The Vicki Stanton Public Speaking Showcase will be held at the Plaster Student Union Theater on Nov. 24. Preliminary rounds are at 3 and 4 p.m., with the final round from 5:30-7 p.m.

What is the Public Speaking Showcase?

About 50 students will give speeches, representing each Missouri State COM 115 section. Students who aren’t speaking are encouraged to come to the final round and watch the semester’s best speakers. Audience members will have a chance to give their own opinion as part of COM 115 class assignment.

Preliminary and final rounds

Participants will present a persuasive speech in front of a panel of judges in two preliminary rounds, competing against up to five other students for the top rankings in the round. Preliminary judges are communication department instructors and teaching assistants.

Once preliminary scores are tabulated, the judges then advance up to five top speakers to the final round. The final judging panel is comprised of University faculty and community members.

Winning speech criteria

Students are judged based on speech organization, creation of sound arguments, proving evidential support, creativity, delivery, and connection with the audience.

For more information, contact Jerri Lynn Kyle by email or at 417-836-6323.