2018 Oral Advocacy Showcase and Competition

Sophomore Sam Schaefer won the Oral Advocacy Award on Monday, April 23, 2018. Schaefer, a Communication major, delivered a persuasive speech on the need for rethinking the way we interact with our social media accounts. The award was presented at the department’s Oral Advocacy Showcase and Competition.

Also delivering persuasive speeches were four other undergraduate students: Natalie Morgan, Isabella Rocchiccioli, Vincent Roselli and Isabella Marchese, who delivered speeches on North Korean policy, the fight against drink spiking, the importance of meditation and the importance of volunteering at a nursing home.

All five speakers were selected by peers in their respective COMM 1040 Public Communication classes. The winner was determined by a panel of judges that included Jon Mote and Lucian Lu from the Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication as well as David Garr of the Federal Elections Committee. Barry Piatt served as chief judge.

The event was emceed by Allie Oakes, a senior in psychology who was selected by her Professional Speaking professor for her public speaking and leadership skills. Assistant Professor of Communication Katrina Pariera organized the event.