enthralling streets of Piccadilly Circus, and enjoyed the privilege of crossing Tower Bridge. We also had the opportunity to walk on another architectural masterpiece: the Millennium Bridge. And, speaking of masterpieces, we visited St. Paul’s Cathedral. Finally, to wrap up our all-time-London-experience, we bought a ticket to go on the London Eye. Utterly spectacular.
The following day, I woke up early, eager to explore the unending marvels of the city. After waking up Martín (quite a piece of work, let me tell you), we took the tube to Hyde Park. It was absolutely beautiful, overflowing with natural and artistic wonders. We walked through the Italian gardens, we dipped our fingers in the Memorial Fountain, we stood in awe in the presence of the Albert Hall, and we saw the magic of spring in the Kensington Gardens. When our feet were completely exhausted, we decided to just lie on the grass trying to sink it all in. After that, we took the tube to Knightsbridge, where we went to Harrods. It is every girl’s dream!
We decided to go back to the hotel, where we were surprised by a sea of people walking around the lobby. They were the participants! We were all very excited, and I got to meet my roommate: Michelle, from Denmark. Later that day, we had our first IPSC meeting with Katie and Annette, where I met the other participants. It was truly amazing! The word international couldn’t have been used more appropriately for this experience: from our neighbours in Chile to far-away Morocco, from the Netherlands to Yemen, from Belgium to the Philippines, from the USA to Latvia… It was truly astonishing to see so many different yet memorable faces. We all felt connected by some peculiar but strong bond. It was more than English, and it was more than public speaking: it was the world itself.
On our third day in London, we went to Dartmouth House for our mock Parliamentary workshop preparation. We were divided into political parties, and each of these had to decide on very important issues of a given country. It was really interesting to hear what everyone had to say, not only because it was a very important lesson of tolerance and respect, but also because we learnt to negotiate and compromise. After a series of exciting (and exhausting) activities, we decided to call it a day. We had lunch in Dartmouth House and then we departed by foot to the Houses of Commons (a.k.a. “the Big Ben”). The Parliament Square is absolutely magnificent: Time seems to speak through the building itself, and every wall has a story to tell about past epochs. Westminster’s Abbey rises into the Heavens, where marble whispers unnamed secrets. Stepping into Parliament Square is, in fact, an unforgettable experience. We even got to attend a debating session!
We had some free time, so I decided to wonder round London with a group of participants. After a fun directionless walk, we ended up in Covent Garden! We realized that we had to meet Annette and Katie at the Fortune Theatre for a performance of “The Woman in Black”, so we decided to walk back. Before the play, we had an interview with the director. It was truly inspiring to see so much passion for art and theatre. The play was absolutely breath-taking, not only because of the actors, but also because it was a terrifying experience! Shortness of breath was, indeed, one of the symptoms of the audience… Suspense and expectation were built up to an almost excruciating state, but when the incidents of the plot were about to become unbearable, catharsis was achieved by a completely shocking event which made one let go of the tension with a high-pitch shriek of horror! Later that night, everyone decided to sleep early… We were emotionally worn out!
Day four was “HSBC day”. We went into the financial area of the city and we saw the top three tallest buildings in the UK (all of them belonging to HSBC, of course). It was a very interesting visit, as we learnt everything about the Global Education Fund, and also met the director of this organization. We also learnt about avant-garde technology, like Second Life and three-dimension bar codes. The highlight of our visit was the panoramic view of London from a very, very high storey of the main building. Impressive! After a buffet lunch, we headed back to Dartmouth House for our Mock Debate. Our Green-Nationalist-Conservative coalition won! Later in the evening, we started to get nervous… Day five was “the big day”…
The morning of the Grand Finale we all woke up very early and put on our formal clothes. Some of us were walking around restlessly, others repeated their speeches in their heads (and out loud, too), and there were also those who didn’t seem to be doing anything at all, just meditating and breathing calmly before leaving for Dartmouth House. We were fifty eight participants from thirty four countries, and we were divided into eight heats which took place at the same time in different rooms of Dartmouth House. Martin and I, being from the same country, were placed in the same heat (number two). After we delivered our speeches, the judges selected two participants to go through to the next round: the contestant from Lebanon was chosen, along with my fellow Argentinean, Martín. Although I did not make it through, I was extremely pleased with my performance. Actually, I was delighted with the whole experience! When all the decisions were announced, we parted to the USA Embassy for the International Public Speaking Competition Grand Finale. Eight brilliant speeches were delivered, along with stimulating questions from the audience. In the end, the first place was given to Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines for his speech:“Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus”. Martín received the Audience Choice Award, which makes me really proud.
