Europe Direct Sligo is delighted to host the Annual Soapbox of 2023.

Have your say in a public speaking competition with three minutes to express your view in categories 16 & under and 17 & over….

“There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter” -Barack Obama

In today’s turbulent times it is more important than ever to build a better future by voting in the EU Parliament Elections

To be in with a chance to win a Samsung tablet you can enter the competition by contacting Europe direct centre in Sligo library for more information and an application form, or download the form using the button below.

Download the Europe Direct Soapbox 2023 Application Form HERE

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules 2023

  • This competition is open to all residents in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Contestants will compete in one of two categories: 1) 16 and under; 2) 17 and over. A regional winner from each category will be selected to go forward to the national final.
  • Contestants will deliver a speech of no more than 3 mins in length relevant to the soapbox topic, in favour or against the motion. The presentation will be made at the regional competition before a public audience and panel of judges. Inappropriate content or language will result in automatic disqualification.
  • To enter the competition, contestants will submit an official application form which is available at europedirect.ie or from any Europe Direct.
  • The order of speakers will be decided by random draw before the event.
  • A library staff member will act as timekeeper for each presentation. At 2 minutes 30 seconds, a bell will be rung to inform of 30 seconds remaining. At 2 minutes 50 seconds, a second bell will ring to inform of 10 seconds remaining. At 3 minutes, the final bell will ring to inform contestant that the full 3 minutes have been reached. Each speaker will have 5 additional seconds to wrap up their speech. Speakers will be informed of the timekeeping procedure in advance.
  • All speeches will be assessed by a panel of judges and equal marks awarded for content, delivery, structure and overall impact. The decision of the judges is final.
  • There must be at least two contestants in each category for the competition to proceed.
  • Previous winners of the regional competition are not eligible to enter in the same category for two subsequent years.
  • The two category winners of the regional competition will qualify for the national soapbox final which will take place in Dublin in late November/early December 2023. In the event of a regional winner being unable to travel, a runner up will be invited to compete at the final in their place.
  • The deadline for receipt of application is [to be completed by each ED locally]
  • Each Europe Direct will contact the winners directly to arrange presentation of the prizes, as soon as possible following the event.
  • Images from the event may be used for promotional purposes by the Europe Direct.