Six students competed in the 12th annual Edward Everett Prize in Oratory on March 8. The competition requires a student to compose a ten-minute persuasive argument on a given topic and to deliver it by memory before a panel of judges. This year’s topic was: “Social Networks: Recreating Boundaries Between Public and Private Spheres.”

Senior Trevor Anderson walked away with first prize after delivering a compelling speech on the tendencies of social networks to obscure a healthy understanding of identity and to discourage a life of leisure (as defined by Josef Pieper). Though Anderson has participated in the competition once before, he decided at the last minute to enter this year’s event. He developed and memorized his speech during his cross-country travels to visit graduate schools. His interest in politics and his involvement on the Hillsdale College debate team, combined with the strengths of his philosophy and religion major and his experience as an interning pastor and teacher, gave him the confidence and ability to secure the first-place award of $3,000. The second- and third-place competitors also received cash stipends.

Though the competition brings its challenges, Anderson enjoys the process of crafting and delivering a good argument. “I really love presenting a point of view in a way that will persuade people,” he says. “It’s not just what you say—it’s your phrasing, your pauses, even the movement of your eyebrows! Language has an amazing power. I love taking the good, true, and beautiful—and making that beautiful for people through speech.” Along these lines, Anderson emphasizes the importance for students of the liberal arts to develop speaking skills to match the content and quality of their education. “People need to be able to present themselves well if they’re going to persuade people of the truth. I think it’s central to liberal education.”