Voices

From speech bubbles to public speaking: Giving students VOICES

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VOICES 2013 Speech Competition is organized completely by students and for students, to create a platform for the new generation of college students.

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“Peace & love,” Monika Przestrzelska and Michal Kocia. This lovely couple is originally from Poland and they are here on an international exchange program.

Taking place on March 28, 2013 at The Great Hall on Queen St. West, the event is to express students’ concerns and hopes for the future, as well as an opportunity for them to get public speaking experience in a public setting.

Jeff Douglas, co-host of As it Happens on CBC Radio One; Bruce Hunt, the founder of Toronto Speakers Academy and president of the acclaimed Downtown Toronto Toastmasters Club; Nancy Milton, a certified co-active coach accredited by the International Coaches Federation; and president and CEO of The Lavin Agency, David Lavin make up the judges for the competition.

Literally taking the initiative to the streets to create awareness, for the past month the event’s organizers have been out around Toronto asking people to fill out a mobile speech bubble describing their hopes for the future.

These individuals could share a photo of their personalized speech bubble on the VOICES Twitter and Facebook pages. Check out all the photos we’ve taken so far.

From “Middle East Peace,” to an “All Vegan World,” to more “Group Outings,” to “Mental Health Prevention,” to “Save the Bees,” the VOICES team heard a bit of everything, and got to speak with some of the most interesting individuals along the way.

The competition will include 12 competitors from SenecaCentennial and George Brown College.

Competitors will be preparing speeches that discuss their thoughts, ideas and emotions towards the future that awaits them.

Marco is a Toronto police constable and hopes to see no more violence in Toronto.

“No more violence #saferTO,” Marco Ricciardi. @TPS_Marco is a Toronto police constable and hopes to see no more violence in Toronto.

Overall, the competition has given the managers (like me) experience securing sponsorship, judges, media coverage, and learned how to create an interactive website and buzz-worthy social media campaign.

Please help support VOICES by liking our FacebookTwitter and checking out our website and blog.

And join us this Thursday, March 28!