Rutgers University undergraduate students representing a variety of academic majors participated in the annual Public Speaking Competition. Hosted by the Department of Communication at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information, the theme of this year’s contest was “Community and Communication,” with a tag line of “Collaborate. Communicate. Inspire.”

The contest was organized by Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication and Ph.D. alumna Erin Christie Ph.D.’14, who is the faculty advisor for the Rutgers Public Speaking Organization and Public Speaking Course Coordinator and Associate Teaching Professor of Communication Nikolaos Linardopoulos.

“It was such a fantastic and inspiring event to see so many students enter our competition this year, resulting in our highest number of students registering and competing to date,” Christie remarked.

"My best advice is to believe in what you have to say. Public speaking isn’t just about perfect delivery or memorizing every word. It’s about genuinely connecting with your audience through your passion." – Tirzah Johns

“Congratulations to Erin Christie for yet another amazing Public Speaking contest,” said Professor and Chair of the Communication Department Marya L. Doerfel. “This requires a lot of organizing, an investment of time that garnered record participation. The first round included nearly 70 initial entries that Erin and her team had to evaluate before hosting our in-person final round. At the final round, students wowed the audience, never once uttering sounds including “um, like, uh.” Thanks also to Nick and Brian who support this program in a variety of ways – from inspiring public speaking instructors to supporting students in the competition to being tough judges at the in-person event.”

The annual contest offers students who have taken or are enrolled in the SC&I Public Speaking course (380) the chance to demonstrate the skills they have learned in class. To participate in this contest, students must successfully complete 380 during or before the spring semester.

This year, the preliminary rounds for the contest were held virtually. 63 students submitted recordings of their presentations that were each viewed by two current 380 instructors.

The final round was then held in-person on April 17 in the SC&I building. Seven participants advanced to the final round. The final round judges were: Undergraduate Program Director Brian Householder, faculty member Tara Skiba, and Wasi Ullah, the first-place finalist from the 2024 competition.

"I've learned that public speaking sharpens your ability to think on your feet and connect authentically with different audiences which are relevant life skills that remain valuable well beyond college." – Tirzah Johns

First place winner Tirzah Johns, a member of the Class of 2028, who is majoring in Public Health and minoring in Public Policy, spoke to SC&I about her experiences as a 380 student and her advice for how to successfully speak in public.

SC&I: Why did you decide to take the SC&I class 380, Public Speaking?
TJ: I decided to take Public Speaking because I wanted to strengthen my communication skills and become more intentional with how I express myself. I wanted to learn how to genuinely connect with others through speech and share ideas in a way that leaves a lasting impact. This class helped me do exactly that.

SC&I: How did taking the class benefit you academically and personally?
TJ: Taking Public Speaking was truly a rewarding experience that I will always remember. Academically, this class pushed me to grow through consistent encouragement from Professor Jacobs. The class strengthened my ability to organize my thoughts, build persuasive arguments, and present them with clarity. These skills have proven invaluable in presentations, class discussions, and even in writing assignments where clarity and structure are key.

Personally, the class helped me become more self-aware and intentional with my words. I became more mindful of how I present myself and the impact my voice can have on others. Through regular opportunities to speak in front of an audience, I became more comfortable speaking in front of others, developing stronger communication and interpersonal skills.

Why is it an advantage to know how to speak in public?
TJ: Knowing how to speak in public is a valuable skill, no matter your career path. It plays a key role in building relationships, collaborating with others, and taking on leadership roles. I've learned that public speaking sharpens your ability to think on your feet and connect authentically with different audiences which are relevant life skills that remain valuable well beyond college.

Do you have any advice for other students who will take this class in the future about how to prepare for the public speaking competition?
TJ: My best advice is to believe in what you have to say. Public speaking isn’t just about perfect delivery or memorizing every word. It’s about genuinely connecting with your audience through your passion. When you speak honestly and from the heart, people will listen and relate to you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; focusing too much on perfection can make you lose sight of the real goal: connecting with your listeners. Most importantly, have fun with it and enjoy the process!

The 2025 Finalists

First Place:
Tirzah Johns
Instructor: Jacobs
Prize: $800

Second Place:
Andy Liu
Instructor: Jacobs
Prize: $450

Third Place:
Keely Magee
Instructor: Linardopoulos
Prize: $250

Fourth Place:
Brooke Thompson
Instructor: Nogueira
Prize: $200

Fifth Place:
Iyaad Khalid
Instructor: Jaffe
Prize: $150

Sixth Place:
Jessica Vasquez
Instructor: Rodriguez
Prize: $100

Seventh Place:
Varsha Santhosh Kumar
Instructor: Rodriguez
Prize: $50

Learn more about the Communication major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website.

Photo: Courtesy of Erin Christie