Parkland Students Awarded at Annual Persuasive Speech Contest

A total of 18 Parkland students showcased their public speaking skills

Five Parkland College students were awarded scholarships at the 22nd annual David M. Jones Persuasive Speech Contest on May 1.

The speech contest allowed 18 Parkland students to showcase their public speaking skills, advocate causes close to their hearts and give back to the charities they represented. Contest participants have all completed a communication course at Parkland.

Josiah Rutledge of Mahomet won first place and a $500 scholarship for his compelling speech in support of Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit will also receive a $500 donation from Parkland’s Communication Program faculty.

"I gained confidence in my public speaking ability from participating in the contest," Rutledge said. "I also gained the realization that I can achieve great things if I put my mind to them."

Rutledge added: "For students considering entering the contest, I would first advise them to just do it if they are on the fence about doing it. Second, I would say make sure you meet with your professor and practice your speech. Third, make sure you dress the part as it can improve your Ethos."

Other scholarship award winners include:

• Trinity Shales (Chicago), second place, $250 scholarship — advocating for The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association
• Quinn Fisher (Champaign), third place, $100 scholarship — supporting St. Louis Children’s Hospital
• Pierce Thompson (Troy, Ohio), fourth place, $50 award — championing the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Brianna Niles, fifth place, $50 award — speaking on behalf of the Center for Reproductive Rights

"I gained a flow state completely free of anxiety," Thompson said. "When I was up there, I achieved a confidence I'd never seen before. When you speak about something you are passionate about, about an organization you spent countless hours advocating for, the world around you falls from focus, and it's just you and your topic. You achieve peace while every eye is on you, a sort of quietness in the heart of the storm."

To students considering entering the contest, Thompson advises: "Revolt against the absurdity that is your anxiety, and you will not regret it. Make and deliver the speech. I assure you, you can fight against the nervousness going through your veins in a way you never thought possible. I implore you not to ask yourself, 'Can I do it?' but instead ask yourself, 'How long should my outline be?'"

This year’s contest continued a proud Parkland tradition of combining academic excellence with civic engagement. Each student used the power of persuasion to amplify the mission of local, national, and international organizations making real-world impact. The finalists were evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges from both the college and the local media industry.

Judges include:

• Jacob Dickey, WCIA 3 meteorologist and Parkland College alumnus
• Jennifer Harbaugh, Associate Director of Admissions and Records, Parkland College
• George Johnston, Professor Emeritus, Parkland College
• Brian Nudelman, Chair of the Humanities Department, Parkland College
• Chris Ohlsson, Senior Account Executive, Cengage Learning

For more information about the David M. Jones Persuasive Speech Contest or Parkland’s Communication program, contact Jody Littleton at 217/351-2532 or jlittleton@parkland.edu.