Debating their way to the top

THE World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship will this year be held at The English School in Nicosia between today, March 29, and April 4.

The event began back in 1998 and has been growing ever since. In 1999, the International Public Speaking Association, the umbrella association for the event, was founded, with the English School a co-founder.

The event is held annually at a different school around the world and comprises five categories of public speaking: debate, persuasive speaking, impromptu speaking, interpretive reading and after-dinner speaking. Participants from 60 different countries are expected this year.

All competitors must take part in four events. The aims of each category are to test various skills in public speaking such as structure, logic, rebuttal, agility of thought, delivery and audience appeal.

The English School have in the past won the interpretive reading and impromptu categories, with an English School student winning the title of best overall speaker in 1995.

The school has managed to maintain a reputation for highly-skilled public speaking and debate on the international stage, due to its past involvement and success in the tournament.

All events are open to spectators with the Grand Final taking place at the Hilton on Sunday April 3.

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