In an impressive display of oratory prowess, Northern Arizona University (NAU) made history at the annual Regents’ Cup as Benjamin Winkler, a major in philosophy, politics, and law, clinched first place in storytelling. His compelling performance earned him a $15,000 scholarship, marking a significant achievement for the institution.
The Regents’ Cup, an event organized by the Arizona Board of Regents, serves as a platform for students from NAU, Arizona State University (ASU), and the University of Arizona (UA) to exchange diverse perspectives through speech and debate. This year, participants engaged with the theme of liberty and responsibility.
Inspiration and Preparation
Winkler’s journey to the Regents’ Cup began with a recommendation from his former professor, Russell Pryba. The competition appealed to Winkler not only for his love of public speaking but also for the chance to interact with distinguished judges and Arizona leaders. He chose storytelling over debate, attracted by the opportunity to convey ideas and personal experiences without the immediacy of live argumentation.
Preparation for the competition was a rigorous process. Winkler had to memorize a 10-minute speech over two and a half months. “Since storytelling operates as a combination of personal experiences, the theme of the competition, and policy issues, the brainstorming process was one of the most difficult steps,” Winkler explained. He emphasized the importance of connecting policy issues with personal reflections before crafting and memorizing the speech, finalized two weeks before the event.
The Power of Community
Collaboration played a crucial role in Winkler’s success. He constantly sought feedback from fellow NAU storytellers, experimenting with his delivery to engage his audience effectively. Winkler credits the supportive community he found during this journey as a key factor in building his confidence.
Facing the Competition
Despite initial nerves and a restless night before the competition, Winkler was buoyed by the support of his peers. As he entered the first round, his excitement to engage with students from ASU and UA grew, and his confidence soared with each successful performance.
Victory and Reflection
Winkler was overwhelmed when he was announced as the winner. “We are our own worst critics, so I found myself too inspired by the other presenters to imagine winning first place,” he admitted. The recognition was celebrated with an outpouring of support from coaches and friends across all three universities. As Winkler reflects on his victory, he is most grateful for the camaraderie and encouragement from his NAU peers who were integral to his journey.
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