After our experience in London, Martín and I went to York for our home-stay. Even the journey was amazing: we got there by train, going through Britain’s beautiful campagne. In York, we were met by Mrs. Ellen, a charming lady who welcomed us into her home and showed us around the city. There is something dazzling about York, and yet I cannot define it. A feeling of History lingers in the air: winding and narrow cobbled-stone streets; medieval city walls guarding the city; the stunning York Minster, containing more marble secrets, and wooden secrets, and unpronounced vitreaux secrets. History caresses one’s skin and is breathed through the soul… There is a feeling of anachronism in the air, but it is not the castles or walls or cobbled stones that do not belong. It is the future, because York is meant to be preserved, just like a vitreaux, in the Sands of Time. We visited the Minster, the York City Museum, the Railway Museum, the Roman ruins… We honoured History.
So, what can I say after having lived my dream? I can say that the dream does not end here. As cliché as it may sound, this is just the beginning. When opportunities like this are presented to us, when people like those I met in the IPSC come into our lives, we must take them as the start of something greater, even greater than we dare to dream about. Those two small words, thank you, should mean what they truly wish to convey: you have brought such a strong light into my life that it has made me see what I didn’t even know existed. Thank you again, British Council, ESU, HSBC and Woodville School for being the building blocks of my dream. I can honestly say that this has been the most inspiring experience I have ever had. This journey has just begun.
[Close
Report] |
|
|
|
| Some words of thanks
First of all, I cannot start my report without thanking the English Speaking Union for the most stunning and awe-inspiring experience in my life. It was my first time in London and I hope it won’t be the last.
The 2008 ESU IPSC programme
Day 1
As Tamara and I arrived one day before the beginning of the programme, we had the opportunity to visit almost all of the hundreds of attractions and monuments of the city: London Eye, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus. I’ve got to thank Ms Sofía Rodman, an Argentine ESU friend, for her breath taking tour of the city !
Day 2
In the morning, we got up early. Actually, it was Tamara who got up early, and I who overslept. She had to wake me up! What a shame! We had breakfast and went to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. We were surprised by the cleanliness and beauty of those places. After that we went to Harrods where everything was so expensive we couldn’t buy a thing. It was really very difficult to buy souvenirs in the UK as we had to multiply everything by 6!
Later that day, I met my roommate. I was really keen on finding out where he would be from and I finally got the answer: Denmark! In the afternoon, all the participants went to a meeting at the hotel lobby. It was really great not only to meet people from other countries, but also from very different cultures: Lebanon, U.S., Yemen, Pakistan, Poland, Mauritius and many others. After that first meeting, some of us went to have dinner together and we walked to Trafalgar Square, where we climbed the lions!
Day 3
We all had to get up early that day and went to Dartmouth House where we were divided into political parties and we prepared a parliamentary debate for the following day. After that we had lunch and went walking to the Houses of Parliament. During that walk, the participant from Russia taught me some basic Russian words. I can still remember some of them. Then we arrived at the Parliament where we watched a session. Later that day, I went on my own to St. James Park where I took a short nap on the soft green lawn. That short nap left me completely disoriented. Luckily, I finally managed to get to the theatre on time where we had an interview with the director and then got scared watching his frightening play called “The Woman In Black”.
Day 4
We all went to the financial district of the city where the HSBC building stood. There we had a delicious dinner and enjoyed a panoramic view of London. After that we held the Parliamentary debate at Dartmouth house. Then I visited Oxford Street where I bought some cheap football merchandising from British teams.
