For a fifth consecutive year, Concordia is participating in Délie ta langue! a nationwide interuniversity competition that celebrates the art of public speaking in French.
Since 2022, Concordia students have taken to the stage, earning awards and representing the university with distinction. Now, with the call for participants open once again, students are invited to share their voices and express their ideas with conviction.
Contestants develop confidence, camaraderie
The competition challenges participants to deliver dynamic, professional presentations that bring French expressions to life. Contestants select meaningful expressions, explore their origins and nuances, and weave them into reflections on contemporary social issues. The result is a performance that is intellectually rigorous and socially relevant.
Last year, political science and sociology student Eva Gonzalez represented Concordia at the event's grand finale. She recalls that both the coaching she received in preparation and the experience itself boosted her confidence.
"This competition helped me develop a real ease with speaking, but also a stronger presence on stage how I hold myself, move and take up space," Gonzalez says.
"One of my best memories was the rehearsal day with the other participants. It was a moment full of kindness and camaraderie, everyone supporting and encouraging each other, helping to ease the nerves. That solidarity made the experience even more valuable."
At the 2024 event, Selma Herrero Lepers, a political science and economics student, earned the jury's fourth prize, valued at $1,000, as well as the Prix du public, valued at $500.
"I felt an incredible energy, an inner peace and a joy I will never forget," she says. "This experience taught me so much: how to express myself clearly, write an impactful speech, take up space and accompany my words with natural gestures."
Reaffirming Concordia's commitment to French
More than just a contest, Délie ta langue! is an opportunity for students to find confidence in French, build community and strengthen their ability to communicate with impact.
As Isabel Dunnigan, associate vice-president of professional education and valorisation du français, notes, "By supporting this event, Concordia reaffirms its commitment to fostering a university community where French is experienced as a catalyst for openness, creativity and inclusion."
The deadline to register for Délie ta langue! is October 26, 2025. The final competition is scheduled for March 30, 2026.
Register now to represent Concordia at the 2026 edition of Délie ta langue!
