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Public Speaking Center

A page within Murphy Learning Center

Welcome to the PSC

Public Speaking Center Hours

Monday - 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday - 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday - 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We offer tutoring in three modalities.

  • In person appointments or drop in
  • Remote appointments
  • Asynchronous tutoring

We will re-open for the Spring on February 6th. 

  1. In person in the Murphy Learning Center
    1. Book through the Navigate App
    2. Go to Book an Appointment
    3. Select "Tutoring"
    4. Select "Murphy Learning Center"
    5. Select "Public Speaking Center"
    6. Select the day and time you'd like to have an appointment
    7. Submit
    8. Drop-ins are welcome, but come second to schedules appointments
  2. Remote tutoring via Zoom
    1. Please self-enroll in this Canvas page: Tutoring, UWL Learning Center to have access to remote tutoring
    2. Join us in the Public Speaking Center Zoom room

If you need assistance with a group speech, we can help you in two ways:

  1. A 30 minute speech focused on a specific aspect of the presentation.
  2. Schedule two back to back sessions (60 minutes) with the same tutor where they can help your group with the entire presentation (similar to an individual speech).
  3. Share materials for asynchronous feedback.

During your appointment, the tutor will track your information Navigate

Please read the frequently asked questions before coming to your appointment. 

Where do I go for tutoring?

You have two options:

  • Appointment or drop in face to face tutoring. We are located in the Murphy Learning Center.
  • For remote tutoring (by appointment only). Please self-enroll in this Canvas page: Tutoring, UWL Learning Center to have access to remote tutoring. Join the Public Speaking Center room in Zoom. 

Who comes to the Center and why?  

Students from all majors can use the Public Speaking Center. Trained peer consultants will help any UWL student. We offer assistance with:   

  • Topic selection 
  • Audience analysis 
  • Content development
  • Organizing ideas 
  • Preparation outlines 
  • Persuasive Presentations
  • Informative Presentations
  • Group Presentations
  • Delivery outlines and speaking notes 
  • Delivery (hand and facial gestures, vocal tone) 
  • Audio-visual aids 
  • Managing speaking anxiety 

What should I bring to my appointment?  

  • A copy of your course syllabus
  • Assignment directions and rubric
  • Any notes or drafts

What will happen at the beginning of my appointment?  

The peer tutor will ask a few questions to work with you, including:

  • The assignment you want to work on
  • Your instructor's name
  • The course where the assignment is from
  • Your goal for the 30 minute session (what part of the assignment do you want to work on)

How long do appointments last?  

  • Appointments are 30 minutes
  • If you need additional help, you can schedule a follow up appointment

Can I practice my presentation and receive feedback?  

Yes! A peer consultant can watch you practice and provide feedback on your delivery and/or content. The Public Speaking Center is equipped with a laptop, a large monitor for practicing with visual aids (i.e., PowerPoint), and video camera if you would like your practice session taped.  

Can I receive feedback on my content and organization?  

Yes! A peer consultant can provide feedback on content development, outlines, and organization of ideas.  

Will coming to the Center increase my grade?  

Our goal is to help you be as successful as possible for your presentations. Most students who meet with a peer consultant during a 45-minute appointment leave with approximately specific suggestions for improvement. Receiving feedback from a peer consultant is just one step in preparing a presentation. Students should recognize that they are ultimately responsible for their performance on their assignments, and that the feedback they receive may or may not affect their grade positively or negatively.  Please also note that the Center will not:   

  • Write speeches for students. 
  • Guarantee a perfectly composed and/or delivered presentation. 
  • Guess (or second guess) grades.  

What is the history of the Public Speaking Center?  

During the 2012-2013 academic year, Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan and undergraduate student Lindsay Swiggum piloted the Center and found student and instructor interest and need. During the 2013-2014 academic year, we received a permanent home in the Murphy Learning Center, hired 11 peer consultants, provided over 500 student consultations, and hosted six workshops on topics ranging from managing public speaking anxiety, extemporaneous delivery, using creative and vivid language, and using PowerPoint. During 2014-2015, our training program was certified by the National Association of Communication Centers, we had over 1,200 student consultations, and we created and hosted the Public Speaking Competition. During 2015-2016, we had over 1,500 student consultations and delivered 40 public speaking workshops on campus. We’re excited about serving all UWL students and look forward to continued growth and usage. 

 

We've received grants from the College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities (C.A.S.S.H) Small Grant,  CLS Technology Grant, and CATL Faculty Development Grant. 

