Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University communication studies department hosted the biannual Nall Speak Off Wednesday, Nov. 6. Each semester some of the top students in the public speaking classes (CN 150) are nominated to showcase their talents at this celebration of informative public speech. The culminating round of this event is open to the Washburn and surrounding communities.
The Fall 2024 Nall Speak Off participants were Libby Barnett, Zach Buffington, Abby Defoe, Josiah Hefty, Jali Kennedy, Nai Krein, Micaiah Kuebler, Javier Lopez Navarro, Nicole Miller, Chloe Phelps, Isabel Quadros, Elizabeth Schlabach, Emma Shump, Rhyian Smith, Abigail Soppe and Eli Strawn.
The top six placing students and their topics are as follows:
1. Zach Buffington, from Topeka West High School – Ukraine and Kansas2. Nai Krein – Music and Alzheimer’s
3. Nicole Miller, from Seaman High School - Adoption
4. Rhyian Smith - Concussions
5. Jali Kennedy – The biological fallacy of race
6. Elizabeth Schlabach – Self talk
The Nall Speak Off was adjudicated by a panel of three from Washburn University: Jenna Gorton, Washburn debate team alumna and graduate student in the Communication and Leadership Studies program, Heather Popejoy, director of student accessibility services, and Dr. John Fritch, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
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For further information, contact:Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: joy.bailes@washburn.edu
