Students Reach Finals in Contest of Words

A month-long tournament that started with 128 students competing in more than 100 preliminary debates and more than 60 speeches will culminate in a final showdown for cash prizes. Westmont’s Tournament of Expressions: Finals in Debate, Great Speeches, Persuasive Speeches, and Scripture Alive will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in Page Hall. The event is free and open to the public

More than $9,000 in prize money will be doled out to students, attracting participation from a tenth of the college. Several championship winners will each receive a top prize of $500 following Tuesday’s finals.

Montecito residents Robert and Jean Svoboda make annual contributions for the tournament, making it one of the richest in the nation. Westmont started the competition ten years ago to further the study and development of critical thinking and oral communication.

“We want students who are passionate about defending the truth and who can argue for truth in the most effective ways possible,” says Provost Shirley Mullen. “In addition, we want students to realize that passion can be communicated in kind and civil ways.”

The competition is divided into two parts, one focused on speeches and the other on impromptu debate. Contestants in the debate are given a choice of two different topics. After five minutes to prepare, each contestant has a total of 12 minutes to elaborate on the chosen topic with the time broken up for arguments and rebuttals between the two contestants.

Students have also been competing in three categories of speeches. In “Persuasive Speeches” speakers use logic and emotional appeals to try to change opinions and motivate their audience to take specific actions. In “Great Speeches” students select a speech by a noted orator, then interpret and recite it in a meaningful way for a contemporary audience. The “Scripture Alive” portion entails a dramatic reenactment of a biblical text that draws out the subtleties and message of Scripture.

Westmont faculty, staff and alumni have been judging the tournament. A panel of nine will determine the championship winners. Students in the audience will be invited to enter their name into a free drawing for $100 at the end of the tournament.