Public Speaking
Give an original 3–5 minute speech on a global issue — and make your audience listen, think and act.
This category is all about your voice. Judges look at what you say (clear, original, well-structured ideas) and how you say it (confidence, body language and connection with the audience).
How it works
Pick your issue
Choose a global challenge linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and/or UK Values.
Write your speech
Use your own words and a clear structure: a strong opening, focused key points and a memorable ending.
Deliver it
Speak with confidence, eye contact and purpose. Inspire your audience to care — and to act.
This year's theme
The UN Sustainable Development Goals
17 global goals for a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world — from climate action to quality education.
Make it clear which goal(s) your speech connects to. This shows global relevance and impact.
Explore the 17 goals →What to prepare
- An original speech on the UN SDGs and/or UK ValuesRequired
- A printed copy, handed to the judges before you speakRequired
- Simple slides — only if they support your messageOptional
How you are judged
Public Speaking or STEM Storytelling?
Public Speaking
Persuade and inspire with your voice
- Format
- A spoken speech
- Length
- 3–5 minutes
- Topic
- UN SDGs and/or UK Values
- Focus
- Delivery, confidence, body language
- Media
- Optional simple slides
- Who
- Individual
STEM Storytelling
Explain a STEM idea through a story
- Format
- Script, short film, animation, podcast or digital story
- Length
- 5–10 minutes
- Topic
- A STEM concept, problem or discovery
- Focus
- Scientific accuracy and creative storytelling
- Media
- Visuals and audio are judged
- Who
- Individual or team
Love the stage? Choose Public Speaking. Want to bring science to life through a story? Choose STEM Storytelling.