Volunteer Competition Judges
The English Speaking Union
Help young people find their voice as a volunteer judge for the English-Speaking Union’s speaking, debating and performance competitions. You’ll listen to inspiring speeches, lively debates and Shakespeare performances, then give constructive feedback that builds confidence and communication skills. No previous judging experience is needed — full online
About us: The English-Speaking Union is an international charity and organisation. Our mission is to equip young people with the communication skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive and build a more collaborative world. We work with young people and their teachers to improve oracy skills, particularly in areas of disadvantage. Running three national and one international competition, we give young people the opportunity to hone these skills, and offer a variety of cultural exchanges for students, teachers and professionals alike to build relationships and strengthen connections across communities and countries. We also run fun, games-led debate and public speaking curricula and workshops that encourage students to discuss a wide range of topical issues with an open mind. We guide schools on using oracy in the classroom as well as setting up and maintaining their own debate clubs, and provide teachers with a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities in the fields of speech and debate. About the role: Volunteer as a Competition Judge with the English-Speaking Union and help young people develop the public speaking, listening and debating skills they need to thrive now and in their futures. We run three national competitions: - Mace Debating Competition - Public Speaking Competition - Performing Shakespeare Competition As a volunteer judge, you can support one, two or all three competitions, depending on your interests and availability — there is no need to commit to every competition. For each competition, you will be part of a judging panel of up to three judges. Your role will be to listen to and consider participants’ performances and provide constructive feedback, helping young people to develop their confidence and communication skills. Our competitions run from November to June, with opportunities to volunteer at different stages throughout the competition season. There will be opportunities to volunteer in and around South West London, as well as at competitions across England and Wales, so you can choose a location that suits you.
Teaching & Training,Youth Work
Evaluating & Reviewing, Language Skills, Reading & Writing
Creative Skills, Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Public Speaking, Team Working, Written Communication Skills
Why volunteer? - Support young people to build confidence and find their voices - Help young people develop valuable communication, public speaking, listening and debating skills - Develop your own leadership, communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills - Gain practical experience of judging, public speaking and providing constructive feedback - Meet and connect with other volunteers and members of the ESU network - Contribute to a meaningful cause supporting young people’s oracy and communication skills
Volunteer once, twice or throughout the competition season — it’s up to you. Opportunities run from November to June, usually on weekday afternoons from 4pm. A typical commitment is one day, with around four hours needed. There are opportunities in and around North Tyneside, as well as across England and Wales.
SW19 4NS
Venue TBC
N/A
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