Public Speaking
“As long as there are human rights to be defended; as long as there are great interests to be guarded; as long as the welfare of nations is a matter for discussion, so long will public speaking have its place.”
--William Jennings Bryan
“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking … if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
-- Jerry Seinfeld
RIT’s Institute Public Speaking Contest
Fall Quarter 2009-Informative Speech
Preliminary Rounds: October 19 - October 22.
Final Round: October 28 at 10a.m. in the Skalny Room
Registerration for the Public Speaking Contest (for both Students & Judges) is now closed
Beginning in 1988, students from across RIT have competed in the Department of Communication's bi-annual Institute Public Speaking Contest. This venue challenges students to demonstrate a skill that is necessary for personal success, career advancement, and responsible engagement in civic life. Public speaking is central to the foundation of human civilization, a necessary backbone of democracy, and an integral part of a professional and technical advancement
The Department of Communication is committed to improving the communication skills of all students. The Institute Public Speaking Contest aims to increase campus awareness of public speaking and to actively involve students in its practice during the academic year. Traditionally, the Fall Quarter contest is an informative speech and the Spring Quarter contest is a persuasive speech.
Contest participants come from various majors with a wide range of experiences; some are first-time speakers, others are seasoned orators. The contest culminates in a reception honoring all participants with certificates to be added to students' career portfolios. The top three speakers compete for substantial cash prizes.
Fall Quarter 2009-Informative Speech
In 6 - 8 minutes, students seek to infom an audience of RIT students and faculty about an issue relevant to the RIT community -- the topic can be local, regional, national, or international in scope. Participants will have two opportunities to present their speeches before different faculty judges from October 19 - October 22nd. The top three contestants square off in a final round on October 28, 2009 at 10a.m. in the Skalny Room.
First-place prize is $400
Second-place prize is $200
Third-place prize is $100
Public Speaking Contest Registration is now closed.
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Dr. Grant Cos (gccgpt@rit.edu).