USU Student Represents Utah at National Competition

Utah State University debate student Eric Peatross will represent the state of Utah and USU at the 134th Interstate Oratorical Association competition, held at the University of West Florida, in Pensacola. The competition takes place in April.

Peatross received a perfect score at the University of Utah tournament in January and was recognized as the top persuasive speaker in the state of Utah. He also received a “picket fence,” which means the judges chose him as the first-place winner in all rounds at the tournament.

 

“It’s a real honor and a really cool experience,” said Peatross.

 

At the national three-day competition, Peatross will compete against 100 participants. He said there are usually two qualifiers from each state at the competition.

 

“There are strict criteria when giving my speech, especially in a persuasive speech,” said Peatross.

 

Peatross will use the same speech he delivered at the U of U tournament. More than anything, he intends to polish the speech. When presenting his speech there is no room for mistakes, such as stumbling on words. The judges will be looking for the smaller things, he said.

 

“You can only do what you can do, and then it’s up to the judges,” Peatross said about preparing for the competition.

 

Peatross began his debate career at USU two years ago, when he got involved in Coach Tom Worthen’s argumentation and debate class. In high school Peatross did some public speaking and some limited speech work at Snow College.

 

Peatross said debate has helped him as a student and in his future career. “It has taught me to be more of a critical thinker and more aware of current events around me,” he said.

 

Two of his biggest inspirations and influences are Coach Worthen and Peatross’ parents.

 

“Dr. Tom has been a big influence, not just in debate, but in my life,” Peatross said. “He is a great debate coach and an outstanding person.”