Reviving the Art of Rhetoric: UVA’s Fourth Annual Student Oratory Competition

The University of Virginia, in collaboration with Think Again and the Karsh Institute of Democracy, hosted its fourth annual Student Oratory Competition last Monday, which took place in the historic Rotunda Dome Room. The event is intended to celebrate the enduring art of public oratory—a skill rooted in the traditions of Ancient Greece.

The art of public speaking, or rhetoric, was regarded as one of the essential skills of citizenship in Ancient Greece. It remains influential today, with modern students of rhetoric continuing to study the works of classical Greek orators such as Demosthenes and Cicero. Though the emphasis on public oratory has waned over time, its impact endures through events like UVA’s competition and international contests such as the World Championship of Public Speaking, held annually since 1938.

The art of rhetoric traces back to the fifth century BC during the Classical Age of Ancient Greece, coinciding with the rise of democracy. Aristotle, one of the most influential theorists, systematized rhetoric into the principles of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical reasoning). These concepts, once intensively studied by Roman citizens, remain foundational to effective communication, even appearing in today’s high school AP Language and Composition classes.

Cicero, the most renowned Roman orator, built upon Aristotle’s ideas by organizing rhetoric into three objectives: docere (to teach through facts and logic), delectare (to delight the audience with aesthetic appeal), and movere (to move the audience emotionally). While Cicero’s principles are less studied today, their underlying themes remain relevant.

The ethics of rhetoric were heavily debated, with Aristotle’s teacher, Plato, criticizing it as potentially manipulative, particularly in the volatile political environment of early Athenian democracy. This critique, however, highlights only one aspect of rhetoric’s broader scope. Not all rhetorical traditions focus solely on persuasion; for instance, Confucian rhetoric emphasizes fostering social harmony and ethical behavior. Despite their differing goals, ancient theorists shared one belief: language is the foundation of civilization, as essential as atoms to the physical world.

UVA continues to celebrate the art of rhetoric through its annual oratory competitions. Professor Mary Kate Cary, director of Think Again and co-instructor of UVA’s renowned Election 2024 course, highlights the value of such events: 

“Oratory competitions are important because they help students gain the confidence they need — no matter  what they do in life — to stand up for what they believe, argue with evidence, and make their best case.  The UVA Student Oratory Contest usually involves a prompt about our democracy, and that helps students learn about our founding values  and the heroes who risked everything to start our nation.  And it makes them realize how even one person speaking up can change the course of our democracy.”

Each year, both undergraduate and graduate students compete in this contest, responding to a specific prompt for prizes of up to $1,000 per division. This year’s prompt, “Tell the story of a hero of our American democracy,” inspired eight finalists to craft compelling speeches honoring figures who shaped democratic ideals.

The four finalists in the undergraduate division were:

1. Valentina Mendoza Gonzalez, a fourth-year student double-majoring in computer science and anthropology. Valentina honored her immigrant parents and the underdogs of society as her heroes, highlighting their sacrifices for democracy and calling for everyday acts to sustain it.  
2. Arola Oluwehinmi, a fourth year majoring in foreign affairs. Arola told the tragic story of Robert “Yummy” Sandifer, a child gang member, to highlight systemic failures and the need for democratic reform.
3. Sidney Seybold, a fourth year majoring in history. Sidney recounted how a Thomas Jefferson reenactor reignited her appreciation for democracy and the educators who preserve its ideals. 
4. Jack Siegel, a fourth year double majoring in political philosophy, policy, and law and music. Jack celebrated Walter Cronkite’s truthful reporting, emphasizing his bravery in shaping public understanding during pivotal moments. 

The four finalists in the graduate division were: 

1. Samuel Bedford, pursuing his master’s degree in commerce. Samuel reflected on Thomas Paine’s commitment to free inquiry, urging a continued evolution of democratic ideals.
2. Grant Spears, pursuing his master’s in public policy and a law degree. Grant highlighted President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s leadership in war and civil rights, framing him as a protector of democracy at home and abroad. 
3. Kamau Walker, pursuing his master’s in fine arts and poetry. Kamau praised James Baldwin’s belief in love as a revolutionary force for social change and democracy. 
4. Heidi Zmick, pursuing her Ph.D. in history. Heidi shared Peter Fossett’s journey from slavery to freedom, showcasing his fight for equality and democracy’s ideals. 

They were judged by a selection of five judges: 

1. Peter Lee Hamilton, winner of the 2023 UVA Student Oratory Competition. 
2. Clark Judge, former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan.
3. Rob Noel, former speechwriter for Secretary Mike Pompeo and Senator Marco Rubio. 
4. Paul Ozulak, former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. 
5. Sarada Peri, former speechwriter for President Barack Obama. 

The winners of the competition are Sidney Seybold (undergraduate) and Kamau Walker (graduate). Even so, it’s important to give credit to all eight impressive performances from the finalists on Monday. For those looking to compete in later years, Professor Mary Kate Cary gives this piece of advice: 

“My advice is to sign up and give it a try! Public speaking gets easier the more you do it, and it will serve you well the rest of your life to be comfortable speaking in front of others. In this contest, half of your score is on writing, half on delivery. So pay attention to how well you can write your speech, and then magnify the power of your words with a strong, confident delivery. That’s what we saw the contestants do tonight, and it was powerful.”

The annual UVA Student Oratory Competition is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of the transformative power of speech. It bridges the ancient traditions of rhetoric with modern ideals, encouraging students to engage deeply with the principles of democracy and effective communication. Through their speeches, participants honor the heroes of American democracy, shed light on its imperfections, and inspire others to take action in the pursuit of a better future. As the competition continues to grow, it reminds us that the art of oratory is not a relic of the past but a tool for progress and a testament to the enduring power of words to inform, unite, and inspire.