Kaitlin Olmsted after winning the SOPD public speaking competition. (Photo courtesy SOPD)

Olmsted wins SOPD public speaking competition

The competition is open to students who have completed the Rhetorical Communication (RCM) 200 class at the Graham School of Professional Development.

By USask Engineering Communications

Kaitlin Olmsted won the 2022 Graham School of Professional Development (SOPD) Public Speaking Contest this spring.

First prize in the competition, in which students make a five-minute persuasive speech, is $1,000. Contestants are judged on several criteria, including content and structure of their speech as well as their credibility and command of topic, audience engagement and their polish, poise and vocal quality.

Olmsted spoke about the benefits of using low-waste, environmentally friendly laundry strips - actual strips of laundry detergent that are an alternative to using liquid soap packaged in big plastic jugs.

The SOPD, based in the College of Engineering, was founded in 2012 with support from donors Ron and Jane Graham. If offers courses and certificates in areas including communication, tech entrepreneurship and leadership. The RCM 200 course, a core course at USask Engineering, helps prepare students to communicate effectively in a professional environment.