In the evening, I had dinner with the speakers from Poland, Brazil, Lebanon and Russia in a Chinese buffet where food was delicious though not in very good condition. That night we all had a bad stomach-ache!
Day 5
IPSC
There were 58 participants from 34 different countries. We were divided into 4 heats. Tamara and I were in the second, together with participants from Lebanon, Denmark, Malaysia and many other countries. We all delivered our speeches at Dartmouth House. Then, the judges chose 2 finalists from each heat. Fortunately, both the Lebanese participant and I were chosen from our heat. After that, all the finalists met at the US Embassy where we delivered our speeches before an audience of 180 enthusiastic people, including a few ambassadors. As the judges conferred, the election for the audience choice award took place. Subsequently, the overall winners were announced. The first place was for Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines with his speech entitled.
“Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus” and, when I thought I was going back home with my hands empty, I received the Audience Choice Award!
The homesta
Tamara and I were sent to the city of York, where we were able to breathe the history of England. We were received and hosted by a charming lady Mrs Ellen . We visited many interesting spots in York such as the enormous Minster Cathedral, the impressive York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, the largest railway museum in the world, and the incredible Roman ruins.
To conclude
I would like to thank again everyone that helped me undertake this wonderful experience: in the first place the English Speaking Union Argentina and the Rodman family: Malcolm, Cecilia and Sophía, secondly, the HSBC bank that sponsored the air ticket, then the British Council Argentina, and my school Escuela Argentina Modelo, and my teacher Margarita Broquá. All these people and institutions have been involved with this ESU IPSC programme that has changed my life forvever.
[Close
Report] |
|
|
|
This
year I had the pleasure of participating
in the 2006 International Public Speaking
competition organized by the English
Speaking Union. The event was held in
London at Dartmouth House, the headquarters
of ESU and was attended by more than
35 countries from all over the world,
Argentina being one of them.
The most interesting aspect of the competition
is certainly the chance of knowing people
from all over the world and learning
about other cultures and societies. I
could only understand the full significance
of the world globalization when in the
same someone from Australia was only
a few passes away, instead of thousands
of miles. In one room we could hear 55
different ways of speaking English, ranging
from the sparkle of New Zealand to the
thoughtful and gentle deepness of India.
Indeed this is the final aim of the English
speaking Union, “Creating Global
understanding through English”.
This competition is a wonderful event
where this aims are widely achieved by
a very smooth organization and the complete
dedication of Helen Green and other members
of staff.
In spite of the rather famous wet English
weather, we were able to walk most of
London’s famous streets, such as
Piccadilly or Oxford; visit some of the
landmarks of the city as Trafalgar Square,
Buckingham Palace or Convent Garden.
As a group we had great fun, making new
friends while enjoying one of the most
attractive European capitals.
The speeches at the competition were
all of very high standards; we were divided
into heats for prior selection for the
finals. I had the honour of going on
through to the finals with other 7 fellow
speakers from Rumania, Russia, New Zealand,
India, Malaysia, Chile and Australia.
The winner this year was the representative
from Russia. He gave a truly wonderful
speech about famine and child suffering
in Africa. He was able to appeal to our
senses, making us feel responsible and
guilty for the present situation without
being overdramatic in any way. The second
prize went to a boy from New Zealand,
who started of with a quote from Shakespeare
and followed with a genius example of
a parrot in New Zealand. He compared
the behavior of the parrot and our own,
showing how much the human race can still
learn from nature.
This year’s panel of judges was
chaired by Baroness Bottomley, who had
spent 25 years in the House of Commons
and has recently accepted a life peerage
and is now a member of the House of Lords.
All judges had impressive backgrounds
and were truly knowledgeable in the art
of public speaking; most impressively
one was the former editor of the prestigious
program Panorama of the BBC.
