The Ball State University speech team finished first at the Indiana State Individual Events Tournament at IUPUI. Beating out rival Indiana University, the Ball State team garnered 10 first place awards and several other awards at the contest on Saturday.
Ball State senior Jason Maldonado, who won first place in the After Dinner and Poetry categories, said he was pleased with the team's performance.
"We won against our rivals, IU," Maldonado said. "We slaughtered them, we didn't just beat them."
Maldonado said he quickly discovered the difference between debating and speech competition. Debating tends to be more off-the-cuff with short notes prepared in response to the views expressed by an opponent. In speech competitions, the content is usually memorized and contestants often prepare their thoughts and polish them in advance. Contestants do not respond to points raised by other speakers.
Ball State freshman Kyleen Ammerman, who took home two first place awards, said she practices her speaking skills in her doorm's study lounge and at the communications house on Marsh street.
"You have to have a good speech laid out," she said. "You have to have confidence in yourself and not be shaky."
Ammerman said one of her first place speeches discussed a new DNA test that can help people choose a diet that will improve their nutrition.
In April the Ball State speech team will go on to the national competition in Eau Claire, Wis., to compete against more than 70 teams, Maldonado said.
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