How the series works

In this epic elimination show, thousands of 14 to 18 year olds will compete in a series of challenges. They'll need passion, personality and confidence. Week on week they'll be put through their paces to test every aspect of their communication skills.

The Speaker will see tough-talking teens, class jokers and shy, sensitive types go head to head as they learn to talk publicly and passionately about the things that matter to them.

Eventually one of them will become Britain's Best Young Speaker.

The Search

14-18 year olds from across the UK were invited to apply to take part in The Speaker. Their one minute application speeches could be on any subject from pop music to politics or hoodies to homework.

From the entries received our Judges selected 160 Speakers. They were invited to the next stage - the auditions being held in Manchester, London, Cardiff and Glasgow.

At the auditions, the Speakers delivered their one minute speech again, but this time it was in front of the Judging Panel. And they were watched by their competitors and an expectant audience.

The Speakers needed to keep their cool. Only 20 were selected by the Judges to go through to the next stage.

The Top Twenty

From here on in the competition gets tough as the 20 Speakers are put through their paces. They will have to impress the Judges as only eight will progress to the final stages. They will go through a series of challenges that test their communication, conviction and improvisational skills further.

The Top Eight

Over four shows the final eight will be helped by celebrity Mentors. The finalists will be set challenges that will see them learn new skills and put into practice everything they've learnt so far. The locations for these challenges could be anywhere in the world as The Speaker nears its nail-biting and dramatic conclusion.

Each show, their speeches are evaluated by the Judges and their Mentor. The three Speakers who fail to impress the judges will have to go head-to-head in a final speaking challenge. One hopeful youngster is then eliminated from the contest. By the last episode in the series, only three will remain.

The Final

The Speaker Trophy

The final three will face their biggest challenge yet. They will be asked to push themselves even further as they compete to win the title!

They'll have to draw on every piece of advice and experience that they have learnt so far. This is the last chance to deliver the speech of their lives.