About

Held each Easter semester, 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. The 2026 Festival will feature three events: a Keynote Address by a respected Rhetoric teacher/scholar, an public debate on a controversial topic led by the Sewanee Debate Union, and a Public Speaking Contest for "champions" selected by their classmates from sections of RHET 101: Public Speaking. The Festival's goal is to promote the arts of speaking and listening well for the campus as well as local community. All are invited to join us in this multi-day event!

2026 Festival Dates 

  1. Festival Keynote Address (April 20)
  2. SDU Debate (April 21)
  3. Public Speaking Contest (April 22)

Keynote Address

April 20, Naylor Auditorium (Gailor Hall), 4:30 p.m.

Sewanee Debate Union

April 21, Location TBA, 7:00 p.m.

Public Speaking Contest

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