The 32nd Purdue University North Central Hyde Park Forum Public Speaking Contest will be Wednesday, April 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Hyde Park Forum winners will meet in a Speak-Off competition on April 17 at noon in Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02. Speak-Off winners will earn monetary prizes - $200 for 1st place; $100 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place.
The annual Hyde Park Forum is a fun and challenging annual speaking event open to all PNC students who will present their thoughts on a variety of subjects. Many of the speakers will be students in the PNC Communication 114 class. The speeches are thought-provoking, insightful and often present new or differing points of view to the listeners. Topics range from commentary on current news, observations of the social or cultural climate or a subject of interest to the speaker. The speeches will be rated by a panel of judges.
Following the presentation of the speeches, participants and guests will enjoy an award ceremony in which all speakers are recognized.
The Hyde Park Forum and Speak-Off are sponsored by the PNC Department of Communication. Additional sponsors are still being sought.
The concept for the Hyde Park Forum is loosely based on London’s Hyde Park, a public park known as a gathering place for speakers who wish to state their minds. Hyde Park has gained prominence as a reference to freedom of speech and intriguing speaking. The PNC Hyde Park Forum offers a similar opportunity for students to stand and deliver their messages to a group of interested listeners. The Hyde Park Forum continues to be a source of encouragement for speakers of all ages at PNC.
The deadline for entries is April 10. Students may register at http://www.pnc.edu/com/hydepark. Further information about the Hyde Park Forum, can be obtained by contacting Dr. Daniel Wilbur, associate professor of Communication at 219-785-5472 or by visiting www.pnc.edu/com/hydepark. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Wilbur.