C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest Information
The annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest gives Goshen College students an opportunity to explore peace from a faith perspective, get involved in the cause of peace, to test ideas, and to cultivate rhetorical skills.
Contest Rules
All participants must complete an application form, deliver an 8-10 minute extemporaneous speech that relates to the topic of peace, limiting the length to 1200 words, with no more than 10 percent quoted material. All participants will first present their speeches to a committee made up of Communication faculty/staff members, and at least one student member. This committee will select four to five finalists for the contest.
Contest Topic
The theme of the Christian peace position may be explored in a universal or a particular context, and may pertain to issues of war and violence, political policies, agencies of justice and peace, strategies of peacemaking, or current events. Topics might include: poverty, disarmament, hunger, domestic violence, pollution, interventionism, immigration, international conflicts, or any number of contemporary issues or challenges.
Schedule
- Friday, December 6, 2024 – Applications due to Anna Groff, assistant professor of communication
- January 13, 2025 – First round of auditions begin for the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest
- (Date TBA) – Continuation of the first round of try-outs
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 7 p.m. – Annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest in the Umble Center
Prizes
First Place: $300
Second Place: $150 Third Place: $75
Judges
Three to five persons, selected from students, faculty, and community leaders will judge the contest on originality, integration of topic and a peace position, and general standards of delivery.
The top winner may enter the Mennonite Central Committee C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.
Speech Contest Entry Form
Click here to complete an entry form.