Your Voice. Live.
You wrote the speech. Now own the stage.
Lynx Live is the CU Denver Department of Communication’s student speech competition, giving students the opportunity to take their ideas from the classroom to the stage.
The best student speakers at CU Denver will compete for $1,000 in total scholarships, recognition, and the chance to prove that powerful communication changes minds and opens doors.
Every finalist receives a scholarship.
Lynx Live: Speak Up!
Ideas worth roaring about.
What issue, idea, or possibility do you think is worth speaking up about?
Create and deliver a persuasive speech that brings an important issue, compelling idea, or exciting possibility to life. Your speech should make a clear case for why your audience should care and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively through both strong content and confident delivery.
Speeches should be 7–10 minutes in length. Effective supplemental visual aids are strongly encouraged.
Who Can Enter?
Lynx Live is open to CU Denver students who are:
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Enrolled in COMM 2050
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Enrolled in COMM 1001
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A Communication major or minor
How It Works
Lynx Live takes place in three stages.
1. Submit
Start by submitting your speech outline and entry form.
Entry deadline: October 1, 2026
COMPLETE THE LYNX LIVE ENTRY FORM: https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QCK5KLMtVorUNw
2. Record
Students selected to advance will participate in a preliminary video round by recording and submitting their speech for evaluation.
Judges will evaluate the preliminary presentations and select the top speakers to advance to the live championship round.
Video submission deadline: October 15, 2026
3. Perform
The top 3 finalists will take the stage for the Lynx Live Final Round, delivering their speeches before a live audience and judging panel on Friday, October 29, 2026, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Every finalist receives a scholarship, with $1,000 in total scholarship awards available to the competition’s top speakers.
First Place: $500
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
What Are Judges Looking For?
Speeches are evaluated equally on content and delivery.
Delivery
Judges will consider:
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Eye contact
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Vocal variety, including pitch, volume, articulation, and pronunciation
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Speaking rate and effective use of pauses
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Composure and limited use of filler words
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Nonverbal communication, including posture and gestures
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Appropriate presentation and dress
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Effective use of the allotted time
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Evidence of rehearsal
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Speaking to the audience rather than reading from slides
Content
Judges will consider:
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How effectively the speech addresses its objective
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Introduction and conclusion
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Organization
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Transitions and signposting
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Adaptation to the audience
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Effective use of ethos and pathos
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Clarity
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Conciseness
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Appropriate citation of sources
Students will receive feedback from judges during the competition.
Why Enter Lynx Live?
Sharpen your skills.
Present your ideas to a live audience and strengthen the communication skills that matter in classrooms, workplaces, and communities.
Compete for scholarships.
Every student who reaches the final round receives a scholarship, with $1,000 in total scholarships awarded to top speakers.
Stand out.
Build your résumé with a competitive public-speaking achievement and demonstrate your ability to communicate ideas with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Lynx Live Final Round
Thursday, October 29, 2026
3:30–5:30 p.m. (final round competition starts at 4:00 pm)
Student Commons 2500
Come support CU Denver’s student speakers as they take the stage and put powerful communication into action.
Ready to Speak Up?
Your ideas deserve an audience. Bring your strongest argument, your best delivery, and your voice to Lynx Live.
REGISTER FOR LYNX LIVE: https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QCK5KLMtVorUNw
Entry deadline: October 1, 2026
Questions about Lynx Live? Contact the Chair of the CU Denver Department of Communication: Hamilton.Bean@ucdenver.edu