The annual Lampeter Society Public Speaking Competition attracted six entries this year and took place on Wednesday 17 March 2010.
The contestants’ choice of topics was wide and varied and the event itself was described by the Chair of the Society, Peter Bosley, as “one of the most successful and well attended competitions for many years”.
The first speaker was Nisa Cooper (1st Year Anthropology and Archaeology), who discussed whether To be or not to be Spontaneous. Second was Andrew John Evans (2nd Year Film and Media Studies), who spoke about James Bond in the 21st Century. Following Andrew was Conrad Honey (1st Year Theology). Conrad spoke on the topic of Morality: Just an action for reward?. Fourth came Charlotte Symons (2nd Year English and Creative Writing), whose speech was titled A Fugitive and Cloistered Virtue? The Problem of Censorship in Modern Britain. Next was James Symons (no relation!) (3rd Year Media Production) whose confusing title was Methahappilation [sic]. James then spoke on Tea, Love and Emotion and that his title was to reflect the way that peoples feelings for any of those things cannot be described. Finally, Molly Zacharias (3rd Year English Literature) offered her view on Myth and Mutilation: Beauty in the 21st Century.
As well as thorough preparation, the adjudicators were looking for appropriate content, impact, a logical structure, appropriate use of language, good use of the voice, and effective non-verbal communication skills. Detailed, individual, verbal critiques using these criteria were offered to the presenters by the judges.
In the event, the winner of the £150 first prize was Charlotte Symons for her speech on Censorship in Modern Britain. The second prize-winner (£70) was Nisa Cooper and third (£40) was Andrew John Evans.
“We were very impressed by all of the candidates and we would like to thank you all for taking part,” said the judges afterwards. “To be able to give an effective presentation is such a valuable life and work skill that really all students should consider taking part. Well done again to all of this year’s entrants.”
The Lampeter Society is grateful to Richard Jackson, post graduate student at UWL, for his efforts within the University to organise and publicise the event.
