About

The Sewanee Festival of Speaking & Listening showcases student speakers from across the university engaging topics of political, legal, social, scientific, cultural, professional, and rhetorical significance. Held each Easter semester, the festival features four standing contests and a new thematic contest each year. Panels of judges select the winners of each contest, and members of the campus and local community are invited to attend. Applications will open in early January 2025 and will be due by March 15, 2025.

2025 Festival Dates 

The 2025 Festival will be held on April 21-24, 2025 and will feature four contests and a keynote speaker:

  1. Festival Keynote Address (April 21)
  2. Speaking Science to the Public Contest (April 22)
  3. Public Speaking in a Non-English Second Language I: Beginning Speakers (April 23)
  4. Public Speaking in a Non-English Second Language II: Advanced Speakers (April 23)
  5. Public Speaking Contest (April 24)

Speaking Science to the Public Contest

April 22, Torian Room, 7-9 p.m.

Public Speaking in a Non-English Second Language I: Beginning Speakers

April 23, Torian Room, 7-9 p.m.

 

Public Speaking in a Non-English Second Language II: Advanced Speakers

April 23, Torian Room, 7-9 p.m.

 

Public Speaking Contest

April 24, Torian Room, 7-9 p.m.