The annual Public Speaking contest is one of the great events at McDaniel College.  The event is held the first week of December and features four student speakers that present an 8-10 minute persuasive speech.  This represents the classic approach to public oration.  The official judges consist of three faculty members.  The winner receives a cash prize, a trophy, and his/her name engraved on a plaque located in the Communication Department.  Second, third, and fourth place finishers receive cash prizes.  Listed below are past winners.

1996 – Robin Zimmerly  
1997 – Janna Malehorn  
1998 – Caroline Rodgers
1999 – Erica Mufarreh
2000 – Kara Moran
2001 – Edward Schultheis
2002 – Sylvanus Adenaike
2003 – Lashawn Eley
2004 – Jeffrey Goeller
2005 – Maxjulian Ham
2006 – Rebecca Sager
2007 – Justin Shields