Now that September has come to an end, classes are in full swing, and that probably means you have to make the dreaded oral presentation. Before you start wondering why you even took a Communication Studies class in the first place, there’s a place on campus that can help.
The Public Speaking Center, located in room 251 in Murphy Library, is devoted to helping students with any speech related problem they might have. It has been a part of the UW-La Crosse campus for just over a year and is continuing to expand. Peer consultants that work there can help not only CST 110 students, but students in all classes, including business, English second language, and even biology classes.
Professor Tony Docan-Morgan, the advisor of the center, talked about how the Public Speaking Center is available to reduce speech anxiety and provide feedback, as well as give helpful tips on delivery, presentation, or any problem that a student may have. All consultants meet with students one- on- one to create a conversation style discussion and allows for students to receive specific, helpful feedback, whether they still need to pick a topic for their project or if they need someone to practice their delivery in front of.
All the peer consultants who work at the Center have been trained by Docan-Morgan and truly enjoy helping students create a successful presentation.
Brandon Forcier, a consultant at the Public Speaking Center, talked about what a rewarding experience working there is for him.
“I love seeing positive reactions from people and watching their face light up when they get it,” Forcier said.
The Public Speaking Center is available to any student and is a free resource. Additionally, it is not limited to helping students only with formal speeches and is also available as a resource for informal and group presentations.
If you’re interested in meeting with a peer consultant for help with an oral presentation can check out the website for the Public Speaking Center at www.uwlax.edu/psc. It explains how to set up an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged. Time slots are set for a half an hour, and by signing up, students are guaranteed an opportunity to work with a consultant.
When Forcier was asked about how he felt about the Public Speaking Center, he smiled and said, “It’s a useful tool to have, and it’s a resource that students should take advantage of.”
Whether students are seriously stressing about an Oral Presentation and have no idea where to begin or you just want a helpful audience to practice on, those interested should head on over to the Public Speaking Center and see what they can do.