The Concordia College Speech Team showcased three different speech styles to an audience of around 30 people on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
The showcase consisted of three speakers, each giving a different style of speech.
There are 11 different categories in the AFA (American Forensics Society) speech tournament. The AFA is a nonprofit that helps to oversee competitive collegiate debate and speech tournaments.
Of these 11, viewers got to experience an extemporaneous speech, an informative speech and an impromptu speech.
Jonah Krogstad, Bryce Paulson and Skyler “Sky” Johnson all spoke.
All three of them have been involved in speech since middle school, making them all seasoned veterans of the activity.
This is Paulson’s 10th year of speech. He says he likes the mix of performance and advocating that the sport allows.
“You get to advocate for something you truly believe in,” says Paulson.
They also mention the community as a reason they have continued speech for so long.
“I think that we have some of the most supportive people and some of the most talented people in speech,” Johnson said.
Krogstad also highlighted the competitiveness of the activity, saying: “The most honest personal reason is because I’m a competitive person.”
When Krogstad, a second-year student, spoke, he had to research and take a stance on how the American presidential election would impact the cryptocurrency market, all within 30 minutes.
According to him, the results of the election won’t matter. Both major candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, have voiced their support for the decentralized currency.
Paulson, also a second-year on the team, gave an informative address on the issues of the Louisiana State Penitentiary’s “Prison Rodeo,” in which inmates take part in dangerous rodeos for entertainment.
As a general issue, Paulson discussed how this displays a blatant commercialization of suffering.
He spoke searingly, ending his speech with a poignant question, “What exactly are we punishing?”
Lastly, Skyler “Sky” Johnson, who is a first year, gave an impromptu speech.
In impromptu speeches, speakers are given their topic and only seven minutes to prep and perform their monologue.
Johnson’s topic was a quote related to power dynamics. She referenced a wide range of popular culture, from “Fifty Shades of Gray,” to “Steven Universe” in her discussion.
“It shows how power dynamics, even when they are gone or accepted and no longer seem toxic, continue to shape your sense of self and continue to affect you and your happiness,” Johnson said.
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