Public Speaking Center
We support student success by providing quality peer consulting on oral presentations.
Peer consultants aid students with:
- Topic selection
- Preparation and presentation outlines
- Content development
- Delivery
- Audio-visual aids
- Managing speaking anxiety
- Increasing confidence in public speaking
Public Speaking Center - Hours and Appointments
We are closed for the Summer Session.
We will re-open in September 2018!
We are located in Murphy 251 (within the Murphy Learning Center).
Please read the frequently asked questions before coming to your appointment.
Events
No new upcoming events!
Want to be a Peer Consultant?
Please contact Kate Lavelle (klavelle@uwlax.edu). We hire consultants every semester.
PSC Peer Consultant Application 2.25.18(1).docx
News
Additional learning services are also located within the Murphy Learning Center.
The Public Speaking Center at UWL is one of fifteen communication centers in the United States that has a training program certified by the National Association of Communication Centers.
Contact
Contact Kate Lavelle, Public Speaking Center Director, at klavelle@uwlax.edu or 608.785.6698 for questions, ideas, and feedback.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter
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 30-minute appointment leave with approximately five 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?
See our 2012-2015 and 2015-2016 reports for additional information regarding our growth, outreach, assessments, and goals.
Who supports the Public Speaking Center?
Public Speaking Basics (click links below)
- Select and narrow your topic
- Analyze your audience
- Create a preparation outline and speaking outline (.pdf) (.doc)
- Develop supporting material
- Find, evaluate, and cite sources
- Use creative/vivid language and gender inclusive language
- Engage the audience
- Design and use visual aids
- Practice delivery
- Manage speaking anxiety
Informative Speaking - Resources and 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 video, preparation outline
- Allison Shaver's purpose was to inform the audience about memorization and teach them useful memorization techniques. Files: Speech video, audience analysis questionnaire, preparation outline, speaking outline, PowerPoint slides
Persuasive Speaking - Resources and Examples
- Cara Henney's purpose was to persuade the audience to help protect Wisconsin waterways from harmful pollutants. Cara won the 2014-2015 Public Speaking Competition. Files: Speech video, preparation outline, speaking outline, PowerPoint slides
- Carly Ferguson's purpose was to persuade her audience to eat healthier. Carly was a Top 5 Speaker in the 2014-2015 Public Speaking Competition. Files: Speech video, preparation outline, PowerPoint slides
- Samantha Mueller's purpose was to persuade the audience to no longer ignore domestic violence. Samantha was a Top 5 Speaker in the 2014-2015 Public Speaking Competition. Files: Speech video, PowerPoint slides
- Adria Braley's purpose was to persuade the audience to stand up to hate incidents against the LGTBQ community. Adria was a Top 5 Speaker in the 2014-2015 Public Speaking Competition. Files: Speech video, speech manuscript, PowerPoint slides
- Allison Shaver's purpose was to persuade college students to volunteer for the La Crosse YMCA Teen Center. Allison was a Top 5 Speaker in the 2014-2015 Public Speaking Competition. Files: Speech video, preparation outline, PowerPoint slides
- Charlotte Plehn's purpose was to persuade the audience to support physician assisted death choices. Charlotte won the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File:Speech video
- Megan Graham's purpose was to persuade the audience to support music in our schools. Megan was a finalist in the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File:Speech video
- Olivia Tasch's purpose was to persuade the audience to donate blood. Olivia was a finalist in the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File: Speech video
- Rachel Bernard's purpose was to persuade and motivate the audience to take action in fighting illiteracy. Rachel was a finalist in the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File: Speech video
- Carly Boles's purpose was to persuade the audience to take a stand against trophy hunting of lions. Carly was a finalist in the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File: Speech video
- Cassie Wessing's purpose was to persuade the audience to reduce the amount of time they spend on social media. Cassie was a finalist in the 2015-2016 Public Speaking Competition. File: Speech video
- A UW-Madison student's purpose was to persuade the audience to volunteer for the Special Olympics. Files: Speech video, preparation outline
Library/research tutorials
- Tutorial for using Search@UW
- Tutorial for finding articles
- Tutorial for evaluating sources
- Tutorial for citing sources
- Tutorial for avoiding plagiarism
For additional help and questions regarding library resources and research, contact one of the UWL instructional librarians listed below. Both work closely with students in CST 110.
