Five young men and four women participated in this year’s contest, from such diverse places as Nyiregháza, Debrecen and Pécs, in addition to Budapest. The theme for the prepared speeches this year was Speculation on our Future - Europe’s Place in the World. Each student was tasked with giving a five-minute talk. A panel of five judges watched, looked and listened to the speakers to try and decide which of the nine would represent Hungary in the final competition in London.

This year’s speakers all performed at a level which should make their respective schools and teachers proud. The speeches’ content was well-thought-out and all participants demonstrated an ease and familiarity with the English language which many of the judges found a pleasant surprise. In addition, the skills needed to make a successful presentation were much in evidence, and all of the speakers offered professional, well-prepared and practiced proficiency in their speeches.

In fact, all of the young presenters did such a good job that the judges were hard-pressed to select the top three.

Discussions in the judging room were spirited and lively, and even though no actual blows were exchanged, each speaker was reviewed for his or her expertise and attention to detail. Finally, the best of the best emerged.

And the winners are:

Third Place (tie): Gyuris Katinka (Debrecen) and Hegedűs Bacskai Viven (Niregyháza)
Second Place: Román Tamás (Nyiregzháza/Budapest)
First Place: Gelsi Eszter (Niregyháza)


Tamás and Eszter will be sponsored by the HSBC Bank for their trip to London in May to compete in the international final speaking competition.

Kudos goes to Judit Borszeki for co-ordinating the detail of the competition throughout the country, Steve Jones, President of the New ESU in Hungary, for overseeing the event and Oxford University Press for providing prizes. And, of course, a very special Thank You to Great Britain’s Ambassador Mr. Greg Dorey, for his opening remarks and for presenting the winners’ medals.

Words by Gary Lukatch for XpatLoop.com

Photos: Steve Jones

HMA Greg Dory (pictured above) said, "For over 90 years the English-Speaking Union has dedicated itself to the promotion of international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language. With over 50 overseas ESUs in countries in every part of the world, and with nearly a quarter of the world’s population speaking English to some level, the ESU's mission to bring people together and share their experiences has never been more relevant. Today’s competition represents many of the ESU’s main objectives, to encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of English; to focus on key current affairs issues and promote English in public speaking."