Students Share Public Speaking Savvy with Local 6th Graders
Published: November 02, 2015 | Author: Sage Platt | Read Time: 2 minutes
Every year, students affiliated with Southern Utah University’s Speech & Presentation Center, are thrilled to participate in Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School’s annual sixth grade debate event. On Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, students will venture down to Sunrise Ridge, located in St. George, Utah, to share their public speaking savvy with the school’s sixth graders and help them with their debate prep and performance.
“This is such a fun, special opportunity for our students,” said Sage Platt, director of the Speech & Presentation Center. “The kids at Sunrise Ridge really look up to them, and it is wonderful for them to see college students who are successful and passionate about what they do.”
During the two-day event, volunteers from SUU, comprised of Speech & Presentation Center interns and other like-minded students, will conduct short debate workshops on site tailored to the unique needs of the young debaters. Topics will include active listening, body language, attention to audience, and delivery methods. Students from SUU will then judge the actual debates, which will cover the “hot button issues” every sixth grader cares about: the universal safety of trampolines, the costs and benefits of plastic water bottles, the superior taste and quality of certain food products (i.e., hamburgers vs. hot dogs), the ethical nature of orca shows, and the potential deportation of Justin Bieber, among others.
Participating students volunteer to work the full day, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with transportation, lunch, and class excusal provided.
About Speech & Presentation Center
The Speech and Presentation Center, housed in the Leadership Engagement Center at Southern Utah University, is a vibrant learning space designed to assist students, faculty, staff, and community members in the writing, layout, and delivery of speeches. Staffed by a director, graduate students, and interns, the Center provides personalized assistance that focuses on public speaking tools and strategies that can best serve individual needs. Services are free and available to the general public. Appointments can be set over the phone and via e-mail. Walk-ins welcome.
Contact Information:
435-586-5400
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