Why That College Student's Epic Speech May Have Sounded Familiar

Georgia Tech student Nick Selby on Sunday delivered what many websites, including TheBlaze, characterized as one of the “most epic” speeches ever given by a college sophomore.

But if you listened to speech and thought it sounded familiar, there’s a good reason.

You see, it appears Selby’s 2013 Freshman Convocation address is a near copy of an award-winning speech delivered in 2008 by Arizona State University debate team champ Andy Stone (at the 08:40 mark):

But here’s the thing: in 2006 Stone acted as an assistant coach to the speech, theater and debate company at Desert Vista High School -- which Selby belonged to until he graduated last year.

So, yes, the Georgia Tech student studied under Stone.

And Selby openly admits that his epic convocation speech was inspired by his old coach! The Georgia Tech sophomore even contacted Stone directly and asked for permission to borrow from his speech, according to a George Tech spokesperson.

“I had an awesome speech coach in high school by the name of Andy Stone, and was absolutely thrilled when he agreed to let me use the end of his award-winning speech as the foundation for my own,” Selby said on his Facebook page.

Selby on Thursday addressed the sensation he has caused with Neil Cavuto: “I was really hoping that I could get a round of applause at the end of the speech.”

“I’m enjoying my 15 minutes of fame -- it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he joked.

He added during his Thursday interview that he actually meant what he said about striving to do great things.

“I want to do the impossible,” he said, referring to his dream of working for companies like SpaceX (which is currently working on sending people to Mars).

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Featured image screen grab.

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