EThames Business School, Hyderabad’s AI-Native Business School, has launched the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana. The initiative seeks to promote future-ready human skills such as public speaking, storytelling and debating—competencies that are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
The championship comprises three distinct competition tracks. Oratoria is dedicated to public speaking, Narrativa focuses on storytelling, and Dialectica is centred on debating. Students are eligible to participate in any one of these three tracks. Students can participate in any of the three languages such as English/Hindi/Telugu.
TeenOrator Challenge follows a unique four-stage qualification process that places learning before competing. Students begin by self-studying the official guidebook for their chosen track. They then submit a one-minute video explaining the key concepts and insights they have learnt from the guidebook, demonstrating understanding rather than memorisation. Shortlisted students are invited to an online interaction with the EThames Selection Committee, where their communication skills, comprehension and potential are assessed. Only those who successfully complete this process qualify to register for the championship, ensuring that every participant enters the competition with a strong foundation in the art and science of effective communication.
Participating government schools can nominate up to six students across the three championship tracks. All shortlisted participants will benefit from a structured learning and mentoring programme designed to enhance their confidence, communication ability and leadership potential before the championship.
Announcing the challenge, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and former Managing Partner of EY, said, “In a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse, what truly distinguishes people is their ability to communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently. The future belongs not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can communicate it effectively.” TeenOrator equips teenagers with Future Skills, Human Skills, AI-Proof Skills, Leadership Skills and Employability Skills—capabilities that no machine can replace, Kali Prasad added.
Unlike conventional competitions that end with prizes, TeenOrator invests in the participants’ growth. Every shortlisted student will undergo a structured training and mentoring programme led by experienced communication professionals. The programme will help participants refine their public speaking, storytelling and debating skills, build confidence, receive expert feedback and maximise their impact during the championship and beyond making the TeenOrator Challenge an educational experience rather than merely a contest.
Schools across Telangana are invited to nominate talented students and encourage them to participate. The nomination process is already underway, and schools and students can submit their nominations until July 28, 2026. Early registration is encouraged so that participants have adequate time to study the official guidebooks and prepare for the qualification process.
Participants are required to submit their one-minute learning video by August 2, 2026. Based on these submissions, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online selection interview and the list of qualified participants will be announced subsequently
To help students excel in the championship, EThames Business School will organise exclusive training workshops for all qualified participants before August 15, 2026. The Quarter Finals will be held on August 21, 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on August 22, 2026, at the EThames Business School campus in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.
Students can register by completing the online application form.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/X5qbhSAMkCNyHzjW8
