| English-Speaking Union | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ESU |
| Motto | Creating global understanding through English |
| Formation | 1918 |
| Type | Educational charity |
| Headquarters | Dartmouth House |
| Location | London |
| Region served | International |
| Official languages | English |
| Chairman | Dame Mary Richardson |
| Website | www.esu.org |
| University Debating |
|---|
| Competitions |
| Styles |
| Organizations |
| University Societies |
The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is an international educational charity which was founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918. The ESU aims to "bring(s) together and empower(s) people of different languages and cultures," by building skills and confidence in communication, such that individuals realize their potential[1]. With almost 40 branches in the United Kingdom and over 50 international branches in countries around the world, the ESU promotes a variety of activities such as debating, public speaking and student exchange programmes, runs conferences and seminars, and offers scholarships, to encourage the effective use of the English language around the globe.
The mission statement of the English-Speaking Union (as stated on its website) is to:
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The ESU was established in 1918 through the efforts of Sir Evelyn Wrench. In 1957 it received a Royal Charter , with Queen Elizabeth II as the royal patron. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been President since 1957. Headquartered at Dartmouth House, Mayfair, London, its many activities are coordinated by the Director-General. The twenty-seven member Board of Governors meets three times a year.[2]
| University Debating |
|---|
| Competitions |
| Styles |
| Organizations |
| University Societies |
In many circles the ESU is best known for its major educational activity, the promotion of debate as an educational tool. The English-Speaking Union Centre for Speech and Debate, established in 1995 to coordinate the organisation's work in persuasive spoken English, is one of the world's major supporters of formal debate. In the United Kingdom it runs the national championships in debating for schools (the ESU Schools Mace, the largest and oldest competition of its kind in the world) and universities (the John Smith Memorial Mace, named after the former Labour party leader John Smith who was a member of the winning team of the competition in 1962 and died in 1994). Other winners of the universities mace include Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats. The ESU also runs competitions in mooting, a form of legal argument, and public speaking. The flagship moot of the ESU is the English Speaking Union Moot.
The Centre teaches debate through outreach programmes, teacher training and the provision of resources. It offers teaching support to overseas ESUs and also selects and trains the England Schools Debating Team which competes in the World Schools Debating Championships each year. The ESU hosted that tournament in London in 1999.
British students, having completed their A-Levels, can spend two or three terms at a private prep school in the United States or Canada during their gap year. In return American students come to British schools. Originally known as the British and American Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Exchange, the programme was created in 1928. Former British ESU student exchange scholars include:
American ESU student exchange scholars include:
Two outstanding British student debaters are chosen each year to tour approximately 30 states over three months. The ESU USA Tour is one of the most prestigious awards in University debating. In return two American debaters visit universities and institutions in the UK. The programme was established in 1922. Alumni of the British team include:
as well as a significant number of MPs, QCs and other notable figures.
The ESU's International Headquarters is located in London, however there are also a number of national branches and associations.
There are more than 50 other International ESUs, whose websites can be found by going to [1], and searching for the country.
The ESU offers funding for places at top conservatoires for music students. Alumni include Tasmin Little and Nigel Kennedy, both violinists.
The ESU places approximately 12 British students in the offices of members of the US Congress and the Assemblee Nationale in Paris each summer, and in turn places American and French students in the offices of MPs at Westminster. The programme has been running since 1986. Alumni include Gordon Carera, editor of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, and Paddy O'Connell, broadcaster.