After the event I was hosted by a couple
of members of ESU at Bedford, only an
hour away from London, with Clara Montaruli
who also came from Argentina. They were
very kind and attentive towards us and
took us to visit Oxford and Cambridge
in the same weekend. We also attended
a gala party at the house of the chairman
of the ESU branches in England were we
met most of the other participants and
had great fun.
Finally I must thank many people for
this wonderful experience. I am very
grateful to my coaches at school who
helped me in my preparation throughout
the years. I must thank ESU Argentina
and the English Speaking Union as a whole
for this opportunity, especially Helen
Green, Gemma Mc Coy, Cecilia Perdomo
and Mrs. Valerie Mitchell, as well as
Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell, who hosted us
for a weekend. I also would like to thank
HSBC for their support to this extraordinary
event that leads to a wider understanding
of the problems facing our world and
provides a glimpse of the possible solutions.
[Close
Report] |
|
|
|
During
the week I spent in London (my first
trip abroad, by the way), I was not only
able to tour around that fantastic city,
but I was also able to meet a lot of
incredible people from all around the
world. Although the weather was not our
ally, we could enjoy most of the activities
which included a visit to the Houses
of Common to watch an actual Parliamentary
debate on environment and a visit to
the Fortune Theatre, where we saw The
Woman in Black.
After attending the exciting debate at
Houses of Common, we were taken back
to Dartmouth House, to take part on a
mock debate which was very interesting.
The debate helped me know most of the
participants of the Competition as well
as the different cultures to which each
one of them belonged. I came back from
London, knowing much more about different
cultures of the world, something I probably
would not have been able to had it not
been for this trip.
On Friday, we all woke up and felt very
nervous, we could barely have breakfast.
We went to Dartmouth House, where we
were distributed into different groups
and rooms. There were two judges per
room, that were in charge of listening
to the speeches and, eventually, making
a decision. The judges on heat 3, that
is where I was, were Eric Bevan, Business
Communication Skills Specialist and Frances
Prattent, Senior Specialist Educational
Psychologist. After listening to fifty
five excellent speeches, the judges made
their decision and announced the eight
finalists, six boys from Russia, New
Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Romania and
India, and two girls from Australia and
Malaysia.
The final took place at Grosvenor. The
audience received a warm welcome from
Mrs.Valerie Mitchell OBE, ESU Director-General.
The judges for the final were James Probert,
who chaired the Panel, The Rt Hon Baroness
Bottomley of Nettlesome JP, Robert Rowland,
Executive Producer and Media Adviser
with Corporate Television Networks, Paul
Edmondson, head of Eduaction at the Shakespeare
Brithplace Trust and David Faber, member
of the MCC Committee and Chariman of
Clouds. The finalists did their very
best and they did a fantastic job. After
listening to eight outstanding speeches,
the judges chose Konstantin Lazutin,
from St.Petersburg, Russia as the best
speaker of the day, who spoke about Starvation.
The runner-up award as well as the audience's
choice award was given to Arty Papageorgiou,
who spoke about "Parrot the Parrot"
and the Best Non-Native English Speaker
prize was awarded to Sergiu Stefan on
his speech "Self Extinction".
Many of the participants spent the week-end
following the competition with ESU members,
outside London. I stayed in Bedford,
at Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell's home. They
were very nice to us, and took us to
Cambridge and Oxford. We had a great
time with them and I would like to thank
them for everything they have done for
us.
This trip opened my mind to new customs
and I was able not only to develop my
public speaking skills but also my English,
which has helped me at school and in
everyday life. I would like to thank
the ESU, the British Council, HSBC and
everyone who made this trip possible
and who supported us during the competition.
[Close Report] |
|
|
|
Differences and Diversity
THE FELLOWSHIP OF MAN
Ladies and gentlemen! I stand here today,
trying to say something about differences
and diversity, and I can see many faces.
You are all staring at me so I do feel
a bit nervous…But, most importantly,
I can’t help thinking that every
one of you will have different thoughts,
different opinions about what I will
say, right here, right now…and
about the speeches of my fellow speakers.
