By Emma Medvene
In a world where technology and digital communication are taking over, Lucas Murphy, a committed student of the Marketing and Communication degree, recently won first place in last summer’s CIS University speech competition, underscoring the need for strong communication skills in his field.
During his award-winning speech, Lucas captivated the audience by discussing the profound impact that social media and digital technologies have on our everyday lives. Lucas, originally from Monaco, used his passion for marketing and public speaking to build an excellent connection with his audience. His journey, from planning to success, highlights the value of communication and provides insight into his own growth. In this interview, Lucas discusses his preparation, the challenges he faced, the mentors who supported him, and how this experience has influenced his aspirations.
What was the topic of your speech, and what motivated you to choose it?
The topic of my speech was “The Cyberworld” and social media, covering search engines, browsers like Google and Wikipedia, and finally, artificial intelligence. Since we live in such a digital world, I think it’s very important to understand these topics. That’s why I chose to share my thoughts with an audience.
How did you organize your speech to highlight its key points, and what would you say were the main takeaways?
I started with statistics to show how prominent technology is today, such as the number of Google searches and social media usage. I first focused on social media, discussing the benefits of staying in touch with friends and family, and the disadvantages like addiction and cyberbullying. The second part covered tools like Google and Wikipedia, highlighting their advantage in providing information but also their risks, such as biases and misinformation. I then talked about Artificial Intelligence, specifically ChatGPT and Amazon’s Alexa, and the concern that AI might out-perform human intelligence. To conclude, I asked a humorous question to make the audience think: ‘Are you the master and is your phone your servant, or are you the servant, at the mercy of every notification from your master?’
The main takeaways are that technology is a great asset when used correctly, but there are detrimental aspects to consider, so it’s important to regulate screen time and be aware of the negatives that come with using technology.
Please explain your preparation process for the contest. Which methods or approaches worked best for you?
I wrote my speech to ensure each section was within a specific time limit. Once I finished and was happy with the look and sound of everything, I began to rehearse as much as possible. I practiced in the shower and on my way to school because the more comfortable I felt with memorization, the more passion and energy I could incorporate into my delivery. Not having to worry about which word would come next allowed it to flow effortlessly from my mouth.
Did any individuals or mentors have an impact on you when you were preparing for the contest?
Definitely, I would say that Professor Alex Feldman’s advice and my speech class taught by Professor Karyn Suárez, along with all her additional guidance, played fundamental roles in my preparation. They both provided great advice on the content of my speech and my delivery, influencing me to do my best, and I’m very grateful for their support.
What difficulties did you face while preparing for and delivering your speech? How did you overcome them?
Up until the day of the speech contest, everything seemed pretty good, and I felt confident about the quality of my speech. I practiced a lot, so my body gestures and vocal variety felt efficient. However, when I practiced in front of Professor Alex Feldman, he suggested I add a couple of things. More importantly, Professor Karyn Suárez advised me to make it more personal, explaining that this could be the difference between first and second place. I’m grateful for their advice, as modifying my speech helped me significantly.
What effects do you believe entering this competition has had on your growth both personally and professionally?
I felt super proud and pleased with myself. It was definitely a great confidence boost, not just in public speaking but in general, knowing that I can achieve great things with determination, practice, and perseverance. Regarding my professional development, I think it’s a valuable addition to my CV. Even though I viewed it as just a fun activity, it was a great way to push me out of my comfort zone and will definitely encourage me to be more outgoing in my future career.
How significant do you think public speaking is in the marketing and communications field?
I think public speaking is extremely important. You need to communicate effectively with people, and public speaking is a great way to connect with others. Whether it’s choosing the right words, knowing how to say things, or using body language, public speaking combines all these essential skills that help you become more social and outgoing. If you picture a sales pitch, you need to convey an idea quickly and with energy, so knowing how to do that effectively is crucial. At the end of the day, all fields require communication and interaction, so yes, it’s super important.
What guidance would you give students considering participating in a speech contest in the future?
I would say to enjoy the whole process. Don’t view it as overly academic or professional, as that can make you nervous and intimidated. Instead, picture it as a gathering of teachers and students creating an opportunity to try something new. Put yourself out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill for a bigger purpose. It’s a safe space where nobody will judge you, and everyone is there for the same reason. I encourage you to engage with the community, seek support from other participants and professors, partner up, voice your concerns, ask questions, and practice together.
How will you apply the skills developed from this experience in your future career?
Learning how to communicate my thoughts and opinions in an organized and effective manner is an essential skill for any advertising-related career path I choose. I know that being able to incorporate my newfound confidence when speaking in front of people will be valuable. For example, if I had to direct a meeting, I now know that I could do it without feeling intimidated by what people might say or by presenting in front of unfamiliar faces. I’m still unsure about my future career, but I know I want it to involve advertising, focusing on presenting, convincing, and making connections. Winning the speech contest is a step forward in my professional journey. My main takeaway is the newfound confidence in my ability to effectively persuade others while expressing my points and thoughts with clarity.
