Oral Communications Lab
5 May 2009

Although cadet company commanders are not always known for their smooth talking style, at least one of the 2009-2010 cadet captains has earned the credentials to prove he can speak with the best. November Company Commander Shaun Hornilla competed in the Toastmasters International Speaking Contest during the spring semester and advanced through three rounds, becoming a state finalist.

Hornilla’s speech, The Power of One, recounts the story of Arland D. Williams, a 1957 Citadel graduate who drowned after Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac in January of 1982. Rather than saving himself, Williams grabbed the helicopter lifeline and repeatedly handed it to others struggling in the water. After all others were saved, the rescuers returned for Williams, but he had disappeared.

The award-winning speech focused on the personal decisions people make in rendering service to others. Hornilla, who has an Army contract, spoke of the story of Arland D. Williams as one of several factors that influenced his own decision to serve in the military.

The Toastmasters International Speaking Competition is an annual event sponsored by the organization devoted to helping professionals and others improve their public speaking abilities. As one of six state finalists, Hornilla represented the campus club, El Cid Toastdawgs, as well as 17 other clubs from Charleston to the Hilton Head area.

El Cid Toastdawgs is an outreach of The Citadel’s Oral Communications lab – a center for the improvement of communication and public speaking that was established by Henry Dale Smith, Class of 1947, and his wife, Betty.  Smith believes that the ability to speak effectively in front of others is essential for Citadel graduates as they enter their careers.  “It is obvious from the election of our president that one’s ability to speak effectively and persuasively can open up unlimited opportunities,” Smith said.

The lab has had limited service recently because of an extensive effort to upgrade equipment. The renovated facility will permit the recording of speeches and presentations that can be uploaded to the internet. It will also have workstations available for practice interviews.

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