Students will have the opportunity to exercise their rhetoric skills in the Edward Everett Oratory Contest on March 8 at 11 a.m. by delivering a 10-minute speech on Individual Rights and the Common Good in Government. Sponsored by the rhetoric and public address department and the office of the provost, the contest will feature prizes of $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third.
“Eloquence in public discourse remains today, as it always has, an essential element of a traditional liberal-arts education,” the college said in a press release. “At Hillsdale College, our students understand that the defense of freedom and liberty hinges on rational and thoughtful rhetoric.”
Feb. 11 was the deadline to apply. The preliminary competition, which will determine who competes in the finals, will take place on Feb. 26 and 27. The final competition will take place during the events of the Center for Constructive Alternatives IV in the Plaster Auditorium. Each round is open to the public.
Faculty and staff will judge preliminary rounds, and invited judges, including Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn will judge the finals.
“The Edward Everett Prize in Oratory encourages and fosters the spoken word, but at Hillsdale, the students have taken oratory upon themselves,” according to the college. “In class, on the debate team, in student organizations, and even in private debates, Hillsdale College students hone the important craft of discourse.”
Junior Ethan Tong received second place in the 2021 contest and looks forward to participating again.
“I did speech and debate in high school, but I was competing against people who weren’t necessarily the most well-read or deep thinkers,” Tong said. “My experience with the Everett Oratory Competition was different. Everyone in my room had unique thoughts, utilized incredible sources, and presented professionally. I had so much fun presenting my speech to faculty and staff in a competitive environment.”
