Hayes Speaking Prize

Speech Topics

Time Limit: 5 Minutes.

1. What is education for? Answer this vital question. The key to this paper is to take the question seriously and to honestly challenge yourself to come up with a well-thought out and definitive answer. If you pick this topic, please remember, “giving less homework,” “having less class time” and other simple-minded suggestions will not be accepted as legitimate suggestions. When considering this question, please look at as many sides of the issue as possible and provide accounts from your experience being a student.

2. A paradox refers to a statement, proposition or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but in fact is or may be true. Thoreau’s statement that “A government governs best, when governing least” may be looked at as a paradox. The fact that many of our cleaning products today contain chemicals that pollute the environment, and thus, to not clean, in fact, may be a cleaner option, is also a paradox. Deliver a five minute-long speech describing a paradox that you see happening at here at Proctor or in your personal life. Explain why you think this is an important issue and describe what actions you might take to address this contradictory situation.

3. Respond to the following quotation as it relates to your life at home or here at Proctor. “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” – Helen Keller.