Public speaking contest
February 10, 2025
Kyle Bourne will move on to Toastmasters district contest
Hoos Speaking, Facilities Management's sponsored public speaking club, recently hosted the Toastmasters International Tall Tales Speech Contest, with one member moving on to the district level in March.
The contest is meant to provide a platform for members to showcase and practice storytelling skills, engaging the audience through imaginary and improbable narratives for the possibility to move on to the district-level contest. The club hosted the Tall Tales Contest during its Jan. 29 meeting, with each contestant composing a 3-to-5-minute original speech. After giving their speeches to the club, anonymous judges score contestants based on criteria such as language, delivery and content.
Contestants included Budget Manager Shawn Gu and Welder Kyle Bourne as well as Maria Wiaterak, a Hoos Speaking member from the Charlottesville community. The speeches ranged from stories of video games, snakes, and the Pope learning to drive. Ultimately, Bourne received first place for his tall tale titled "The Chauffeur."
Bourne will go on to the Area #18 district contest on March 1 to compete in the Tall Tales contest with the chance to continue to the Virginia-wide finals.
For more information about Hoos Speaking, contact the club or visit the club website.
Afia Paracha
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
hcx2td@virginia.edu