Campus-wide speaking competition honors James Robert Sullivan, the "Eloquent Orator"

Students who want to perfect their public speaking ability will have an opportunity to participate in "The Sully Speaks," a new competition developed to showcase the importance of communication excellence.  The event was devised by alumnus Brent Sullivan, '04, along with Andrew Ryan, '06, and students and faculty.   A cash prize pool of $1,000 will be awarded to the top speakers. The competition is intended to promote "pragmatic public speaking for the business world," Sullivan said. "Power Point would not be the way to go," added Ryan.
 
To compete, students need to submit a 5- to 10-minute video of themselves discussing the topic "Persuade Us to Change Our Minds and Lives." Due by Feb. 4, the videos can be submitted online or on CD or DVD. The tape may be personally recorded or created with the aid of Speech Center technology.  Six finalists will be selected on February 15, and they will present their final talks before a campus audience on February 26. Judges from the Richmond area will select first-, second- and third-place winners. A cash prize of $500 will go to the top speaker with the other five finalists receiving $100 for their outstanding efforts in reaching the final panel of judges.
 
For more information about the contest, students can contact Dr. Kevin Kuswa, director of debate; Mrs. Linda Hobgood, director of the Speech Center; or Ms. Shirley Woods, director of professional development in the Robins School of Business.    
 

Submission Details

Submissions are due by Monday, February 4, at 5:00pm.  DVD/VHS/CD submissions can be sent to:

"Sully Speaks"
Department of Rhetoric and Communication Studies
Weinstein Hall 400

Links to YouTube or other online uploads can be e-mailed to Kevin Kuswa.  Type "Sully Speaks" and your name in the message title.
 

Final Speeches

Any and all undergraduate students who submitted speeches/presentations via a video taping are invited to a reception on Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Court Reception Room. Out of all the recorded speeches submitted via either YouTube or recorded CD/DVD format, six finalists will be selected to present live before a studio audience and expert panel of judges from various backgrounds within the community.
 

Speech Topic 

PERSUADE US TO CHANGE OUR MINDS AND LIVES.
 

Judging criteria

1.    Did this speaker set themselves apart from the rest of the field utilizing creative and complex solutions to address the change in question?
       
2.    Did this speaker integrate critical thinking skills as a functional tool within all areas of the speech?
       
3.    Was the communication delivered in a highly effective manner that was convincing, persuasive and genuine?
       
4.    Did the speaker initiate, lead and plan to create change through a call to action?
       
5.    Did the speaker engage in appropriate ethical and professional thought while taking into consideration the socioeconomic, cultural and intellectual differences of the community where change is needed?

Posted November 1, 2007