What is SOfE?

Each year the IMechE's local volunteer groups organise Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) - a competition where you can demonstrate and develop your verbal and visual presentation skills as well as your competence in public speaking.

Effective communication of technical content is essential in every engineering industry, be it when speaking to partners across the globe or even conveying an approach to one of your team members. Many industries face strict guidelines and regulations that they must adhere to - clear and unambiguous communication is key to ensuring your work is represented accurately.

Any topic related to engineering is suitable for this competition. You do not need to provide overly technical content; we only want to understand how you communicate.

Competitors must deliver a 20-minute oral presentation, followed by 10 minutes Q&A with a panel of judges. 90% of the total marks are given for presentation, with only 10% for technical content.

SOFE provides the perfect opportunity to flex your skills and pick up tips to develop them - all with the added bonus of some prize money if you impress the judges!

1st prize: £300 + certificate
2nd prize: £200 + certificate

Plus, a chance to go on to win even more prize money in subsequent finals! 

The North Yorkshire Area Heat will see Young Members from around the area competing for a place in the Yorkshire Region Final. The winners of each Regional Final go on to compete in the National Final later in the year, which is then followed by the Global Final.

Find out more about the competition here:

https://www.imeche.org/get-involved/young-members-network/speak-out-for-engineering

Who is eligible to enter?

• Any Affiliate or Associate IMechE member and Members who have been professionally registered for 10 years or less.
• You must live, work or study in the Yorkshire Region.
  

Joining the IMechE is free for students. Become a member of the IMechE here:
https://imeche.org/membership-registration/become-a-member/affiliate-member

How to enter?

Book a Competition Entrant ticket via the booking link at the top of this page and an Entrant’s Form will be emailed to you. This must be filled in and returned to the event organiser by close of play on the 22nd April 2026. If you experience any issues trying to book a ticket, please contact Aman Kaith (Chair, North Yorkshire Young Members) via the "Send a message" link at the bottom of the page. 

* Deadline date for applications has been extended to 22nd April 2026. *

Important note - this heat will be restricted to a maximum of 10 entrants. 

** Please note - this event has been rescheduled from its original date of 27th April 2026. ** 



Audience members are welcome to attend this event. If you would like to attend as part of the audience, please book an "Audience only" ticket via the booking link at the top of the page or contact Aman Kaith via the "Send a message" link at the bottom of the page, so we can monitor numbers.