Auburn Speaks 2023 finalists announced

Auburn University’s School of Communication and Journalism held its bi-annual public speaking competition, Auburn Speaks, semifinals on Wednesday, March 29, and six talented contestants have advanced as finalists.

Natalie Ford, Zach Harrigan, Libby McCracken, Zoe Stewart, Melinda Walker and Fiona Washburn will compete in the finals on Thursday, April 6. The semifinals included 75 students from public speaking, also called COMM 1000, classes. The six advancing students will compete next week for the honor of the Philip Lutzenkirchen Excellence in Public Speaking Award, named after the former Auburn student and football player.

Lutzenkirchen was a standout member of the Auburn community. As an active communications student and a member of the Auburn football team, he touched the lives of everyone around him. Auburn Speaks keeps Lutzenkirchen’s legacy alive by honoring students who share his similar passion.

“There's a mixture of delight and sadness that I go into the evening with each time we host this event,” said Jennifer Johnson, director of the public speaking program at Auburn. “The public speaking competition is my favorite part of every semester because it is a chance to highlight the outstanding work of Auburn students that we, as their teachers, get to see in COMM 1000 all the time. And yet, it's also a moment to remember and reflect on Philip’s life and legacy.”

The final round of Auburn Speaks will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, in the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. To learn more and follow the competition, visit the College of Liberal Arts website or the Auburn School of Communication and Journalism's Instagram: @au_cmjn.