On Friday, Nov. 7, Chattanooga State Community College students once again took to the stage to compete for trophies and cash prizes in the College’s fourth annual Talking Tigers. 

Talking Tigers, a speech contest hosted by ChattState’s communication and theatre faculty and supported by the Student Government Association, invites students to join a friendly competition, giving speeches in front of a panel of judges and classmates. 

Students first started in classrooms, competing in small groups for a panel of faculty, staff, and alumni judges. Persuasive speakers made a case for why judges should support the nonprofit or advocacy organization of their choosing, while monologue competitors performed a scene from a movie, musical, or play. 

After several rounds, scores were tallied, and the top-three performing students from each category took to the Humanities and Fine Arts auditorium stage to compete in the final round. 

“Strong communication skills can transform a student’s academic and professional journey,” said Dr. Trae Cotton, Associate Professor of Speech Communication. “Talking Tigers gives our students a chance to step outside their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of.” 

While past rounds of Talking Tigers focused on persuasive speaking, this semester’s competition added a new element that incorporated the College’s theatre department: Monologue.  

“Bringing monologues into this year’s Talking Tigers gave students a new avenue for expression,” said Dr. Jennifer Wilson, music and theatre professor. "This year's partnership between theatre and communication showcased the interdisciplinary strength of our students at ChattState." 

Congratulations to these excellent ChattState students. 

Persuasive Speaking:  

1st: Marlo McMillan, Dual Enrollment, Signal Mountain Middle High School 

2nd: Haven Powel 

3rd: Briley Wear, Dual Enrollment, Ooltewah High School 

Finalist: Destiny Cooper, Dual Enrollment, Signal Mountain Middle High School 

Monologue:  

1st: Nahla Hanks 

2nd: Lydia Bridgforth 

3rd: Lary Ashby