ESU

Online event: Are some born to be better and more civil public speakers?
2020-09-23 19:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom Webinar
Exploring the formation of belief and how genes, traits and experiences shape our views, Dr Hannah Critchlow, broadcaster and neuroscientist at Cambridge University, examines the concept of free will and asks whether we can ever really change anyone else’s – or even our own – minds. She will be joined by Heidi Allen, Former MP for South Cambridgeshire, and Dr Paul Beresford-Hill, Chairman of the ESU of the US.
Event summary:
‘Are some born to be better and more civil public speakers?’ Dr Hannah Critchlow, broadcaster and neuroscientist at Cambridge University, examines the concept of free will and asks whether we can ever really change anyone else’s – or even our own – minds.
Hannah explores the formation of belief and how genes, traits and experiences shape our views. Numerous scholars are now investigating how the different profiles of brains are associated with different ideologies. It is claimed that the brains of those with very conservative views have a much larger volume and a much more sensitive amygdala – the area of the brain that is involved in perceptions of fear. Those of more liberal inclination seem to have a greater weighting on the region of the brain that is engaged with future planning and more collaborative endeavour. Liberals look to the future and seem less sensitive to immediate threats. This leads to questions about how neuroscience might affect how we change our minds and go about winning an argument. The study has, therefore, key implications for those working on questions of civility, persuasiveness, and divisiveness in public discourse, suggesting that the way in which we build up perceptions of the world strengthens the way in which we ignore contrary views and evidence.
A discussion will follow led by our distinguished panel guests Heidi Allen, Former MP for South Cambridgeshire, and Dr Paul Beresford-Hill, Chairman of the ESU of the US.
Chaired by ESU Chair, Professor James Raven, the debate and Q&A session will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, 23 September at 7.30pm (BST).
Reserve your ticket here: https://civilpublicspeakers.eventbrite.co.uk

London Branch: talk by author Andrew Lownie on his book 'THE MOUNTBATTENS: Their Lives and Loves'
2020-09-14 18:30 - 20:30 | English-Speaking Union, Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London, England, W1J 5ED, United Kingdom
The English-Speaking Union invites you to an evening at Dartmouth House with Historian Andrew Lownie who will deliver a fascinating talk on his joint biography of the lives of Earl Mountbatten of Burma and his wife Edwina.
Wine & nibbles from 6.30pm the talk will start 7.00pm sharp
Discover more about the charismatic character of the Earl of Mountbatten with lives touching the history of the 20th century, it is a rich story whose characters include: all the key figures of the Second World War from Churchill, Macmillan, Eden, Montgomery to Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Stilwell and Chiang Kai-Shek; The Royal Family; and stars of stage and screen Charlie Chaplin, Agatha Christie, Noel Coward, Joan Crawford, and Cary Grant.
tickets:
ESU Members £15
Non-members & guests £20
Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of The Mountbattens: Their Lives & Loves after the event.

ONLINE EVENT: THE INCIVILITY PROBLEM - HAS SOCIAL MEDIA MADE CONVERSATION LESS CIVIL?
2020-07-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Webinar
Most of us think that new media have made public discussion and pronouncements less civil. Is this true and if so what are the consequences for public debate and communication? Do please join us online on Thursday, 23 July at 7.30pm BST for the first in a series of events in which a distinguished panel will share their thoughts on the issues at hand.
The event will open with a short presentation from Texas by Prof. Emily Sydnor, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Southwestern University and author of Disrespectful Democracy: The Psychology of Political Incivility.
She writes: ‘research demonstrates that negativity and rudeness in politics have been increasing for decades. But how does this tide of impolite-to-outrageous language affect our reactions to media coverage and our political behaviour?’ She argues that ‘citizens now need to be able to tolerate or even welcome incivility in the public sphere in order to participate in the democratic process. Yet individuals who are turned off by incivility are not brought back in by civil presentation of issues.’
The discussion, chaired by Prof. James Raven, Chair of the ESU, will be led by our panel: Teresa Bejan, Associate Professor of Political Theory in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford and author of Mere Civility: Disagreement and the Limits of Toleration, and David Howarth, Professor of Law and Public Policy at the University of Cambridge, former MP for Cambridge, and former Electoral Commissioner.
A donation of £10 per person is suggested.
Reserve your space here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-incivility-problem-tickets-113559678054

