Program and Event

Annual Speech Contest at the American Center

13 contestants, 3 judges, and a referee. The sixth from right Sithided Kingvongsa – first prize winner received US$ 100 cash. The seventh from right Samath Eam – second prize winner received US$ 60 cash. The eighth from right Valaphone Sisouvong – third prize winner received US$ 40 cash

On February 12, the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section held its annual speech contest at the American Center, Lao-American College. This year’s topic was “Environment: protecting our natural resources” and contestants were asked to speak for 3-5 minutes in English on any environmental issue.

The speech contest followed a U.S. Embassy workshop on the public speaking three weeks earlier at Lao-American College. The contest was designed to encourage students to sharpen their public speaking skills and increase their comfort with speaking in front of an audience.

The speeches were judged by Mrs. Barbara Huso, wife of U.S. Ambassador Ravic Huso; Ms. Georgia Royster from the Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office; and Mrs. Cheryl Dupree from the Embassy’s Regional Security Office. There were 13 contestants, with more than 50 of their peers in the audience. Contestants were judged on their composure, speech organization, and delivery.