Student Wins 2nd Straight Public Speaking Competition

WINTERVILLE—For the second year in a row, Greenville’s Annagrace Saufley won Pitt Community College’s annual public speaking contest, which asked competitors to discuss what they consider to be America’s top social issue.

Saufley, who takes courses at PCC through the Career and College Promise Program, topped seven other students almost one year removed from her first-place tie in the 2018 competition. As this year’s winner, the high school senior received $150.

Graham Hill received $100 for finishing second, followed by Logan McDonald ($75), Rachel Hall ($50) and Talileah Barlow-Smith ($25).

As in previous years, speakers focused their remarks on a single issue after gathering research to support their viewpoints. They were instructed to consider the importance of addressing the social issue they’d selected, factors that impact the issue, and steps that can be taken to positively address it.

Organized by PCC Lead Communication Instructor Crystal Howard, the contest required competitors to speak between four and five minutes. They were scored on introductions, use of outside sources, reasoning, organization, language, vocal variety, conclusion, poise, eye contact and overall impression.

Serving as judges were PCC Communication Instructor Avis Grey, Dorothea Handron, an Associate Professor Emerita at East Carolina University and Patient Family Advisor at Vidant Health Center, and Mary Ann Parrot, executive learning consultant at Cengage Learning, which helped sponsor the contest.

04/22/2019