South Wales Branch: ESU Members’ Garden Party
2020-07-23 17:30 | Lincolnshire
ESU Members’ Garden Party at Dyffryn House (NT) Vale of Glamorgan. More details and tickets available by emailing esuswb@gmail.com. Directions and ticket prices available on request.

Oxfordshire Branch: Annual Dinner
2020-07-03 | Jesus College, Oxford, Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DW, United Kingdom
On 3 July 2020, Oxfordshire Branch hosts their Annual Dinner at Jesus College, Oxford.
To book a place or for any further information about the dinner, please contact Jan at janetstokescarter@hotmail.com

Grand Final of the ESU Performing Shakespeare at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon
2020-06-21 | The English-Speaking Union, 37 Charles Street, London, England, W1J 5ED, United Kingdom
We regret that this event has been postponed until further notice. For more information please call 020 7529 1550 or email competitions@esu.org.

South Wales Branch: ESU Introduction Evening
2020-05-27 18:30 | Lincolnshire
Introduction Evening hosted and sponsored by Cardiff solicitors, Hugh James, who have made available their spectacular 7th floor hospitality suite with terrace and magnificent views over the Cardiff skyline. More details and tickets available by emailing esuswb@gmail.com. Directions and ticket prices available on request.

Devon & Exeter Branch: Lunch & Talk by Fran Unsworth “The Public Service Role of the BBC..."- CANCELLED
2020-05-22 12:30 - 15:00 | Exeter Golf & Country Club, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX277AE, United Kingdom
We regret that this event has been cancelled.
Join Devon & Exter Branch for Lunch followed by an informative talk on “The Public Service Role of the BBC in the Gathering and Broadcasting of News and Current Affairs” by Fran Unsworth.
Francesca Mary (“Fran”) Unsworth is a journalist and media executive. Fran began her broadcasting career in local radio, working in Leicester and Bristol, before becoming producer of Radio 1’s Newsbeat. In 1990 she moved to Radio 4 and was based in Washington as a radio producer for the network during the Gulf crisis of 1990–1991. She later worked as a producer on The World at One and PM. She transferred to the BBC’s Newsgathering Department in 1993, where she was a producer and editor for the BBC One O’Clock News and the BBC Six O’Clock News. Fran was appointed Head of Newsgathering in January 2005.
Since January 2018 she has been Director, News & Current Affairs for BBC News. She has served in various senior positions in the BBC, including director of the BBC World Service and a member of the BBC’s executive board.
With that extensive experience of broadcasting news and current affairs, Fran will discuss the modern public service role and function of the BBC as news gatherer and broadcaster.
Application for places at speakers’ events should be made in writing to the Dining Secretary, Mr. Philip Maunder, Pennies, 46 Pound Lane, Topsham EX30NA with a separate cheque for each event, made payable to ‘ESU Devon and Exeter’. Cheques will not be presented for payment until the day after the event.

