Latest News
Our next speech showcase is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, in the Nelke Theatre from 5:00-6:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:00 p.m.
The Awards
We gratefully acknowledge the Donald Sloan Endowment (1969), the J. LaVar Bateman Endowment (2005,) and the Marie Clegg Jones Endowment (2006) which help perpetuate the speaking activities of those enrolled in the TMA Public Speaking course.
The "Donald C. Sloan Speech Award"
The Donald C. Sloan Extemporaneous Speaking Contest began in 1955 with the aim to develop strong speaking skills among the young Latter-day Saints at BYU. In 1969, shortly before his passing, Dr. Sloan established an endowment fund for the speech contest. In 1992 the contest was changed to a showcase, highlighting the best speaker from each public speaking class. Awards given in his name help us remember the importance of developing extemporaneous skills.
The "J. LaVar and Helen Bateman Memorial Award"
Dr. Bateman loved BYU, the students, and the speech program. His life has been one of service, including the speech students here at BYU. After serving his country in the Navy during World War II and marrying his college sweetheart, Helen Mae Ream, he earned his PhD in Speech Communication at the University of Wisconsin and then joined the faculty at BYU. Brother Bateman taught public speaking and coached winning debate teams at BYU for many years. During his career, Dr. Bateman opened a life insurance policy for the sole purpose of making a difference in the BYU Speech Program. In his retirement years, Dr. Bateman continued to advocate for the speech program and was a guest at many of our speech showcases. The awards given in his name help us reflect on the power of using our voice to serve.
The "Marie Clegg Jones Speech Award"
This award was established by her son, G. Kevin Jones, in 2006, to honor her lifetime accomplishments and service. Marie was the first woman on the Men's Varsity Debate Team in 1948; setting a new standard for women in debate and public address. As an excellent debater and extemporaneous speaker, she traveled throughout the country. In 1950 Marie was chosen by faculty and students at BYU to speak as the student body representative at the 75th year BYU Diamond Jubilee Convocation. To her surprise, the topic of her address was covered by the previous speakers. She therefore discarded her prepared remarks and delivered an impromptu speech entitled, "Gold, Glory, and Gospel," which earned her a standing ovation. Marie used her voice in many leadership roles and paved the way for better values and understanding throughout the world. Awards given in her name affirm the power of one’s voice in building a better world.