November 7, 2012

Balasi Public Speaking Contest scheduled for early December

The Eastern Illinois University Department of Communication Studies will conduct the annual Betty Balasi Public Speaking Contest December 3rd and 4th.

The contest is open to any EIU student who was enrolled in Intro to Speech Communication (CMN 1310 or 1390) during the Summer 2012 Semester or the Fall 2012 Semester.  Contestants in the preliminary round will give a persuasive speech before a panel of judges on Monday, December 3rd at 6:00 p.m.  The top contestants will advance to the final round, which will be held on Tuesday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m. in Lumpkin Auditorium. 

First prize is $500 plus a certificate.  The second place speaker will receive $300 and a certificate, while 3rd place will be awarded $100 plus a certificate.

The contest is named in memory of Betty Balasi, who was a long-time staff member in the Department of Communication Studies.

Click here for more information, or to apply to participate in the competition.

Contact person: Dr. Richard Jones, 217-581-3324, rgjones@eiu.edu.

Previous Winners of Balasi Public Speaking Contest:


2002:  Adrianne Leschewski

2003:  Lauren Richards

2004:  Megan Wittenborn

2005:  Scott Murray

2006:  Ryan Kerch

2007:  Andrew Luttrell

2008:  Sarah Holman

2009:  Ashley Ruddell

2011:  Clinton Brown