JUD Talks

JUD Talks 2025

Auditions for JUD Talks will be on Monday, February 24 and Wednesday, February 26 from 6-7 p.m. in Barrington Center for the Arts

Final competition is Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in KOSC 104.

Audition Details:

The event is open to all current Gordon College students
Please aim for 8-10 minutes for your audition (a speech on a topic of your choice)
Please submit a speech outline including a bibliography of cited sources
The best speeches integrate faith and learning.
The final competition is Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. with mandatory dress rehearsals on Tuesday, April 8.
For questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

View the 2024 JUD Talks ➔

JUD Talks—The Adoniram Judson Gordon Memorial Speech Competition

Sponsored by Gordon College Communication Arts

This competitive event features TED-inspired student speeches designed to motivate and inspire the Gordon College community.

Contestants must develop and deliver an original 8-10 minute extemporaneous speech. The best speeches connect to the values of the Gordon College community, feature excellence in content and delivery, and include the following elements:

CONTENT
Attention-capturing introduction
Clear organizational structure
Presentation of a big idea
Appropriate use of emotional/logical appeals
Appropriate use of supporting materials
Connection of topic to the audience
Call to action
Memorable conclusion

DELIVERY
Vocal energy
Vocal fluency
Eye contact
Purposeful movement
Use of visual aids
Time management

The final round will be held on Wednesday, April 9. The event will be open to the public and live-streamed at www.gordon.edu/live/events. A panel of judges will determine the top three winners, who will receive cash prizes. The audience votes on a People’s Choice award.