Washburn University Bi-Annual Student Informative Speaking Competition Featured Topics from Athletic Scholarship to Youth Homelessness

     Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University communications department hosted the bi-annual Nall Speak Off, an informative public speech competition, Wednesday, April 10. The event showcased the talents of some of the top students currently enrolled in CN 150 (public speaking), and the participants were chosen by their respective public speaking classes to compete against one another.

The top six placing students and their topics were:

1. Khalani Britt – The need for diversity at Washburn
2. Dalton Parsons – Youth homelessness
3. Gustavo Cadan – Stress
4. Stuti Khadka – Sadistic behavior on social media
5. Ava Black – Energy drinks
6. Tauan Lyra – Athletic scholarships  

     “Effective communication skills help people manage and improve in every area of human interaction,” said Dr. Kevin O’Leary, director of debate, Nall Speak Off coordinator and senior lecturer for communication studies, Washburn University. “Communication studies hosts this event every spring to highlight the power of effective communication, as well as the developing skills of our students.”

     The Nall Speak Off was judged by a panel from the Washburn University community: Dr. John Fritch, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Kathy Pflaum, director of purchasing, and Sydney Fox, assistant director of career engagement.

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