The University of Illinois Springfield Speech and Debate team hosted a spirited showcase on Thursday, April 24, in the University Hall Building (UHB), giving students a platform to present their best performances of the academic year. The event drew an engaged audience of students, faculty, and guests who gathered to witness a display of persuasive and informative oratory.

“Members of the team who have competed over the past year are going to be performing their speeches—many of them for the first time in front of a live audience,” said Claire Gordon, Director of the UIS Speech & Debate team, who also served as the host for the evening. Judges for the event included UIS faculty members Beth Ribarsky and Timothy Bill.

According to the team’s website, UIS Speech & Debate is “committed to training the next generation of civic leaders, public speakers, and communicators who are passionate about change in their communities.”

Senior Fiel Wilson reflected on his three-year journey with the team. “I had an amazing time working with all of the new people on the Speech and Debate team,” Wilson told The Observer. “We have all learned a lot with the leadership of Professor Gordon. I believe we have really stepped into a new light.”

Seven team members participated in the showcase, with three joining via video call. The featured students included Stephanie Schultz, Amanda Brown, Cameron Current, Desh Adesiyan, Alex Rhodes, Braden Nuttall, and Fiel Wilson.

Topics ranged from public health to emerging technologies. Alex Rhodes spoke about policy solutions to combat sodium overconsumption in the U.S., while Braden Nuttall delivered a speech on Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

Some team members, including Desh Adesiyan, participated in the impromptu speaking category, showcasing their ability to craft persuasive arguments with limited preparation.

Throughout the year, the UIS Speech & Debate team competes in 12 public speaking events and two forms of debate at both regional and national tournaments. The showcase marked a strong conclusion to their season, leaving both participants and audience members inspired by the team’s growth and talent.

For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the UIS Speech & Debate website.