“How many of you have had a life-changing experience?” With this question Grace Weltman (DTM) introduced her speech “A Close Call Changes It All”—a summary of her close call with death experienced three years ago, and the decisions made at that point in time. “Looking back, I am thankful for the opportunity she has been given to transform my life and the other’s lives”—Grace concluded. This striking account made Grace win the Best Speaker ribbon.
Grace Weltman (DTM) during her speech “A Close Call Changes It All.”
Austin Burge (CC/ALB) evaluated Grace’s speech. Austin emphasized the clearness, fluency and the organization of the delivery—with a perfect use of pauses, pitch and vocal variety. Austin pointed out that, due to time restraints, the speech was concluded on rush—as a consequence, the discourse ended with a weak conclusion. The evaluator suggested working on a better distribution of the time allowed to the assignment, and concluding with a strong recommendation. Austin also made the suggestion of relaxing arms in order to better convey the oral message by improving body language.