Blinn-Bryan Communication Studies Showcase highlights the power of persuasive communication

April 9 event includes a discussion of persuasive strategies and the finals of the Speak Up! Speak Out! public speaking contest

April 4, 2024

The Blinn College-Bryan Campus invites the public to immerse themselves in the art and science of persuasive communication at the College’s upcoming Communication Studies Showcase.

Sponsored by Blinn’s Communication Studies Program, the showcase will be held Tuesday, April 9, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Bryan Campus Student Center, Room F-120. The showcase will be viewable via livestream at the Brenham Campus Student Center, Room SC-120.

Blinn Executive Vice Chancellor Leighton Schubert will open the event with a discussion of persuasive communication strategies from noon-1 p.m., followed by the finals of the Speak Up! Speak Out! student public speaking contest from 1-1:30 p.m.

“Getting people to identify with your goals and inspire them to take action is all about having a persuasive and relatable argument,” Schubert said. “I’m excited to share my strategies for getting your message heard that have helped me be an effective advocate for Blinn as well as the constituents I served during my time as a representative in the Texas Legislature.”

As Executive Vice Chancellor, Schubert oversees Blinn’s academic technology and administrative computing services, campus operations, governmental relations, grants and alumni relations, institutional research and effectiveness, marketing and communications, and police department.

Schubert came to Blinn in 2018 after serving three years as the District 13 Representative in the Texas House of Representatives. Prior to his election to the Texas Legislature, he had a distinguished career in public service at the county, state, and federal levels of government.

Schubert earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Texas A&M University and his law degree from South Texas College of Law.

The public speaking contest will feature three finalists with audience members voting to determine which students take home the top prizes. Speeches will cover a variety of topics, including global issues, current events, and student matters.

“This interactive event encourages community engagement with our students and provides a unique forum for them to get real-world public speaking experience,” said Jay Pedregosa, Speech Professor and contest coordinator. “Our goal is to help students realize that public speaking is a skill that will benefit them at each stage of their academic and professional careers.”

Blinn’s Communication Studies Program teaches students to communicate effectively with individuals and groups in personal, public, and business settings. The program focuses on developing strong written and oral communication skills, conflict management techniques, and critical thinking skills. Blinn communication studies graduates transfer to the state’s leading universities, including Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, the University of Texas at Austin, and many others.

To learn more about Blinn’s Communication Studies Program, visit www.blinn.edu/communication-studies.