Speaking publicly to an audience (Courtesy: Google Image)

Last night (Nov. 27th), Kadie Kovach (graduate student, Public Health) won the first-ever public speaking competition organised by UAC Student Council. Her speech titled: “Public Health Revolution” was voted the most outstanding by a panel of judges/faculties from multiple department (Psychology, Communication and Writing Center).

Speaking shortly after she was declared winner, Kadie (from Ohio, USA) thanked the organizers, professors, audience and fellow contestants for the event. She particularly thanked the Student Council for putting together a wonderful platform for sharing ideas.

The first runner-up Heather Ann Meyer (undergraduate, Communication) impressed the judges with her speech on the paranormal! The second runner-up, Woo Seon Park (undergraduate, Psychology) was equally outstanding. Her talk on “Flaws of the Justice System” was enough to land her in a comfortable third place overall.

A total of 600,000 KRW in cash was awarded to the winners.

Other finalists did amazingly well. They included: Jason Chen (MPH) who spoke about “Japanese Atonement during World War 2”; Jake Lee (Communication) talked about “Leadership Style”; and Kwanghee Cho (Psychology) spoke about “Physical Disability in Songdo”.

Speaking to Songdo Chronicle, Student Council President- John Hyun Kim noted that the purpose of the competition was to remove public speaking fright one one hand and on the other hand, improve overall communication skills, specifically in the area of public speaking.”

John also noted that:”the Student Council received positive comments from students, professors and staffs. These feedback will be incorporated into the next public speaking event. Next semester, things with significantly improve.”

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Psychology professor- Kimberly Bowen said the panel is honor to be part of a well-organised event that allows students (graduates and undergrads) to showcase their public speaking skills and share their ideas.

All together 14 contestant from different department (Psychology, Communication, Film & Media Arts, and Master’s in Public Health) entered the competition. The first and second preliminary rounds were held in u104 and 107 respectively on the 19th and 21st of November.

The next UAC Speech Competition will hold in the Spring Semester.