APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2024 

Beginning Speakers APPLY HERE

APRIL 23, TORIAN ROOM, 7-9 P.M.

Speakers recite, from memory, a short (between 12 and 24 lines) excerpt from a speech, editorial, poem, play, monologue, or fairytale in a non-English language that is not their primary language. The excerpt should be 2-3 minutes in length and should be preceded by a short (less than 1-minute) original introduction. The introduction should be composed by the speaker in the language of the excerpt to be recited, and should indicate the author, title, year of publication, and a statement of why the excerpt was selected. For purposes of this contest, “beginning speaker” is defined as a student currently enrolled in a 100 and 200-level language course, or a student who has been enrolled in a 100 or 200-level, but not a 300 or 400-level language course. Visuals with English translation of the text are allowed. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Speakers should submit their application to participate on this form that asks for the student’s name, email address, major, year in school, first language, language in which the speech will be delivered, English-language version of the introduction and speech, and your language professor(s) by 15 March 2023. 

The judges will evaluate speakers on the following bases:

  1. The quality of the introduction, including clarity and accuracy in citing and describing the text.

  2. Command of the second language in delivering the introduction and excerpt. 

  3. Clarity and eloquence of the presentation.

  4. Adaptation, where possible, to the largely English-speaking audience.

  5. Adherence to high ethical standards of speaking.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2024 

Advanced SPEAKERS APPLY HERE

APRIL 23, TORIAN ROOM, 7-9 P.M.

Speakers deliver a speech in a non-English language that is not their primary language. Speeches should be 4-5 minutes in length and should focus on the theme of an important historical, literary, or cultural figure, place, text, or event from within the chosen language and/or cultural traditions. For purposes of this contest, “advanced speaker” is defined as a student who is now or has been enrolled in a 5th-semester course or higher. All speakers are required to prepare and submit in advance an English-language manuscript of the speech. Visuals are allowed so long as all text is accompanied by an English translation. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Speakers should submit their application to participate on this form that asks for the student’s name, email address, major, year in school, first language, language in which the speech will be delivered, title of the speech, English-language version of the speech, and your language professor(s) by 15 March 2023. 

The judges will evaluate speakers on the following bases:

  • Knowledge of the subject matter, demonstrated by citation of appropriate evidence, sources, examples, narratives, and authorities.

  • Command of the language in which the speech is delivered.

  • Clarity and eloquence of the speech (it should be well-organized, with appropriate introduction and conclusion and excellent use of language, voice, posture, gestures, eye contact, and audio/visual aids).

  • Adaptation, where possible, to the largely English-speaking audience.

  • Adherence to high ethical standards of speaking.

FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  • Dr. Liesl Allingham (German)
  • Dr. Chris McDonough (Classical Languages)
  • Kathryn Mills (French)
  • Dr. Mark Preslar (Russian)
  • Dr. Yanbing Tan (Chinese)