The University of Delaware’s fifth annual student public speaking contest, “Now Hear This UD,” will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, in 120 Smith Hall.

The contest features student speeches on important civic issues and current efforts toward change, with the speakers competing for prizes and trophies.

UD’s Department of Communication and the Center for Political Communication, with support from the Office of the Provost and Fountainhead Press, created the speaking contest to showcase student speakers focused on civic engagement.

This year’s contest is administered by the Oral Communication Fellows training class taught by Christopher Volker, associate director of oral communication in the University Writing Centers.

“We chose a theme, ‘Dare to shine,’ because we believe this is an opportunity for our students to stand up and discuss issues that affect our local, national and global communities,” Volker said. “By bringing these issues into the spotlight, we can begin to continue these conversations outside of the constraints of the event.”

The student speakers have received coaching for their presentations from the Oral Communication Fellows, who offer free coaching to all students on campus for presentations. Each speaker will have 5-7 minutes to address the audience about an issue and organization making a difference in the world. 

The students’ speeches will be evaluated by a panel of expert and student judges. Prizes include cash and trophies for the top three speakers and an audience favorite award, which will be presented at the close of the competition.

“Our students are amazing speakers,” Tracy Holden, co-planner and assistant professor of communication, said. “'Now Hear This UD!' gives them a place to share their great ideas and rewards their efforts to make a difference.”

In addition, the students in Volker’s class have applied their communication skills to locate participants, attract supporters, generate publicity and coordinate all the event logistics, including free UDairy Creamery ice cream to kick off the contest.

In partnership with Lambda Chi Alpha, there will also be a table supporting the Delaware Food Bank, accepting cash and can donations.

More information can be found on the Now Hear This UD! Facebook page and Twitter feed, @NowHearThisUD.