April 4, 2012

Smith-Merritt Public Speaking Contest set for April 9th and 10th

The Eastern Illinois University Department of Communication Studies will conduct the annual Smith-Merritt Public Speaking Contest April 9th and 10th.

The contest is open to any EIU student who is currently enrolled in Introduction to Speech Communication (CMN 1310 or 1390).  Contestants in the preliminary round will give a persuasive speech before a panel of judges on Monday, April 9th at 6:00 p.m.  The top contestants will advance to the final round, which will be held on Tuesday, April 10th 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 sponsored by and named in honor of Dr. Calvin Smith and Dr. Floyd Merritt, who are both emeritus faculty 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 Smith-Merritt Public Speaking Contest:

1993:  Aleka Karachalios

1994:  Dana Taylor

1995:  Dawn Huddleston

1996:  Shelly Ng

1997:  Sandra Zumbahlen

1998:  Lisa Shumard

1999:  Amanda Zuber

2000:  Jessica Shields

2002:  Gabriel Holmes

2003:  Megan Smith

2004:  Danielle Blackburn

2005:  Shannon Inboden

2006:  Nicole Barber

2007:  Emily Immel

2008:  Emily Steele

2009:  Tim Aberle

2010:  Darnell Tyms