Students seeking a venue to sharpen their oratorical skills or those who simply enjoy being captivated by talented speakers are invited to the annual Public Speaking Competition on Tuesday, April 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at McEwen Hall Room 202.
The competition features speeches in two categories – persuasive and informative – and offers cash prizes to top orators. First place winners in both categories earn $100; second place finishers win $50. There is also a $50 award to the student whose speech earns the most audience votes.
Titles of informative talks in 2013 included, “Environmental Protection of Lake Erie and New York Waterways,” and, “Penguins: the Definition of True Love.” Persuasive speech titles included, “Cheerleading as a Sport,” and “Marriage Equality.” Speeches typically run six to eight minutes.
“The students can choose whatever topic they like; we just ask that they are appropriate,” said Bianca Borrelli of the event sponsor, the Applied Communication Association. Serving as a co-sponsor is the SUNY Fredonia chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America.
Speakers need to pre-register by Friday, April 4, at 5 p.m. To secure a time slot, contact Ms. Borrelli at borr5458@fredonia.edu or Emma Cruz at cruz2671@fredonia.edu. Viewing the competition is free and open to the public.
