OSU Speech Night competition to showcase top student presenters
Friday, March 29, 2024
Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Department of Psychology will host its 2nd annual Speech Night competition on Tuesday, April 2, with guest judges Anne Greenwood, Joe Akin, Simon Ringsmuth and First Cowboy Darren Shrum.
“Students deliver awesome speeches in our classes but their audiences are typically only their classmates,” said psychology teaching instructor Megan Linsenmeyer. “We really want to give OSU’s exceptional speakers another venue to share their ideas, highlight their speech delivery skills and compete for awards and trophies.”
Student speakers will compete in informative and persuasive speech categories before the four-judge panel. Participants have conducted extensive research and worked with faculty mentors to refine their speeches. The finalists include:
Informative Speeches
- Larkin Riddle: "Before You Buy Your First Boots"
- Grace Kraeer: "Attention Spans"
- Cassidy Underhill: "Celiac's Disease"
- Dennis McGrath: "Walking Among the Wounded"
- Sam Salley: "Hedy Lamarr"
Persuasive Speeches
- Alli Themer: "Cancel Diet Culture"
- Maria Pius: "Why You Should Learn Another Language"
- Grace White: "Why Academic Pressure Causes Depression and Anxiety in College Students"
- Daniel Aanerud: "The Benefits of Cold Water Immersion"
- Rhyan Mask: "How to Behave Around Service Dogs"
- The first-place winner of each category will receive a $250 scholarship.
In addition to the speeches, the evening will include door prizes, games and an appearance by Pistol Pete. The event — which will take place in Classroom Building Room 313 from 7-9 p.m. on April 2 — is free and open to the public.
Story By: Jade Dudley, CAS graduate assistant | jade.dudley@okstate.edu