Literary event: Hugo Vickers talk on 'The Life of Gladys Deacon, Duchess of Marlborough'
2020-05-19 18:30 - 20:30 | The English-Speaking Union, 37 Charles Street, London, England, W1J 5ED, United Kingdom
The English-Speaking Union invites you to a reception at Dartmouth House followed by a talk by Hugo Vickers who will discuss his book The Sphinx: The Life of Gladys Deacon – Duchess of Marlborough
About the book:
One of the most beautiful and brilliant women of her time, Gladys Deacon dazzled and puzzled the glittering social circles in which she moved. Born in Paris to American parents in 1881, Gladys emerged from a traumatic childhood – her father having shot her mother’s lover dead when Gladys was only eleven – to captivate and inspire some of the greatest literary and artistic names of the Belle Epoque. Marcel Proust wrote of her, ‘I never saw a girl with such beauty, such magnificent intelligence, such goodness and charm.’
Gladys was to spend her last years in the psycho-geriatric ward of a mental hospital, where she was discovered by a young Hugo Vickers. Forty years on, Vickers has now completely rewritten and revised his original biography, updating it with previously unavailable material and drawing on his own personal research all over Europe and America. He once asked Gladys, ‘Where is Gladys Deacon?’ She answered him slowly, ‘Gladys Deacon? . . . She never existed.’
The Sphinx is a fascinating portrait of this elusive but brilliant woman who was at the centre of a now bygone era of wealth and privilege – and a tribute to one of the brightest stars of her age.
About the author:
Hugo Vickers is a writer, lecturer and broadcaster, and an acknowledged expert on the British Royal Family. He has written biographies of the Queen Mother, Gladys, Duchess of Marlborough, Cecil Beaton, Vivien Leigh, Princess Andrew of Greece and the Duchess of Windsor. The Sphinx has been a forty-year journey for him since his first meeting with Gladys Deacon in 1975.
Reception from 6.30pm the talk will start at 7.00pm sharp

Oxfordshire Branch: Visit to Grey's Court
2020-05-19 | Grey’s Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 4PG, United Kingdom
Oxfordshire branch hosts a visit to Grey’s Court at Rotherfield Greys, for a tour of the gardens and house.
To book a place or for any further information about the visit, please contact Jan at janetstokescarter@hotmail.com

2020 International Public Speaking Competition Grand Final
2020-05-15 13:00 - 17:00 | The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London, England, W1S 4BS, United Kingdom
The ESU International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) is the world’s largest competition of its kind. Bringing together participants, aged 16-20, from over 50 countries for a week of cultural exchange and competition, the IPSC is one of the ESU’s flagship programmes.
The Grand Final will see the very best 6-8 young performers deliver their speech, and follows the competition heats held earlier in the week.
Tea and coffee will be provided from 1pm, and the final itself will commence at 2pm sharp.
This page is for individuals to register for this event. Free group attendance is available for UK students and teachers. Please email events@esu.org to reserve up to 20 places per school, subject to availability.

Performing Shakespeare Competition South East Area Final
2020-05-11 16:30 - 20:30 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition London (North East) Area Final
2020-05-07 15:30 - 19:30 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition North West Area Final B
2020-05-07 14:00 - 18:00 | Lincolnshire

West Sussex Branch: Visit to Leonardslee Lakes And Gardens
2020-05-07 11:00 | Lincolnshire
The ESU visit to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens will take place on 7 May 2020.
Attendees will meet at the entrance at 11:00 AM.
Address- Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP
For more information regarding pricing and timings please contact adrienneon42@hotmail.com

Performing Shakespeare Competition East Area Final B
2020-05-06 14:00 - 18:00 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition East Area Final A
2020-05-05 14:30 - 18:30 | Lincolnshire

ESU Reception and violin recital with Juliette Roos
2020-05-04 18:30 - 20:30 | The English-Speaking Union, 37 Charles Street, London, England, W1J 5ED, United Kingdom
ESU Dartmouth House: Violin recital with Juliette Roos

