The Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) competition is an annual event organised by the Young Members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). It was established in 1964 to challenge young engineers to communicate effectively.  

Purpose: The competition aims to promote the ability to communicate mechanical engineering subjects effectively, focusing on verbal and visual communication. 

Eligibility: Open to any Affiliate, Associate, or Young Member of the IMechE who has been professionally registered for ten years or less. 

Presentation: Competitors give a 20-minute oral presentation on a mechanical engineering topic, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with the judging panel. For example this could be a Uni project, a work project, a hobby or topic of interest which relates to engineering.  

Judging Criteria: 90% of the marks are awarded for presentation skills, and 10% for technical content. 

Heat Prizes: 

1st Prize: £300 and a certificate 

2nd Prize: £200 and a certificate 

The winner will also be invited to attend the regional final held later in year. 

The event is a fantastic opportunity for young engineers to practice communication skills and share their passion for engineering. 

To enter as a contestant, please register your interest by booking a contestant place and return a filled in application form to James watt (Aberdeen YMP chair). Please return by 12pm Friday 21st of March.  Confirmation of place will be confirmed by Monday 24th of March.

Spectators are well to attend and listen to presentations, please book your place under spectator ticket. 

About Competition

Guidance Documents

Contestants Registration Form
Return a filled in form to James Watt


Proposed Running Order

Arrivals                    17:30 - 18:00
Intro and Start         18:00 - 18:10
Contestants 1 - 3      18:10 - 19:40   
Break / Buffet           19:40 - 20:10
Contestants 4 - 5      20:10 - 21:10
Judging                    21:10 - 21:20
Prize Giving              21:20 - 21:30