Joseph Cotchett Speaker Showcase

The USF Rhetoric and Language department has hosted the Joseph Cotchett Speaker Showcase for more than twenty years. The goal of the Speaker Showcase is to bring the principle of “eloquentia perfecta” to life, showcasing the ways in which our students employ eloquence in service of the common good. 

The showcase highlights a wide variety of speeches that embody the social justice mission of USF and the principles of effective and ethical speech. This could mean more conventional assignments, like informative or special occasion speaking, but it could also mean narrative, speeches to entertain, or speeches that emphasize digital/visual technology. Speeches that demonstrate unique organizational approaches, unconventional uses of evidence, or creative approaches to audience engagement are also encouraged.

Winners of the Speaker Showcase are eligible for four special awards, each of which honors a member of our USF or San Francisco community notable for their eloquence and commitment to the public good. These include:

  • Joseph Cotchett Award for Social Justice. Joseph (Joe) Cotchett is a renowned trial lawyer in the Bay Area who fought, amongst other things, for civil and union rights. We are particularly grateful to Joe Cotchett for funding the Showcase in perpetuity. 
  • William Workman Award for Public Affairs. William (Bill) Workman was a beloved and active reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle and in the Bay Area for over 20 years; his wife, Marla Lowenthal, was a dedicated USF instructor for over a decade, who consistently prompted students to use public speaking to pursue awareness of social justice issues.
  • Freddie Wiant Award. Freddie Wiant was a faculty member and chair for over 10 years of the Rhetoric and Language department, and a tireless advocate for USF debate and oral communication instruction, particularly around politics and social justice.
  • Brian Vannice Award. Brian Vannice, a cherished public speaking instructor at USF for over 20 years, was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and learning outcomes through his dedicated participation in department service.

Recipients of these awards are presented with a certificate and cash award at the showcase. 

Selection Process:

  • Students' speeches are nominated by their instructors, who submit a rationale for selection, along with supplementary materials including a video recording of the speech and often an outline and/or visual aids. 
  • A panel of faculty judges review and select the finalists, who are then notified and must confirm their willingness to present at the Showcase. Winners are encouraged to work with their instructors or the Speaking Center in preparation for the Showcase. 
  • All winners of the Speaker Showcase must present their speeches at the Showcase, which is annually held during the Spring semester. 

Who is Eligible:

  • Any student who has delivered a speech for a Rhetoric course within the previous year (Spring, Summer, Fall, or current Spring semesters). Student speeches must be submitted by their instructors, but students are welcome to invite instructors to submit their speeches.

Event Details

The event is held every May in the spring semester as part of the Rhetoric and Language Department's Eloquentia Perfecta: Celebrating Rhetoric at USF event series.