By Anna Dickinson, Currier Times Staff///

To celebrate the 145th anniversary of Curry College, the first annual President’s Speaking Contest is being held! The event, on November 13th, aims to showcase the diverse talent of the student body and to encourage creativity and confidence in public speaking. It’s an amazing opportunity to work on developing your public speaking skills. 

President Jay Gonzalez was looking to highlight the amazing speakers on campus and worked with the Communication Department to create the speaking contest. The college began as the School of Expression in 1879, with its roots coming from today’s Communication Department. President Gonzalez, himself, is one of the judges of the contest.

The contest is open to all students, regardless of their major. Participants are invited to make and present an original informative or persuasive speech that lasts about three to five minutes.

An informative speech aims to educate the audience about a certain topic. The primary goal is to convey knowledge and increase understanding rather than entertain.

A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or belief. The primary goal is to influence thoughts and behaviors rather than just inform the audience.

Professor Vicki Nelson, a Communication and Public Speaking teacher, is urging students to sign up.

“We are excited to have a good number of people,” said Nelson.

She also said it will be helpful for the speakers to have a great audience.

“I hope people come to listen,” said Nelson. “Having an audience, besides the judges, when giving a speech makes the speaker feel appreciated. It would be good to see a good number of people show up to give support to the speakers.”

There will be a first place winner and a second place winner from each category. Each first place winner will win $100 and each second place winner will win $50.

Stella Holmes, a freshman Nursing major, thinks the money award is great.

“That’s awesome and a really nice reward,” said Holmes.

Catherine Ventura, a senior Nursing major, was also enthusiastic.

“It’s definitely a good incentive,” said Ventura.

Samantha Sprissler, a freshman Psychology major, wasn’t ready to sign up just yet!

“I think it’s kinda cool,” said Sprissler. “But I’m not personally interested in doing it because I’m not great with public speaking.”

Will Scoufaras, a senior Communication major, said there might be a lot of interest due to financial constraints many students have.

“All I really know about the contest is that it exists and there’s a $100 prize,” said Scoufaras. “I think it’s a cool opportunity for students to get a money prize like that because not everybody has an on-campus job.”

The four winners of the contest will also be invited to have lunch at the President’s house.

The deadline to apply for the contest is October 30th. Click on this link to register: President’s Speech Contest Registration Form.

The speeches will be held in the Hafer Parents Lounge on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00 pm. Students will be notified of their entry status by November 4th.