Now, what’s interesting is that
not one of these impressions will be
completely identical when compared with
one another. Imagine what could happen
if we could discuss this huge amount
of points of view after the speeches
were finished. Imagine the possible outcomes.
Imagine that, and you will catch a glimpse
of the beauty and power of diversity.
Diversity.
When I think
about this concept,
one of my favourite
books comes to
my mind. The
Lord of the Rings.
You might ask
yourselves what
this has to do
with differences
and diversity…well,
some of my friends
say I look like
an elf, but that’s
certainly not
the point…Nevertheless,
The Lord of the
Rings is a great
story. A tale
of journeys and
adventures, of
brotherhoods
and comradeship.
In it, we see
elves, dwarves,
men and hobbits
working together
for the common
good. They are
all different,
all unique in
their own way.
And yet it is
in these differences
where their strength
lies. The strength
they needed to
defeat Mordor,
to bring peace
and freedom to
Middle Earth.
How did they
manage to do
this? By uniting
and cooperating.
By making use
of what defined
them as unique
and special individuals
and by becoming
committed to
the group to
which they belonged:
The Fellowship
of the Ring.
Let’s leave Tolkien for a moment
and go back to reality. Many social models
of diversity have appeared to this day.
We have the melting pot, in which identities
are assimilated into society but eventually
lost: as the Latin phrase reads:”e
pluribus unum”; from many, one.
We also have the cultural mosaic, so
advocated by American former president
Jimmy Carter and the European nations:
different people, different beliefs,
different yearnings, different dreams.
Sadly, most of the time they also become
separate people, opposed beliefs, struggling
yearnings, unrealizable dreams. The question
finally arises: Where should we stand
among these positions? Are we to be lost
in the stirrings of the pot or isolated
in the squares of the mosaic? Are these
really our only choices? They needn’t
be. What about the Fellowship of the
Ring? What about a Fellowship
of Man? Where each individual
is as important as any other, and transforms
the group as a whole, while maintaining
his own defining traits, finding
strength in cooperation.
We know this worked out in Middle Earth.
Elves, hobbits, dwarves: if one
thing, together in their differences,
united in their dreams. But,
is this possible in the real world? Of
course, it is. In fact, we are already
running ahead of the inhabitants of Tolkien’s
universe. We share something they didn’t.
We are all proud members of a very special
community, the human kind. Even though
there may not be any elves or hobbits
among us, there are all sorts of different
cultures and ethnicities with the potential
to change, improve and make a difference
in nowadays society: ranging from Asians
to Caucasians, from Jewish to Amish,
from Latin Americans to Afro-Americans.
Even here in Argentina, the country I’m
proud to belong to, we were made of immigrations,
and we share ties with people not only
across oceans, but also across time.
Humankind may lack the initiative to
cooperate but it certainly does not lack
the means. As a British historian once
said, "Vitality springs from diversity-
which makes for real progress so long
as there is mutual toleration”.
But, why stop in mutual toleration? Why
can’t we, human individuals, attain
global levels of mutual understanding
and compromise? So as not to
seek a unified culture or a multicultural
buffet, but an ideology of interculturalism,
a continuous exchange between the peoples,
going far beyond a mere celebration of
diversity. Thus, we won’t have
the need to build the proudest nation,
or breed the purest race.
In the end, you can call me an elf, or
a hobbit or, worse, call me a dreamer…but
I believe in one thing. A world
to bring them all together and in fellowship
bind them. A fellowship to rule all others.
The Fellowship of Man. Where we fought,
we collaborate. Where we hated, we unite.
If only one thing: us…together
in our differences. Thank you
very much.
1st
Prize, Mr Fernando
Racimo
|
|
|
|
Many thanks, and for inviting me to be a judge. I thought
the standard of participants very high, and our two winners
will represent Argentina well I am sure.
Best wishes,
Martin
Mr. Martin Freyer
Director British Council |
|
Congratulations on the competition. I just loved seeing
the pictures and have had a great time reading all the
topics your young orators expounded upon.
All the best,
Alice
President & Executive Director
Alice Boyne - New York, NY
|
|
|
|
Institutional
