Speak to Inspire: The Battle of Words — IUCA Hosts an English Public Speaking Contest
Organized by the English Linguistics Program at IUCA, the contest became a space where participants demonstrated not only their English proficiency, but also their ideas, confidence, and leadership potential.
4/5/26
English Linguistics Program
On March 28, the International University of Central Asia hosted the annual English public speaking contest “Speak to Inspire: The Battle of Words”, dedicated to World Speech Day.
The event was organized by the English Linguistics Program, which focuses on developing students’ communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence in public speaking in English.
This year, the contest brought together 26 participants — students from grades 9–11 of secondary schools across Kyrgyzstan and college students. The participants delivered engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring speeches on a wide range of topics, from self-development and stereotypes to technology and human values.
Each speech lasted between 3 and 5 minutes and was accompanied by a presentation. The contest served not only as a platform to demonstrate English proficiency, but also as an opportunity for participants to express their ideas, be heard, and inspire others.
The performances were evaluated by an international jury — instructors of the English Linguistics Program at IUCA: Berlin Barnett (USA), Lovina Aboki (Nigeria), Priska Priest (USA), and Aizhamal Abdyldaeva (Kyrgyzstan).
The winners of the contest were:
🥇 1st place — Iliaz Nurdinov, 3rd-year college student, Translation and Interpretation Studies
🥈 2nd place — Arlen Kurmanbekov, Grade 11, Ak-Bata School
🥉 3rd place — Karina Idyrova, 3rd-year college student, Translation and Interpretation Studies
The winners received prizes — books on personal development focused on building habits, resilience, and achieving goals, while all participants were awarded certificates.
The contest has been held for the fourth year and has become an important part of the university’s academic and extracurricular life, bringing together talented and motivated young people.
The English Linguistics Program at IUCA continues to create an educational environment where students not only learn the language, but also develop confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to express their ideas in an international context.
