Say ‘Sure’ to Speeches

Many students at BMCC are required to take a speech course as part of their core curriculum. Amy Cusma had instructor James Webb for Speech 100, and admits she didn’t know exactly what to expect from the class…after all, she came to BMCC to study computer science.

Webb, who also teaches Theatre History, surprised Cusma and her classmates by telling them one of his ground rules is: “You are not to start a speech by saying, ‘hello.’”

“[Cusma] looked at me funny when I said that,” recalls Webb, laughing. “But when preparing students for their first speeches, the challenge is for them to start the speech with something attention-getting.”

The next day, when it was her turn to give a speech, Cusma, “came into the room with this burst of energy and zest,” says Webb. “Her attitude said to me, “I’m going to play by the rules.’”

Cusma performed so well in class that Webb asked if she’d like to participate in this semester’s CLASP Student Speech Competition.

CLASP stands for CUNY League of Active Speech Professors, and is association for all instructors of speech that hosts competitions for students currently enrolled in a CUNY speech class.

Shy, but willing to try

Cusma says she was “a little shy” when it came to public speaking. “I wasn’t trying to stand out in the class. I thought, ‘This is serious; in this class I have to sink or swim,’” she says.

This semester was the first time Webb heard about the CLASP speech contest. “I had to decipher which student was willing to say yes and participate, and Amy set an example for the class,” he says.

Cusma admits she hesitated before agreeing to compete in the contest. “Then I realized this was a huge opportunity that I’d be sorry to pass up,” she says.

Webb says he told Cusma, “If you win, I’ll also make a big impression in my department,” he joked.

Facing the fear

Cusma decided to give an Informative speech—one that informs the audience about a particular topic by backing up a thesis statement with examples—about how senior citizens benefit from using the Internet.

It’s a topic Cusma knows well—she helped her elderly father use the Internet. Webb helped Cusma prepare her outline and notes; then presented her with a challenge. “I asked her to present her speech in front of 16 full-time speech professors,” he says. “They were her toughest audience.”

He carefully and helpfully gave Cusma their feedback. “I thought, well, if I can give a speech in front of a roomful of speech professors, I can handle anything,” she joked.

Overcoming the odds

At this semester’s CLASP competition, held at New York City Technical College (City Tech), Cusma had to present her 5-minute informative speech with students from York College, Bronx Community and City Tech. The judges were speech instructors from various CUNY schools.  Each speech category had a first, second and third place winner.

Cusma said her “butterflies” subsided once she started speaking at the podium. “Professor Webb taught me how to speak from the heart and be passionate,” she says. “When I sat down after the speech, I thought, Professor Webb is right—we might win this.”

We have a winner

As the first prize winner in the Informative speech category, Cusma received a trophy, a gift card, and a huge vote of confidence.

“At every job I’ve ever had, they’ve always asked me ‘How are your communication skills?” says Cusma.  “Now I can say I’ve won a speech contest. I can give a speech in front of a roomful of people—including speech professors—and I know I can do a good job.”

According to Webb, next to death, public speaking is one of society’s top fears. “In my classes, we talk a lot about the roots of fear. I want my students to know if they can stand before strangers and speak, they can do other amazing things.”

Cusma agrees. “Winning this award set a precedent for me in overcoming my fears.”
She believes that Webb’s course will be one of the most valuable classes she’ll take throughout college.

“Not many computer science majors can say they’ve won a speech competition,” she says. “I can go into an interview with that added benefit.”