#EF Education #Shibuya #Speech Contest #Finalists

The Exciting Journey to the EF Global Speech Contest 2026 Finalists Announced

The EF Global Speech Contest (EFGSC) for 2026 has just unveiled its 16 finalists, selected from a multitude of aspirants across Japan's middle and high schools. Organized by the international education institution, EF Education First Japan—headquartered in Tokyo—this year’s competition is set to showcase the eloquence and creativity of young speakers. The finals will take place on June 7, 2026, at the EF Tokyo Headquarters, located in Shibuya.

A Unique Challenge: Self-Expression through Hashtags

This year’s preliminary round challenge invited students to express themselves using three hashtags. This theme resonates well with today’s youth, who are so accustomed to social media. However, the absence of model answers meant that participants had to rely heavily on their individual perspectives and English language skills, exploring deep personal narratives. The submitted videos were a rich tapestry of different backgrounds and aspirations, and critically assessed on the students' ability to convey their thoughts passionately and authentically.

Rigorous Evaluation Process: 5 Criteria to Determine the Best

A panel of judges meticulously reviewed each speech submission according to five evaluation criteria:

• - Content: Depth and structure of the speech.
• - Language: Vocabulary and expression quality.
• - Delivery: Speaking style and communicative effectiveness.
• - Creativity: Originality and imagination in presentation.
• - Passion: Enthusiasm and commitment to convey their message.

The judges noted a remarkable diversity and zeal in the submissions this year. “We dedicated more time than ever to evaluate the diverse content and energy of the videos. Each applicant showcased unique qualities, making it incredibly challenging to grade them,