- Katie Fox - (608) 785-8398 or kfox@uwlax.edu
- Liz Humrickhouse-Lee - (608) 785-8738 or ehumrickhouse-lee@uwlax.edu
Tessa Kraemer
As a peer consultant, I work with other students to provide the best possible feedback to help them do well on their speech. My goal is to help students feel confident about their topic and understand that public speaking is more than just a class, it’s a life skill.
Minor: Professional and Technical Writing
Organizational involvement: Sigma Sigma Sigma, Eta Phi Alpha honor society, Lambda Pi Eta honor society
Quote to live by: "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde
Kali Moumblow
As a peer consultant, I aim to provide my fellow students with the credentials required to be a well-versed and confident public speaker.
Minor: Psychology
Organizational involvement: CHAARG
Quote to live by: “The fears we don’t face become our limits”
Emily Rekow
As a peer consultant, I believe having public speaking skills can get you so far in life because so few people like to do it. But having the tips and tricks to public speaking, will get you ahead in any job you seek.
Minor: Political Science
Organizational involvement: Alpha Xi Delta, Colleges Against Cancer, Love Your Melon, CHAARG, Eta Phi Alpha honor society, Lambda Pi Eta honor society
Quote to live by: Do or do not, there is no try.
Chelle Zeng
As a peer consultant, I am trying hard to help my fellow students overcome the difficulties during speeches. I hope more international students will feel comfortable doing presentations.
Quote to live by: "A man is only as good as what he loves." ---unknown
Dylan Wojtkowski
As a peer consultant, I believe that public speaking is a valuable skill that can further both personal and professional development. My goal is to not only help students give the best presentation possible by helping with their strengths and weaknesses, but to ensure that they continue to learn and grow from our sessions. I want to make sure students feel not only comfortable working with me but also comfortable and confident with themselves.
Quote to Live By: "People who lack the clarity, courage, or determination to follow their own dreams will often find ways to discourage yours. Live your truth and don't ever stop!" - Steve Maraboli
Olivia Tasch
As a peer consultant, my goal is to openly listen and provide helpful feedback for students' to gain confidence in their public speaking anxieties, concerns, and questions. I want everybody to leave the Public Speaking Center with a strong belief in themselves because, to me, that is the most important aspect of public speaking.
Minor: Organizational and Professional Communication
Organizational involvement: Eta Sigma Gamma Chapter
Quote to live by: "Aspire to inspire before you expire" -Eugene Bell Jr.
Amanda Lettner
As a peer consultant, my goal is to be a resource for fellow students and help them have a positive experience when preparing and giving speeches. I aim to use my own experiences to guide others into speaking with confidence!!
Minor: Psychology
Organizational involvement: Communication Club, Vanguard, Cru, Eagle Guide
Quote to live by: "Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life" -Mark Twain
Ashley Colbert
As a peer consultant, I am willing to help anyone and everyone to make their public speaking experience as positive as possible.
Minor: Leadership
Organizational involvement: Co-Editor of The Catalyst, Communication Club Membership Coordinator, and PSC Peer Consultant.
Quote to live by: "Don't be an idiot" - My mom
Josie Olson
As a peer consultant, I believe that communication plays such a crucial role in every aspect of life, which is why I strive to give my fellow students helpful feedback so that they can feel more comfortable and confident with public speaking. My goal is to shine a light on each speaker’s strengths but also help them acknowledge their weaknesses so that they can reach their full potential.
Minor: Spanish
Organizational involvement: Pre-PA Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Volunteering Within, Spanish Club
Quote to live by: “Happiness is a mindset”
Simone Manzeck
As a peer consultant, I hope to further your understanding of the concepts of public speaking and work with you to feel comfortable (and hopefully enjoy) presenting in any given situation!
Minor: Political Science and Professional Writing
Organizational Involvement: Communication Club and College Democrats
Quote to live by: "Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." -Michael Scott
Michael Field
As a peer consultant, I understand that preparing for a speech takes a lot of time and effort. Coming to the Public Speaking Center is the best way to improve and gain confidence in your speech and I’ll be here to help in any way I can.
Minor: Environmental Studies
Organizational involvement: Communication Club
Quote to live by: “Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position but certainty is an absurd one” -Voltaire
Kensie Bruring
Skylar Fox
Ryan Giannoni
As a peer consultant, I take this great opportunity to help others peers of mine become more comfortable with public speaking, formatting, and prepping. I like helping others and will do my best to answer any and all questions to the best of my ability.
Nathan Meihak
Lauren Jann