Join us at Dartmouth House, home of the English-Speaking Union for a drinks reception followed by a violin recital by Juliette Roos.
Programme:
Telemann Fantasy no.1 in A major
Ysaye Solo Sonata no.5 op.27
Sibelius 5 pieces for violin and piano op.81
Syncopation by Kreisler
Recital begins at 7pm sharp
Tickets are £28 for members and £35 for guests.
All proceeds from this performance will support the English-Speaking Union’s Educational Programmes, helping young people to communicate the thrive.
Juliette is currently a Fellow at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, investing in her chamber playing as well as solo repertoire throughout a busy 2019 schedule.
With The Accendo Quartet, Juliette has won first prizes in the St. James Quartet Competition 2017 and the CAVATINA Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition 2018. A recent review of Bartók’s String Quartet no.2 at the Barbican Hall, London, noted “The Accendo Quartet embraced the work’s searing, mysterious intensity…the music brilliantly showcased the young ensemble’s qualities.” (Ivan Hewett, Daily Telegraph). Other highlights in 2018 for Juliette included The Four Seasons and Yellow Barn chamber music festivals in USA, the Alderney Chamber Music Festival, a live broadcast of works by Julian Anderson for BBC radio 3, quartet concerts across Europe as well as recitals in London and Switzerland.
Since returning to London for her Master’s degree at GSMD, studying with David Takeno, Juliette has collaborated in various chamber groups with notable performances at Barbican Concert Hall, LSO St. Luke’s and St. Johns Smith Square, London. She was awarded a full scholarship for her studies and given generous support from the Countess of Munster Trust and won the Manoug Parikian award from the Help Musicians Foundation.
The fourth generation of a musical family, Juliette was born in London and began her violin studies at the age of 5. She joined the Royal Academy of Music, Junior Department and, between 2006-2008, lived in Singapore where she enjoyed her first performance with full orchestra, Sarasate’s “Ziguenerweisen”.
In 2008, Juliette won entry to the Yehudi Menuhin School to pursue her music centered education, studying with Lutsia Ibragimova. Her passion for chamber music developed at YMS alongside her soloistic successes, including The Walter Todd Bursary Prize at the BBC Young Musician 2012 contest where the Strings Final jury described her playing as “absolutely spellbinding.” Subsequent engagements included concerto performances across the UK.
Juliette has played in master classes for many leading professors including Zakhar Bron, Shmuel Ashkenazy, Donald Weilerstein, Takaya Urakawa, Lydia Mordkovitch and Ida Kavafian. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the Haute Ecole de Musique, site de Sion, Switzerland under the tutelage of Pavel Vernikov and, in 2015, she was multiple prizewinner at the Kloster Schöntal International violin competition in Germany.

ESU Music: Drinks reception and violin recital with Juliette Roos
2020-05-04 18:30 - 20:30 | The English-Speaking Union, 37 Charles Street, London, England, W1J 5ED, United Kingdom
Join us at Dartmouth House, home of the English-Speaking Union for a drinks reception followed by a violin recital by Juliette Roos.
Programme:
Telemann Fantasy no.1 in A major
Ysaye Solo Sonata no.5 op.27
Sibelius 5 pieces for violin and piano op.81
Syncopation by Kreisler

