Speech

Speech Courses

• SPEE 20: Public Speaking
• SPEE 24: Argumentation in Speech and Writing
• SPEE 25: Persuasive Public Speaking
• SPEE 27: Intercultural Communication
• SPEE 30: Speechwriting
• SPEE 31: Rhetoric of Social Justice: Public Advocacy and U.S. Social Justice Movements
• SPEE 32: Legal Rhetoric
• SPEE 40: Resistance to Influence: Inoculation Theory-Based Persuasion

The Speech component of the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric at Dartmouth College reflects Speech at its best. We've created a forum for dynamic conversations to push our thinking about Speech and other forms of communication. You'll find this spirit of curiosity and enthusiasm reflected in how we talk about, think about, write about, and do Speech. You'll also see our commitment to Speech through our thoughtfully designed courses that help students to become more confident, more effective, more informed communicators.

Speech Contests

For a copy of the program for the upcoming May 17, 2012 speech contest, click here.

Announcing the 2012 Benjamin F. Barge and Class of 1866 Prizes for Oratory 

The Institute for Writing and Rhetoric is pleased to invite entries in two historic speaking contests at Dartmouth College.

In May 2012, finalists will compete for the Benjamin F. Barge and Class of 1866 Prizes for Oratory. One senior will win the Benjamin F. Barge prize, and one junior and one sophomore will win a Class of 1866 prize. Each winner will receive a cash prize, and all finalists will receive certificates.

To enter the contest, students should adhere closely to the following guidelines:

1. The first round will be based on a written manuscript or detailed outline of a speech designed to persuade the listeners on any topic.
2. The manuscript or outline must be accompanied by a works cited/reference page, following MLA or APA format.
3. All sources must also be orally cited in the speech.
4. When delivered, the speech should be between 5 to 6 minutes.
5. Speeches must be original works by the student.
6. Visual aids are not allowed.

Entry Deadline: Monday, April 16th, 2012 5 pm

Preliminary Round: Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 4-5 pm Kemeny Hall Room 105

Final Competition: Thursday, May 17th, 2012 4 pm Kemeny Hall Room 105 (followed by a reception in Baker Library Room 206)

 Students should email their manuscript and/or detailed outline to Hope Rennie, Administrative Assistant for the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric, at Hope.W.Rennie@Dartmouth.edu by 5:00pm on Monday, April 16th. Please use “SPEECH CONTEST ENTRY” as your subject line. Please note your name and class year in your email entry.

Up to six students will be selected from these submissions to present their speeches before a panel of judges. Students selected for this preliminary round will be contacted by Monday, April 23rd, and will present their speeches on Wednesday, April 25th, between 4-5pm. From this preliminary round, up to four students will be selected to compete in the Benjamin F. Barge and Class of 1866 contests on Thursday, May 17th along with students who have been competitively selected from IWR Speech courses.

Benjamin F. Barge Prize for Oratory

The Benjamin F. Barge Prize for Oratory was established by Benjamin F. Barge (1832-1902) in 1901 and continued until 2004. After a six-year hiatus, the Institute for Writing & Rhetoric re-launched the Benjamin F. Barge Prize for Oratory in Spring 2010. The award is presented to a member of the senior class who is determined by a panel of three judges to “write and pronounce in public an English oration in the best manner.” Judges are instructed to consider content and delivery equally when determining the winner of the contest. One senior student is named the winner and receives a medal and a cash award.

Class of 1866 Prizes for Oratory

These prizes were established in 1905 by Waldemer Otis and Dr. James A. Spaulding, both members of the Class of 1866, and continued until 2004. There are two prizes, one to a junior and one to a sophomore, to be awarded "for excellence in original orations." Winners receive a medal and a cash award. The Institute re-launched the Class of 1866 Prizes for Oratory by awarding them in the May 19, 2011 speech contest.

2011 Speech Contest Finalists (left to right): Christopher Rhoades '13

Ben Schifberg '13, Michelle Luo '11, Laura Kier '12, Eliana Fishman '11,  and Zoe Friedland '12.

May 20, 2010 speech competition program (PDF)

2010 Benjamin F. Barge Prize for Oratory winner:

• Samantha A. Mandel, Class of 2010, speech title: "Autism and Autism Advocacy Organizations"

May 19, 2011 speech competition program (PDF)

2011 Benjamin F. Barge Prize for Oratory winner:

• Michelle Luo, Class of 2011, speech title: "Facebook Privacy"

2011 Class of 1866 Prize for Oratory winners:

• Laura Kier, Class of 2012, speech title: "A Tradition of Change: Coeducation at Dartmouth"

• Christopher Rhoades, Class of 2013, speech title: "Energy Drinks and Alcohol: A Risky Combination"

May 17, 2012 speech competition program (PDF)