The Speaker’s Edge program is a unique and intensive public speaking competition designed to prepare graduate students from the Schools of Business, Accountancy, and Law to excel as leaders in the professional world. It culminates in a dynamic two-day competition where students present three distinct presentations—Marketplace Pitch, Team Pitch, and Ethical Dilemmas—in front of a panel of judges comprised of professionals and alumni.

This is where you come in! As a professional and friend of the University of Mississippi, we invite you to serve as a judge for January’s event. Your participation plays a pivotal role in helping our students develop into outstanding communication leaders in the business world.

We need judges for both virtual and in-person rounds.

• Preliminary Rounds:
  These will be held virtually, with competitor entries distributed in two 24-hour blocks. Judges can review and provide feedback at their convenience within the timeframes listed below:

  • Thursday - Friday, January 9 - 10 2025
  • Tuesday - Wednesday, January 14 - 15 2025

• In-Person Rounds:
  These will take place at the Jackson Avenue Center (JAC):

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Final Rounds: Friday, January 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

You may volunteer to judge online, in person, or (ideally) both! We truly value your support in making this program a success.