Every week during the academic semesters, at Uni Mail starting at 6:15 p.m., the GRS organizes drop-in sessions open to the public that combine training and discussions.
According to studies, 72% of young people have at some point decided not to speak in public—that is, nearly one in four young people.
According to studies again, oral communication skills are consistently ranked as the second most sought-after skill by employers.
The majority of university programs have not included any rigorous oral training since the 19th century.
Few students know how to structure a speech; public speaking is becoming a niche skill.
Existing competitions and events are too sporadic to ensure a real improvement in skills.
The lack of evaluation criteria, guidelines, and an objective framework makes it impossible to achieve controlled progress.
The Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union in England are prime examples of public speaking societies.
The National Speech and Debate Association in the United States brings together more than 140,000 students and coaches each year.
The Fédération Francophone de Débat (FFD) brings together 80 associations across five regional federations in France and French-speaking countries.
Through the creation of the Format Parlementaire Romand (FPD) Union, the SRG has the best of both worlds: the format of international models, adapted to the context of French-speaking Switzerland.
Following the example of these institutions, which have made public speaking the norm rather than the exception, the SRG aims to make oral expression a hallmark of Geneva. For Geneva deserves a platform that lives up to its intellectual and diplomatic heritage.
To foster a culture of rigorous eloquence at the University of Geneva, where precise, well-reasoned, and confident speech once again becomes a hallmark of intellectual and civic distinction.
The Geneva's University Rhetoric Society is dedicated to training, supporting, and challenging students who wish to advance in the art of debate and public speaking through demanding formats, rigorous guidance, and a community built on excellence in oratory.
As the SRG, the GRS has three goals:
The GRS started in September 2026. The SRG was founded in April 2025 and has been officially registered as an association at the University of Geneva since October 30, 2025.
The GRS is composed of members, known as “Associate.” These members are university students; in exceptional cases only, they may be faculty members or external members.
In its mission to promote the art of public speaking, the GRS has created its Extended Community. This community brings together students and external members—who do not hold the status of Sociétaire—with the aim of promoting participation, communication, learning, and the democratization of the art of public speaking.
The GRS is the English sub-branch of the SRG. Therefore, the GRS is governed by the same institutional organs :
In addition to these, the GRS has a designated director.