Drinks reception from 6.30, recital begins at 7pm sharp
Tickets are £28 for members and £35 for guests. All proceeds from this performance will support the English-Speaking Union’s Educational Programmes, helping young people to communicate the thrive.
Juliette is currently a Fellow at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, investing in her chamber playing as well as solo repertoire throughout a busy schedule.
With The Accendo Quartet, Juliette has won first prizes in the St. James Quartet Competition 2017 and the CAVATINA Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition 2018. A recent review of Bartók’s String Quartet no.2 at the Barbican Hall, London, noted “The Accendo Quartet embraced the work’s searing, mysterious intensity…the music brilliantly showcased the young ensemble’s qualities.” (Ivan Hewett, Daily Telegraph). Other highlights in 2018 for Juliette included The Four Seasons and Yellow Barn chamber music festivals in USA, the Alderney Chamber Music Festival, a live broadcast of works by Julian Anderson for BBC radio 3, quartet concerts across Europe as well as recitals in London and Switzerland.
Since returning to London for her Master’s degree at GSMD, studying with David Takeno, Juliette has collaborated in various chamber groups with notable performances at Barbican Concert Hall, LSO St. Luke’s and St. Johns Smith Square, London. She was awarded a full scholarship for her studies and given generous support from the Countess of Munster Trust and won the Manoug Parikian award from the Help Musicians Foundation.
The fourth generation of a musical family, Juliette was born in London and began her violin studies at the age of 5. She joined the Royal Academy of Music, Junior Department and, between 2006-2008, lived in Singapore where she enjoyed her first performance with full orchestra, Sarasate’s “Ziguenerweisen”.
In 2008, Juliette won entry to the Yehudi Menuhin School to pursue her music centered education, studying with Lutsia Ibragimova. Her passion for chamber music developed at YMS alongside her soloistic successes, including The Walter Todd Bursary Prize at the BBC Young Musician 2012 contest where the Strings Final jury described her playing as “absolutely spellbinding.” Subsequent engagements included concerto performances across the UK.
Juliette has played in master classes for many leading professors including Zakhar Bron, Shmuel Ashkenazy, Donald Weilerstein, Takaya Urakawa, Lydia Mordkovitch and Ida Kavafian. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the Haute Ecole de Musique, site de Sion, Switzerland under the tutelage of Pavel Vernikov and, in 2015, she was multiple prizewinner at the Kloster Schöntal International violin competition in Germany.

Performing Shakespeare Competition East Midlands Area Final B
2020-05-04 14:00 - 18:00 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition Thames Area Final
2020-04-30 15:00 - 19:00 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition East Midlands Area Final A
2020-04-30 14:00 - 18:00 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition West Midlands Area Final
2020-04-29 13:30 - 17:30 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition London (South East) Area Final
2020-04-28 16:30 - 20:30 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition London (North West) Area Final
2020-04-28 10:30 - 14:30 | Lincolnshire

Performing Shakespeare Competition West Area Final
2020-04-27 13:30 - 17:30 | Lincolnshire

ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition 60th Grand Final
2020-04-25 13:15 - 16:45 | Churchill College, University of Cambridge, Storey's Way, Cambridge, England, CB3 0DS, United Kingdom
Come and see our work in action as one of the oldest continuously running public speaking competitions in the UK reaches its final stage.
The Grand Final is the culmination of five months of Public Speaking competitions throughout England and Wales. The young speakers have got through over 80 local branch heats and finals, and eight regional finals to make it to the Grand Final.
The competition involves two teams of three (speaker, chair and questioner) competing against each other in front of an audience of supporters. The speaker talks on a pre-agreed topic, the questioner challenges the speaker on points within their speech and the chair manages the proceedings and questions from the audience. The competition is designed for Key Stage 3 & 4 students, with around 400 teams entering each year. Students have proved the power of their speech writing and presenting skills, have had their knowledge of topical issues tested, and demonstrated the ability to think on their feet.
The passion and talent of these young speakers are always a highlight of our educational calendar – with a range of topics under discussion, this is bound to be an event to make you think. This National Final is a showcase for the very best of Speaking, Chairing and Questioning in the UK.

60th ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition Grand Final
2020-04-25 | Churchill College Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Storey's Way, Cambridge, CB3 0DS, United Kingdom

Performing Shakespeare Competition London (South West) Area Final
2020-04-23 16:00 - 20:00 | Lincolnshire

English Speaking Union Competition Entry
2020-04-22 19:00 - 2020-10-01 22:00 | Lincolnshire
This is the place to register for all ESU secondary school competitions

Register here to take part in:
Schools’ Mace Debating (years 7-13)
ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition (years 9-11)
Performing Shakespeare (years 7-9)

Public Speaking competition:

Challenges students to engage with wide-ranging cross-curricular topics, while helping to meet National Curriculum speaking and listening targets
Regular hints, tips and resources which you can use to improve oracy skills in your classroom
Years 9-11
£45 per team (up to two teams per school)
Heats from November to February, grand final in April
