Fall 2025 Nall Speak Off

      Topeka, Kan. –  The Washburn University Communication Studies Department hosted the biannual Nall Speak Off Wednesday, Nov. 5. 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 2025 Nall Speak Off participants were Connor Burkdoll, William Davis, Rebecca Emory, Emily Harmon, Lawrence Ghoston, Keara Leiser, Walker Loftin, Maddie McIntire, Lizzy Meier, Jasmine Miller, Jordan Robertson, Katie Samaniego and Evan Scheid.

The top six placing students and their topics are as follows:

1. William Davis – Misinformation and disinformation
2. Emily Harmon – Film soundtracks
3. Lawrence Ghoston – The forward pass in football as a metaphor for America’s 20^th century
4. Walker Loftin – Personal finance
5. Maddie McIntire – Storm chasers
6. Katie Samaniego – Quetzal (national bird of Guatemala)

     The Nall Speak Off was adjudicated by a panel of three from Washburn University: Andrew Rea, Washburn debate graduate assistant and current graduate student in Washburn’s master’s communication and leadership program, Heather Popejoy, director of student accessibility services and Dr. Melanie Worsley, associate provost of assessment and academic operations and criminal justice professor.

-30-

For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu