Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Department of Communication Studies

Curtis Memorial Contest

 

About the Contest:

The Curtis Memorial Oratorical Contest provides undergraduate students on the IUPUI campus an opportunity to showcase their commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict through scripted oration. This event will also help us celebrate the scholarship of our student/competitors and further the notion that the building of a community requires the open and free exchange of ideas. Topics can include, but are not limited to areas torn by religious, political and societal strife. The tournament is held annually in December.

Contest Guidelines:

  • Students must prepare an 8 - 10 min. extemporaneous or memorized speech on a topic of conflict resolution.  (See example topics below.) (Extemporaneous is defined as a well prepared speech delivered from a brief set of notes.
  • This speech must be persuasive in nature and must demonstrate proper persuasive organizational patterns.  (see below)
  • IUPUI students are required to enter the contest by contacting Jaime Hamilton at jhami@iupui.edu.  IUPUI students are required to bring a valid student ID in order to register. (IUPUI students compete for free)
  • Awards will be distributed during the final awards ceremony. (see details for cash awards below)
  • All semifinalists and above will receive autographed copies of Professor Curtis’s book Dumb But Lucky: Confessions of a P51 Fighter Pilot as well as Certificates of Excellence on behalf of the Tournament Sponsors.
  • Each speech should be primarily focused on advocacy for non-violent diplomatic strategies in areas of controversy domestically or internationally that have fallen victim to (but not limited to) ethnic, religious or political violence and intolerance.
  • Each speech must be by a single and original author.
  • The competition is open to any student, regardless of major.
  • 3X5 note cards will be permitted (5 max)
  • Visual Aids (including Powerpoint) will be permitted.  Remote clickers will be provided.
  • Each speech must be 8-10 minutes in length.  No time signals will be given.
  • In the event of a dispute, the tournament administrator of the CMOC shall act as final authority and determine proper outcome.
  • Varsity and Novice competitors will compete in the same room but will be judged according to their entry status.  In other words, novice students will compete against other novice students and varsity students will compete against other varsity students.