The English Speaking Union

The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is an international educational charity and membership organisation that believes in the power of spoken communication.

Through our educational programmes, competitions, cultural exchanges and advocacy we provide people with the skills to realise their full potential. We believe that good communication is essential to individual, community and cross-cultural development and understanding, and endeavour to ensure it is recognised as such.

The ESU works principally with young people, whilst also offering a number of programmes for school leavers and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities that encourage lifelong learning. All of our programmes help learners to become confident communicators, critical thinkers and empowered citizens.

We run a wide range of educational and cultural programmes, from scholarships for school leavers, teachers and professionals to ground-breaking persuasive speech training and competitions involving hundreds of schools in the UK and internationally.

As a charity we are reliant upon the goodwill and generous efforts of the many people who give up their time and utilitse their skills to support our aims and objectives. Without them, we could not deliver the vital work that is the foundation of our charity. There are a variety of ways people can get involved with the work of the ESU, either as a member, volunteer, mentor or as an alumnus of one our programmes.

As well as supporting the important work we do, membership entitles you to a number of exclusive benefits. It allows you to enjoy our social, educational and cultural programmes, to come to ESU events in the UK and around the world, to meet other like minded individuals including the inspiring young participants of our programmes and to enjoy the facilities of Dartmouth House in London.

To find out more about becoming a member, please visit our Membership page.