Stafford Video Communications Instructor Curt Casper was very surprised to learn recently that the speech he delivered as a college student would now be featured as a teaching tool in a highly regarded textbook to be used nationwide in college and high school communications classrooms. The book, in its 12th edition, is entitled “Understanding Human Communication” by George Rodman, Ronald B. Alder, and Athena du Pre. It discusses different communications strategies including how to write an effective speech.
In 2011, Casper, who competed on the Hastings College (Hastings, Nebraska) Speech team, placed 2nd in the nation at the Interstate Oratory National Tournament at James Madison University. His speech focused on “Survivor Support; getting help for friends, family, and loved ones who have lost someone to suicide.” In his speech, Casper talked about his father who committed suicide in 2007. Casper wanted to make sure other families didn’t experience the same grief his own family went through.
The author, George Rodman, reached out to Casper about a year ago requesting to use Casper’s speech in his newest edition, and asked him (Casper) to write about how speech and broadcasting relate to one another. At the time Casper was working as a news and sports reporter for Fox TV Affiliate KPTM in Omaha, Nebraska.
Rodman profiled Casper in the 12th chapter of his book, which talks about organizing support. The book explains how important it is to find credible sources in both speech and broadcasting. Rodman shared this quotation from the text “As Curt Casper learned as both a public speaker and newscaster, knowing what you are talking about, and communicating that knowledge isn’t the same thing.”
“When he first asked to publish my speech I thought it was just going to be a little mention somewhere,” Casper said, “But, then I opened the book to find out he used my speech for an entire chapter! This was really a dream come true. My message will continue to be shared. Hopefully someone out there who is struggling will read my speech and know that suicide is never the answer!”
Casper is in his first year as a Video Communications Instructor at Stafford Technical Center, and is also the Assistant Public Speaking Coach for Rutland High School.