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 2027 Festival, held January 25-27 this year, 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!

2027 Festival Dates 

  1. Festival Keynote Address | Monday, January 25
  2. SDU Debate | Tuesday, January 26 
  3. Public Speaking Contest | Wednesday, January 27

Festival Keynote Address

Monday, January 25, Naylor Auditorium (Gailor Hall), 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Sewanee Debate Union Festival Debate

Tuesday, January 26, Torian Room (duPont Library), 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Resolution forthcoming!

Public Speaking Contest

Wednesday, January 27, Torian Room (duPont Library), 7-9 p.m.