Murphy Student Wins USA Public Speaking Competition

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Posted on April 23, 2015

Joy Washington

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Great communication and problem-solving skills are what most employers consider important attributes for success in college, the work environment and the global marketplace.

The University of South Alabama’s department of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences recently sponsored its annual High School Public Speaking Contest in the University’s Student Center Ballroom where 61 high school students in the 9-12^th grades participated. This year’s first place winner was Murphy High School student Cameron Robinson.

Each of the students prepared a persuasive speech advocating a position about a current event. The participating students competed in front of a panel of judges comprised of faculty, staff, alumni from the communication department and professionals. This year’s theme was “Current Events.” 

This competition was also hosted by the Mobile County Commission, and the gift cards were donated by Pearson Education. The top three finishers of the competition were:

• Cameron Robinson, first place winner and recipient of a $100 gift card, from Murphy High School, who spoke on “Say No to Drugs.”
• Marie Doyle, second place winner and recipient of a $75 gift card, from the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, who spoke on the “Scottish Independence Referendum.”
• Johannass Soekhies, third place winner and recipient of a $50 gift card, from Murphy High School, who spoke on “The Reality of Rape.”

Each speech was five minutes and judged based on creativity, clarity, organization and delivery, among other measures.

“The high school public speaking contest is an excellent opportunity for individual students to receive experience and recognition for their public speaking skills,” explained Katherine Rigsby, USA communication instructor.

Students who participated in the contest were from Mobile Christian School, Murphy High School, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science and Davidson High School.

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