See our 2012-2015 and 2015-2016 reports for additional information regarding our growth, outreach, assessments, and goals. 

How can I work at the Public Speaking Center?

If you are interested in becoming a Public Speaking Center consultant, you can fill out this Qualtrics survey or scan this QR code.

Public speaking basics 

These handouts are adapted from the current CST 110 Textbook (Fall 2019).

Getting Started with Speeches Guides

Online Presentations

Audience Analysis Guides

Writing Speeches Guides

Outlining Guides

Presentational Aids Guides

Using Research in Speeches Guides

Speech Delivery Guides

Informative Speech Guides

Persuasive Speech Guides

Informative Speaking - Resources & examples

  • Austin MacKenzie's purpose was to inform the audience about spray paint art and to teach them how to create an original piece of spray art. Files: Speech videopreparation outline

Persuasive speaking - Resources & examples


Have ideas for resources? Contact the Public Speaking Center Director. 
Marti Maday

Marti Maday

Scheduling Lead

Majors: Public Health and Communication Studies

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC? 
I am looking forward to having students revisit me! I love seeing growth among the same students from their first speech in CST 110 to their second!

Favorite type of speech to give: Persuasive

Anna Giese

Anna Giese

Majors: Secondary English Education and Public Communications with emphasis in Advocacy

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC?
I have always had a passion for public speaking and recognize the importance of a good speech, so I wish to help people express their passions in a well-done speech as well as open their horizon to the new topics. 

Favorite type of speech to give: Persuasive or Exempt

Anastasia Grochowski

Anastasia Grochowski

Social Media Co-Director

Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry, Spanish, Interpersonal Communication
*Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions; Pre-PA

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC?
I truly enjoy connecting with other students and helping them feel more confident about their speech! I look forward to making more connections within the PSC!

Favorite type of speech to give: Informative

Hailey Hoffmann

Hailey Hoffmann

 Major: Accounting

What are you looking forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to hearing a bunch of difference speeches/topics from students

Favorite type of speech to give: Persuasive

Anna Horn

Anna Horn

Social Media Co-Director

Major: Biology with a Biomedical sciences concentration
Minors: Chemistry and Psychology *Pre-PA

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC?
I love to help students find their passion through speaking and showing them how to put that into their speeches!

Favorite type of speech to giveInformative

Piper Mitchell

Piper Mitchell

Hiring Lead

Major: Elementary/Middle Education and TESOL dual license 
Minor: Leadership Development

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people and guiding them towards a goal. I want everyone that visits me to feel pleased with their presentation.

Favorite speech to give: Persuasive

Matthew Nordstrom

Matthew Nordstrom

Major: Finance
Minor: Economics

Why do you love tutoring at the PSC?
What I love the most about tutoring at the PSC is seeing students improve their public speaking skills and getting over any anxiety that they have. I am looking forward the most to helping another incoming class of students!

Favorite type of speech to give: Informative/Presentation

Jordyn Plitzner

Jordyn Plitzner

Major: Exercise and Sports Science

What are you looking forward to the most about tutoring?

Improving my communication skills, discovering something new about myself, making connections, and finding enjoyment.

Favorite type of speech to give: Impromptu

Karissa Schmit

Karissa Schmit

Major: Communication Studies - Media Studies Emphasis
Minor: Digital Art 

What are you looking forward to the most about tutoring?
I am looking forward to meeting new students and seeing them grow confident in their abilities. 

Favorite type of speech to give: Persuasive

Amanda Szotek

Amanda Szotek

Major: Biology - Science Education
Minor: Chemistry

What are you looking forward to the most?
I love helping people find their confidence and express their personality within their speeches!

Favorite type of speech to give? Informative

Benjamin Vandigo

Benjamin Vandigo

Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry

What are you looking forward to the most about tutoring?
I was excited at the opportunity of being able to help others, especially in something like public speaking, which can be very difficult.

Favorite type of speech to give: Informative

Managing Communication Apprehension 

Hosts: Anna Horn and Matthew Nordstrom, PSC Peer Consultants

When: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 6 p.m. 

Where: Centennial 1309

Public Speaking Center Director

Terence Smith  Profile of Terence Smith

Teaching Professor
4206 Centennial Hall
tsmith@uwlax.edu
608.785.8523

Specialty areas:

Public Speaking

Public Speaking Center

Media Literacy