Bergen Community College

The Speech Competition at Bergen Community College is an annual event that is open to all students on our campus. This academic experience allows students to speak about important contemporary issues and have their voices heard. It also allows them to enhance their speaking and communication skills. Students can choose their own topics and can present either an informative or persuasive six minute speech.

Speech Competition Format:

• All students who sign up for the competition will compete in the First Round and will receive a participation certificate.
• The top 5 speakers from the First Round will  advance to the Finals where they will compete for cash prizes and receive trophies during the Awards Ceremony, immediately following the Finals.

The 13th Annual Speech Competition

with $2,500 in awards from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost

First Round: April 2, 2026; 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Pitkin Education Center (near Public Safety)

Student and Judge Check-in from 12:00-12:25

Competition starts promptly at 12:30

Finals & Awards Ceremony: April 21, 2026; 4;00 pm, Room C-211

All currently enrolled students will present a six-minute informative or persuasive speech on any significant, contemporary topic. Power Point is not allowed. Students may use note cards/an outline during their presentation.

For more information please contact Professor Gina Costa at [email protected] or Dr. Kathleen Williams at [email protected] in the Communication Department.

The deadline to register is March 31.