The WSC Department of Communication Studies held the 2025 World Speech Day event in the Atrium of the Kanter Student Center from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 17.
Throughout the course of four hours, students were invited and encouraged to speak about anything on their mind, with prizes given to those who spoke for at least two minutes at the podium. The WSC student leadership club known as CLAWS was crucial in setting up and organizing this event.
“A lot of the communications majors, we talk for a living,” Catarina Siravo, the president of CLAWS, said. “It’s kind of what we do, but to see business majors or people who don’t usually feel like they can get up and just give a speech…come up and have the confidence to talk is always super rewarding.”
WSC celebrated this event for the ninth time on Monday, and many viewed this year’s event as a success. The spinning wheel of topics provided also gave many students topic ideas.
“What I like most about World Speech Day is the sheer variety of topics and the positive nature of people that not only want to give speeches, but people listening and everyone is very encouraging and positive,” Teresa Morales, a communication arts professor and organizer of the event, said. “It’s a very positive event. Everyone gets applauded, even if you don’t agree.”
Towards the end of the event, a debate was held with the direction of Morales. The debate involved the discussion about whether WSC should reopen its underground tunnels between certain buildings.
“I have noticed that students…have no issues with being censored by others,” Morales said. “And so, there is a generation of people…that simply do not have the same kind of appreciation for the freedom of speech that our forefathers wanted desperately for citizens.”
The two sides of the debate were presented by current WSC students.
“It gives people the opportunity to have their voices heard without stipulation…the invitation is that any student can come up and give a talk on any topic,” Siravo said. “We don’t limit what people talk about here.”
Siravo also emphasized the idea that college students should be able to express their opinions without remorse.
“I think that’s something that colleges should be celebrating, because that’s not something that you see college students encouraged to do, either in class or outside of class.” Siravo said. “They tell you free speech and use your voice, but how often are the opportunities actually provided? We gave the opportunity today, and other college campuses do too, which is always super exciting to see.”
The event created endless opportunities for students to express their thoughts and opinions, no matter the topic.
