Battle of wits and words in ‘A.I. is NOT a Threat to Humanity’ Soapbox debate
This year’s Regional Europe Direct Soapbox public speaking competition takes place in the Dr Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall, The Mall, Waterford on Wednesday, November 6th.
The topic is ‘A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is not a threat to Humanity’ and entrants are invited to deliver a three-minute speech for or against the topic.
The competition, sponsored by the European Commission Representation and supported by Waterford City and County Council, is open to entrants in two categories: ages 16 and under or 17 and over.
Regional winners will go on to represent their region in the national competition at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin on November 26th.
Breda O’Shea, Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council said, “I would encourage young people to enter the Soapbox competition. Whether you’re a proficient public speaker or have a particular viewpoint on the topic, it’s a wonderful experience in expressing your views and it’s also a great confidence booster.
“As well as going on to represent your region in the national finals and have a chance to win €1,000 worth of One4All vouchers, regional winners will receive a prize of an iPad.”
Caoilan Walsh, last year’s winner of the 17 & over category added, “The Soapbox was an absolutely wonderful experience, and I would do it again if I could. I had a wonderful time both from the competition and social aspect. I learned so much about both Irish and EU politics from the study I did for my speech.
“Just taking part was enough for me, but winning was a better feeling than I can ever describe! If you or someone you know is interested in public speaking or the world around you, I would highly recommend entering the soapbox competition.”
The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.
To enter you can download the application form and read the competition rules from the Europe Direct Waterford page https://waterfordlibraries.ie/europe-direct/ or call into any of Waterford’s 12 Library branches. Emailed application forms will be issued with a confirmation of receipt email. Please contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive confirmation.
Closing date for application is 4.30pm, Friday November 1st, 2024.
