Fourteen students spoke competitively about the power of the government executive during the weekend of Feb. 6.
Out of the 25 students who applied, 18 submitted the required speech manuscript for this year’s annual Edward Everett Oratory Competition. The topic was “Of Presidents and Kings: Executive Privilege and the Balance of Power.”
According to Professor of Speech Kirstin Kiledal, the director of the competition, speech topics are chosen by a committee of faculty and administration, who come up with the ideas and decide which prompt will be chosen for that year.
“We start with a series of topics generated [by] numerous faculty members, as well as a running list of those topics that we decide to hold over from year to year,” she said in an email.
The competitors were divided into several groups of four or five students, and gave their speech in front of the other competitors and the judges. Competitors were judged on multiple categories covering the content and structure of the speeches, as well as effective oration. Based on the judges’ markings, the top 10 students are selected to continue on to the semifinal round.
In the semifinal round, the competitors are divided into two groups of five, with each group presenting before two judges. The judging panel consists of Hillsdale College faculty and others invited to participate. Based on the results, five competitors are chosen to compete in the final round of the competition.
Kiledal reported that the competition has run smoothly so far, although the number of competitors is down from last year. She also expressed her anticipation for the final rounds of the competition.
“It is always most interesting to observe how things proceed through the finals,” Kiledal said in an email. “They are generally most telling with regards to the differing perspectives of the speakers and to their engagement with the topic.”
The competitors have responded to the prompt in a variety of ways.
Senior Christopher Landers addressed the Founders’ conception of executive tyranny in regards to the policies of the current administration. Taking a different angle, senior Ian Fury compared the current abuses of prerogative power to those of the American Revolution.
The finalists will have nearly a month to hone their speeches before the final competition, scheduled for March 3 in Markel Auditorium. In the final round, the remaining competitors will give their speeches for a panel of three judges and the attendees.
Sophomore Jonathan Church, one of the finalists, said he has appreciated the opportunity to hone his speaking skills, which he will be able to use as a member of the mock trial team. He also expressed enjoyment at seeing the different angles taken by his fellow competitors.
“It’s wonderful to hear everyone’s speeches,” Church said.
