RIT hosts public speaking contest

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Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Communication is sponsoring a public speaking contest for undergraduate students who present a compelling 3-minute story about their research or creative work and its significance.

Previous public speaking contests offered by the School of Communication were usually intended for students taking public speaking classes. This competition is intended to include undergraduate students from any RIT college and major.

“We know that not every undergraduate has done research, but many of them have produced something of their own, whether it is photography, an ad campaign, a video game, a software application or a film,” said Elizabeth Reeves O’Connor, principal lecturer and director of Undergraduate Studies in Advertising & Public Relations and Communication. “This provides an even playing field for anyone interested in presenting their work.”

The deadline to apply is March 31. Entries should follow the contest guidelines and be videotaped. From the entries, 10 finalists will be invited to make their presentations before a live audience from 1 to 1:50 p.m. April 10 in Ingle Auditorium.

A panel of judges composed of industry experts, RIT faculty and alumni will award the top three winners $250, $150 and $100 respectively. Any current RIT undergrad may enter as long as they are taking at least one class or on a co-op assignment. The presentations must not be longer than three minutes, and one static slide should be used. No additional props will be allowed.

O’Connor said one reason the department’s public speaking contests were established was to help students be better prepared in the workplace.

“Numerous industry workforce reports, university alumni surveys and academic studies have long stressed the importance of strong communication abilities for all college graduates to excel, especially among STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates,” she said.