Europe Direct Blanchardstown Library - Annual Soapbox Competition 2021

It's time for the annual Europe Direct Soapbox competition again! This is your opportunity to win a fantastic prize and the chance to compete in the National Final.  

The regional soapbox competition is organised every year by the Europe Direct Information Centre based at Blanchardstown Library. This year, we will again be using an online format. Participants are invited to send us their 3-minute presentations by video. These will then be viewed by the panel of judges who will choose a winner.

 

The topic this year is: 

Lies, damned lies and statistics 

Establishing the truth is impossible in today’s world of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda. 

________________________

Bréaga, bréaga mallaithe agus staitisticí 

Tá sé dodhéanta an fhírinne a dheimhniú i ndomhan an lae inniu le mífhaisnéis, bréagaisnéis agus bolscaireacht.  

 

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 as well as winning a fantastic prize.

There is a limit of 20 entrants across both age categories. Therefore, this will be on a first come, first served basis i.e. the first 20 individuals to register will be accepted for the competition. 

 

Click on this link to download an application form:

https://www.librariesireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/file-uploads/2021-10/europe-direct-soapbox-application-2021.docx

 

Completed forms should be sent to  barry.ocarroll@fingal.ie 

 

You will then be sent details of how to send us your video. This will either be via WeSendIt or via WhatsApp. A phone number will be provided when your application is received. Videos can be recorded using a smartphone or webcam. 

The closing date for receiving videos is Thursday 11th November 2020 at 5pm.

You should send your application form well before this to guarantee your place. Only those who have sent an application form can send a video. 

Participants should wear a name tag (first name only) during their videos. 

The panel of three judges will then be sent all videos and will meet online to deliberate. The result will be announced on Friday 26th November in a video posted online. This video will include the two winning entries. Please note that only the two winning entries will be broadcast in the announcement video. By entering the competition, all participants agree to this. 

Winners in both categories will also go forward to the National online final in December with a chance of winning another fantastic prize. 

 

Here is a full list of rules: 

  • 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 and record a video speech of no more than 3 mins in length relevant to the soapbox topic, in favour or against the motion. Inappropriate content or language will result in automatic disqualification.  

  • To enter the competition, contestants will submit an official application form which is available at europdirect.ie or from any Europe Direct and a pre-recorded video of the speech to [email/ dropbox etc to be completed by each ED locally].  All widely used formats of video recording will be accepted [to be edited by ED locally as necessary].   

  • During the recording, each contestant must wear a badge/ sticker with their name and the category in which they are competing.  

  • All speech recordings 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 are not eligible to enter in the same category the year immediately after winning the regional competition.  

  • Each Europe Direct will run an online event where the regional winners are announced, and the regional winning entries are played. Please contact your local Europe Direct for details.  

  • The regional winning entries will be submitted to the national final. A national panel of judges will review regional winning entries in advance of the national final which will take place in early December 2021. All entries will be played and the winners will be announced live during the event.  

  • The deadline for receipt of application and pre-recorded video of the speech 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, having regard to national COVID-19 guidelines.   

  • Images from the event may be used for promotional purposes by the Europe Direct.