November 19, 2024

Students recognized for public speaking

With a speech that focused on the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation, Nimnan Wuyep won the 35th Sims Public Speaking Competition at SVSU, which took place on Friday, Nov. 8. This is the second time Wuyep, an international studies major from Nigeria, captured the top spot. He has competed in the annual event three times, taking first place in 2021 and second place in 2023.

Wuyep’s reaction to his win was predictably positive:

“It felt great,” he said, “it was a great way to end my last year at SVSU. I was more excited to see so many different faces and people trying the Sims speaking competition.”

The annual competition is open to students from all disciplines. Participants prepare a persuasive speech of 5-8 minutes and present to panels of judges. Two rounds of judging precede the final round of competition, in which six finalists vie for one of the top three spots and cash prizes. This year, 25 students entered the competition.

Amy Pierce, SVSU associate professor of communication, and Ryan Rigda, SVSU lecturer of communication, coordinate the competition.

“Dr. Pierce and I are continually impressed by the quality and quantity of speeches that are entered into the competition,” Rigda said. “Many of the topics students choose to speak about are issues that directly impact their daily lives, and it is encouraging to see students choose to be advocates for their communities.”

The names of the six finalists and the titles of their presentations follow:

• Nimnan Wuyep, an international studies major from Nigeria: “Think Before You Speak, Listen or Click” — 1st place
• Brianna Steffen, an elementary education major from Macomb: “Shortage in Teachers” — 2nd place
• Emily Drzewicki, of Bay City: “Deepfake Pornography Devastates Women” — 3rd place
• Reid Goodrich, a pre-general business major from St. John’s: “Should colleges use standardized testing in their admission process?”
• Lauren Potvin, a political science major from Bay City: “Abolishment of the ‘pink tax’ and reproductive poverty”        
• Madelyn Scott, a graphic design major from Coleman: “Improving Accessibility”

A veteran of the Sims Competition, Wuyep — who is on track to graduate in May — was more relaxed about this year’s event compared to previous competitions.

“I was not nervous at all like the previous years and was more focused on ensuring that the other participants had a great time,” he said. “I found myself encouraging my opponents and other participants. I spent most of my time motivating people to not give up.”

Like many students who participate in the competition, Wuyep finds it helps develop and hone skills he will use after he completes his undergraduate studies.

“Participating in a public speaking competition is a powerful way for me to prepare for life after graduation, as it helps me develop key skills like effective communication, confidence, critical thinking and leadership,” he said. “Being able to convey my ideas clearly and persuasively is essential for my future career, whether I'm presenting in meetings, negotiating or advocating for myself. Public speaking also builds my resilience by teaching me how to handle nerves, accept feedback and adapt under pressure. Emphasizing the ethical use of language is an important skill for influencing opinions and driving positive change. Ultimately, mastering the power of words through public speaking equips me with the tools I need to succeed in my career and navigate the challenges that lie ahead after university.”

Established in 1991, the inaugural public speaking event was organized, executed and funded by the Communication Guild, the student club sponsored by the Department of Communication. The event remained student-run for almost a decade. In 1999, Lawrence and Linda Sims established an endowment for the Sims Awards for Excellence in Public Speaking, and the event became known as the Sims Public Speaking Competition. Today, the Sims Competition is co-sponsored by SVSU’s Department of Communication and continues to be endowed by the Simses, longtime supporters of the university.