PCA Department Launches Campus-Wide Public Speaking Contest

The Public Speaking Contest is an opportunity for students to show off their verbal communication abilities with the possibility of earning a cash prize. Participants will give extemporaneous speeches from any class on any topic, demonstrating that communication skills are essential across disciplines.

Preliminary Rounds begin at 5:00 pm where finalists will be selected by expert judges. The Final Round begins at 7:00 pm in Hepburn Hall 128. The public is invited to attend the final round of judging and help us celebrate the exceptional students at SLU. As an audience member, you’ll have the chance to vote for and award your favorite speaker.

Four finalists will receive cash prizes thanks to the generosity of the Maurer Family Foundation. Expert judges will award 1st place ($300) and 2nd place ($100). Those in attendance will vote for an Audience Choice Winner ($300) and Audience Choice Runner-Up ($100).

The contest is open to all St. Lawerence Students, and students can register to compete in the contest using the Public Speaking Contest Sign-Up Form. Registration is limited to the first 40 competitors. Registration closes on November 15, 2023.

For more information, please contact the Public Speaking Contest director, Dr. Ashley Rife at arife@stlawu.edu