The Power of Speech
Recently our college hosted its annual Bailey Oratorical speech contest which allows any student to compete against each other in for the most powerful message. This year the topic was: “At the heart of the liberal arts is civic engagement: How can we use the values of our liberal arts education to heal divides in our nation and world?” The seven finalists each had compelling and unique messages that proposed different solutions. However, the most powerful speech was from Anh Ha who proposed the way to heal divides is through asking questions, specifically “curious, critical, and courageous questions” that will help challenge assumptions and break down walls.
Through a personal anecdote as to how her and her best friend came to be close friends, Anh Ha showed that through persistent questioning her best friend was able to eradicate preconceived notions that she had about Anh Ha based on her outward appearance. Too many times people (and I am just as guilty) fall into the trap of “judging a book by its cover” never really understanding who a person is beneath the surface. Anh Ha argued that questioning these notions is how you discover the truth and can come to an understanding. Her touching and inspiring speech revealed that the best solution to healing divides is not through brute force, but simply questioning standard beliefs to open up people’s minds.
Anh Ha’s speech and the other contestants showed the power the free speech has: it liberates people and opens their minds. Our Founding Fathers knew this too which is why they established the First Amendment as the right to free speech. The Founding Fathers lived through an age where brute force and scare tactics were used to convince people to see a particular way. After experiencing how freedom of speech allowed the colonists to liberate themselves from England and begin a revolution, they had to protect speech. It is arguably the most important right we have. We are given the freedom to express our views, no matter how different they might be.
Free speech is how ideas turn into actions, actions into movements, and movements into change.
The tradition of the Bailey Oratorical at our school gives students the power to have their voices heard and start making a change. Their speeches unlock people’s minds to hear other perspectives that can start conversations. Calm, empathetic and understanding speech has the power to build bridges. As Laurence J. Peter says, “Speak when you are angry — and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” Each of these contestants at the Bailey came not with fire, but with passion. The best speeches convinced us of their stories and gave peace offerings rather than admonishment. While the power of speech has the ability to move people towards directions of change, it can also move people to build stronger walls. Anh Ha won because she came with an open heart, an open mind, and open arms. She showed the audience the power of speech with a compassionate tongue.
To view the speeches made at the Bailey Oratorical (Anh Ha begins at 24:35):
