An international public speaking contest will take place in Bermuda next month.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda High School said more than 120 high school students from around the world will participate in the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition from October 17 to 20.

BHS and Saltus Grammar School are co-hosting the event and the schools’ respective public-speaking coaches, Jennifer Burland Adams and Christianna Dakin, are its conveners.

The spokeswoman added: “Local teams from BHS, Saltus and Warwick Academy will also take centre stage, competing head-to-head with some of the brightest student speakers from around the world.

“Participants will demonstrate their skills in categories such as impromptu speaking, news podcast, parliamentary debate, persuasive speaking, dramatic interpretation and more.

“This is only the second time in its history that the IISPSC has been hosted outside Canada or the United States.”

Participating overseas schools include Branksome Hall, Lauremont School and West Point Grey Academy in Canada, as well as Deerfield Academy and The Hotchkiss School in the US.

Ms Burland Adams and Ms Dakin, both of whom established the Spring Public Speaking and Debating Tournament to prepare for the event, explained: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for Bermuda’s students to sharpen their public speaking skills against some truly world-class competitors, all without leaving the island.

“This event fosters creativity and showmanship and helps students build critical thinking, teamwork and collaboration skills.

“We’re ready to deliver an unforgettable experience for our visitors, and we can’t wait to see what Bermuda’s students will accomplish on this global stage.”

Volunteer judges are needed for the competition, which will be hosted at BHS on October 17 and 18 and Saltus on October 19 and 20.

• No judging experience is required and interested persons can apply via iispsc2024.weebly.com