The Hinckley Institute of Politics’ HIP Talks speech contest took a different format this year in order to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic safety guidelines. For the first time, students were instructed to upload their two-minute speech submissions online. Their videos were then judged by a panel of former winners, contest partners and Hinckley Institute staff. Despite the irregular format, over 80 students submitted compelling, thoughtful speeches. From that competitive pool, the following winners were selected:

Grand Prize: Noah Hughes

“Like Father, Like…”
Watch the speech here.

Audience Favorite: Benjamin Merzouk

“Reviving EMS”
Watch the speech here.

Runner-up: Aly Hill

“The Truth Is”
Watch the speech here.

Runner-up: Wendy Joseph

“The Real Virus”
Watch the speech here.

Runner-up: Madelaine Lamah

“More Than Their Words”
Watch the speech here.

Runner-up: Stephanie Morgan

“The Secret Liberal Agenda in Schools”
Watch the speech here.

HIP Talks honors the public speaking skills of former Utah Rep. Wayne Owens. It is sponsored by the Hinckley Institute and the Associated Students of the University of Utah. The $10,000 in scholarship prizes are supported by the Congressman Wayne Owens Fund to foster the public speaking skills of students.