Changing the World Student Speaker Challenge
Building on the premise that in a democracy, an informed public makes the best decisions, SACPAS (Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs Society), LPIRG (Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group), and the ULSU (U of L Students’ Union) are collaborating to provide students with a forum to express their point of view on issues of significance. Recognizing that each individual has a unique perspective and an authentic voice, students will be given a chance to communicate their thesis to an audience and defend it, thereby gaining and honing skills in developing and exchanging new ideas.
This opportunity will take the form of a competition in which students will address the topic “Our Current Crisis: What Does Change Mean in Our World Today?” You may approach the topic from any discipline or angle that is meaningful to you, such as economics, health care, environment, globalization, consumerism or all of the above. The speaker challenge will begin with three noon-hour sessions, each with 2 speakers addressing the topic and fielding questions on their thesis. A winner will be chosen at each of these sessions and will be promoted to the semi-finals. Two students will then go on to the final session where a sole winner will be selected to receive the final prize. Winners at each session will be determined by a panel of judges and an audience vote.
Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply and presenters will be paired according to skill level (as assessed from application form), year of study, and thesis. There will be a total of six participants with three of those advancing to further rounds and one final winner. Prizes will be given out to the top three participants - $100 for third place, $300 for second place, and $500 for the winner. Out of the six contestants we will accept a maximum of three graduate students.
The format will be such that in the first round, two presenters will face off, each having 15 minutes to present their thesis. After a five minute break, the presenter will then be asked questions from the audience and the judges for 15 minutes. The total length of the session will be one hour and ten minutes.
Changing the World Student Speaker Challenge sessions are scheduled as follows.
Session 1 – Tuesday, February 10, 12:15 – 1:25 Galileo’s Gallery
Session 2 – Tuesday, February 24, 12:15 – 1:25 Galileo’s Gallery
Session 3 – Tuesday, March 3, 12:15 – 1:25 Ballroom A
Semi-Final Session – Tuesday, March 17, 4:00 – 6:00 Ballroom A
Final Session – Tuesday, March 31, 7:00 – 9:00 Andy’s Place (AH100)
To apply, please fill out the following application form. Applications must be submitted electronically to pirg@uleth.ca with Changing the World in the subject line. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 30.
For more information, please contact Sheila at pirg@uleth.ca, or 332-5243.
CHANGING THE WORLD STUDENT SPEAKER CHALLENGE
APPLICATION FORM
Name:
Email:
Year of Study:
Faculty/ Major:
Public Speaking Experience (class presentations, etc.):
Why are you interested in applying for this?
How would you address the topic – “Our Current Crisis: What Does Change Mean In Our World Today?” Is change possible?
Please provide a short autobiography:
*Please note that personal interviews may be necessary in order to select and pair up speakers.
