Display your public speaking skills and share your life lessons by participating in the Tim Russert Department of Communication and Theatre Arts Public Speaking Contest. As part the campus-wide Celebration of Scholarship, the Russert Department hosts a public speaking contest that celebrates the legacy of Tim Russert and the life lessons he shares in his book “Big Russ and Me.” Students have the opportunity to share life lessons in their own words through presenting a 5- to 7-minute informative, persuasive, or argumentative speech exploring this theme with the chance of winning cash prizes.
Participants must be JCU students enrolled in CO 125 Speech Communication in the 2016-2017 academic year. Submissions must include a 100-300 word outline with the entry form below. Speeches must be prepared in advance and delivered with minimal reliance on notecards and no audio-visual technology. Submissions are due by March 22 at 5 p.m. A preliminary round will be held March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Malley Center TV Studio and finalists will deliver speeches on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Malley Center Atrium. Speeches are judged by three community members with ties to the department. We look forward to hearing your stories.
Judging is based on the following criteria:
1. Quality of analysis of the theme (quality of ideas, solid reasoning)
2. Quality of delivery (verbal and nonverbal)
3. Quality of organization (effective introduction and conclusion, focus on ideas)
4. Overall impression (engaging, moving, distinct, creative)
5. Adherence to time limits
Online application: https://johncarrolluniversity.wufoo.com/forms/mnkq3d80h8dyb2/
For further information contact Dr. Finucane, chair of the Russert Department at RussertDepartment@jcu.edu