Every year, the PSA UK & Ireland celebrates new, fresh voices who want to step up, speak out and shape what comes next.
It is with this in mind, that we are delighted to announce that entries are now open for the PSA UK and Ireland’s Emerging Speaker of the Year Award 2026 contest.
If you’re an Associate member who wants to shine, that has a message worth sharing, then this could just be your moment to lean in, step up, and let your voice do what it’s meant to do – make an impact.
What is Emerging Speaker of the Year Award All About?
The Emerging Speaker of the Year (ESY) Award exists to spotlight speakers who are ready to elevate their craft, not someday but today. It’s for the speaker who feels the nudge to grow but sometimes resists, the speaker who wants to speak more but often holds themselves back.
If you’re an Associate member thinking, “Maybe this is the year…,” then yes, this is THE YEAR. Let 2026 be the year that you step up.
Why enter?
You don’t have to take the PSA’s word for it. If you were to ask anyone who stepped onto the ESY stage or the Speaker Factor stage, (what the previous competition was called), then this is what you’ll hear…
“A great decision.”
“A challenge – but so worth it.”
“I learned so much about myself as a speaker.”
“I finally got crystal clear on what I speak about.”
“The camaraderie was incredible.”
“It elevated my speaking more than I ever expected.”
There’s something really powerful about compressing your message into five minutes – it forces you to be clear, focus on one message, one story.
It’s 300 seconds of you communicating what you stand for.
Now the Practical Bits…
1. How long do you need to speak for?
5 minutes.
Props are allowed.
Slides aren’t.
Just you, your message, and the audience.
2. Who can enter?
Associate members who have attended two PSA regional events (in any region) as a member, not including the meeting where you’re competing.
If you’ve already competed in ESY or Speaker Factor, this isn’t your competition (but why not go for Professional membership and enter Professional Speaker of the Year Award, run later in the year?)
3. What’s the prize?
Aside from bragging rights and a surge of confidence? A 15-minute main stage speaking slot at IMPACT 2027.
When & Where Are the Heats?
Here are the confirmed heats for 2026:
- London – Jan 13th
- Thames Valley – Jan 15th
- Yorkshire – Jan 24th
- Ireland – Feb 21st
- Staffordshire – Feb 25th
- South East – Mar 3rd
- East Midlands – Mar 4th
- North West – Mar 18th
If your own region’s date doesn’t suit, you can enter ANY region but only ONE region. For regions not listed, contact the Regional President for dates.
Looking for Inspiration?
Take a few minutes and read the Emerging Speaker of the Year 2025 winner Nick Bowen’s blog post about this win. Nick’s talk, “The Power of Belonging,” was a masterclass in storytelling, vulnerability, and leadership. It’s the perfect reminder that ESY is all about being purposeful.
Ready to Enter? Here’s What to Do Next
1. Read the details and apply here:
https://thepsa.co.uk/speaker-factor/emerging-speaker-of-the-year-competition/
2. Craft your winning talk.
Get crafting the best five minute talk of your life – your story, your message.
If 2026 is the year you want to stretch, grow, and be seen, then step up and enter this competition. Give yourself the chance to Shine.
For more information on this award, please visit Emerging Speaker of the Year Competition page. the https://thepsa.co.uk/speaker-factor/emerging-speaker-of-the-year-competition/
