Do you have a strong opinion on digital technology? Now is your chance to have your say by participating in the 2024 Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition.
Soapbox will take place in Central Library, Letterkenny on Thursday the 7th of November at 6.30pm.
The topic for this year’s Soapbox is: “AI is not a threat to Humanity”. Entrants will have 3 minutes to argue for or against the motion and the winners will receive an Apple iPad.
Midlands Northwest MEP Maria Walsh will Chair the debate. All speeches will be assessed by a panel of three independent judges and equal marks will be awarded for content, delivery, structure and overall impact.
Kevin McCaul, Manager of Europe Direct Letterkenny, commented “Soapbox provides a great platform for public speaking. It gives participants a chance to voice their opinion on topics which they feel strongly about. Speaking in front of others is also proven to improve self-confidence. Soapbox 2024 offers people from across Donegal their chance to speak up about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Who knows, we might even uncover a future member of the European Parliament. It really is open to anyone who wants to lend their voice to this important topic.”
How to submit an entry
Contestants can compete in one of two categories: 16 years and under or 17 years and over. The regional winner from each category will then go forward to the national final in Dublin on the 26th of November.
If you would like to take part in Soapbox 2024 please email eudirect@donegallibrary.ie for an application form and the competition rules.
Entries for this year’s Soapbox competition will close at 12.30pm on Thursday the 7th of November.
Europe Direct Letterkenny is co-funded by the European Commission and Donegal County Council.
