Each year the School of Communication hosts a speech competition. The contest includes one representative from each COM: 201 Effective Speaking section. The final competition awards cash prizes and the champion receives the annual School of Communication Medal in Oratory Award.

The School of Communication’s speech competition is designed to present COM: 201 Effective Speaking students with an opportunity to experience the best principles of oral communication and persuasion in action. COM: 201 is an introductory college-level course in communication and rhetoric focusing on preparing, delivering and evaluating extemporaneous speeches. It develops abilities in constructing and delivering various types of speeches. Attention is directed to establishing and supporting a point of view, critical thinking, and organizing and delivering the speech.

We recognize both the importance of speaking well and of judging wisely. The judging panel for the event consists of students of COM: 201 as well as guest judges.

The top two students earn a spot to compete at SpeakUp, an annual city-wide intercollegiate speech competition held during Louisville’s Derby Festivities.