Public Speaking Center
The Murphy Learning Center will be open Sunday and Monday (October 17th and 18th) during Wellness Weekend. Times may be slightly altered from regular hours, so please check the schedule before you visit the MLC.
The full schedule can be found here:
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
- Presentational aids
- Managing speaking anxiety
- Remote presentations
- Increasing confidence in public speaking
Public Speaking Center - Hours and Appointments
We are available for in person (appointment & drop in) and remote tutoring (appointment only) in Fall 2021.
Extended Wellness Weekend availability
October 15 - Friday 11-1pm (in person or remote)
October 17 - Sunday 4-7pm (remote appointments only)
October 18 - Monday 11-4:30pm (remote appointments only)
Make appointment for tutoring here
Fall 2021 Hours (open September 20th):
Sundays 4-7pm
Mondays 10am-2pm; 2:30-9pm
Tuesdays 10am-9pm
Wednesdays 10am-9pm
Thursdays 10-12:30pm; 2:30-9pm
Fridays 10am-2pm
In person tutoring is available in the Public Speaking Center (Murphy Learning Center)
Remote tutoring is available via Zoom at Tutoring, Murphy Learning Center Canvas page. Please self-enroll in this Canvas page: Tutoring, UWL Learning Center to have access to remote tutoring.
Here is a video explaining how to participate in remote tutoring.
If you need assistance with a group speech, we can help you in two ways:
- A 30 minute speech focused on a specific aspect of the presentation.
- 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).
During your appointment, the tutor will track your information on a MS Office Form. Dr. Lavelle will send an email to you and your instructor to follow up for proof of consultation within 48 hours.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kate Lavelle klavelle@uwlax.edu
Please read the frequently asked questions before coming to your appointment.
Want to be a Peer Consultant?
We hire tutors in spring for the following year. Watch for information for 2022-23 tutoring opportunities in March 2022.
Here is more information about being a tutor and FAQs students have about working in the Public Speaking Center.
Please contact Dr. Kate Lavelle (klavelle@uwlax.edu) if you have questions.
Additional Resources
You can use this QR code to leave consultants feedback.
The Murphy Learning Center offers free tutoring in a variety of subject areas.
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.
How do I make an appointment for tutoring?
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.
Here is a video explaining how to participate in remote tutoring.
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
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- Content development
- Organizing ideas
- Preparation outlines
- Persuasive Presentations
- Informative Presentations
- Group Presentations
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- 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
Asynchronous tutoring
We recognize that it may be difficult to participate in remote or face to face tutoring. If you would like to receive feedback via email from a tutor, you can email klavelle@uwlax.edu and you will receive feedback from a tutor within 72 hours Sunday-Friday.
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?
See our 2012-2015 and 2015-2016 reports for additional information regarding our growth, outreach, assessments, and goals.
Public Speaking Basics (click links below)
These handouts are adapted from the current CST 110 Textbook (Fall 2019).
Getting Started with Speeches Guides
Online Presentations
- PSC Handout Online Presentations - Best Practices.pdf
- Student Resources for Remote Presentations
- Online Presentation Tips (Video from Nate Meihak)
- Tips for Effective Delivery in Online Presentations
Audience Analysis Guides
Writing Speeches Guides
Outlining Guides
- Tips for Using Limited Speech Notes
- Outlining Principles
- Sample presentational outline
- Tips for presentational outlines
- Sample key word speaking outlines
- Tips for key word speaking outlines
Presentational Aids Guides
Using Research in Speeches Guides
- APA Style Guide (7th Edition)
- APA citations - demonstration video
- Citing Sources
- Direct Quotes v. Paraphrasing
- Search UW demonstration video
- Types of Supporting Evidence
- Evaluating Sources
Speech Delivery Guides
- Vocal Delivery
- Physical Delivery
- Tips for Impromptu Speeches
- Delivery Demonstration (Video by Nate Meihak)
Informative Speech Guides
- Informative Speech Organization Patterns
- PSC Sample Informative Speech (Full Sentence outline)
- PSC Sample Informative Speech (keyword outline)
Persuasive Speech Guides
- Organizing Persuasive Speeches
- PSC Sample Persuasive Preparation Outline (Full Sentence).pdf
- PSC Sample Persuasive Outline (keyword).pdf
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
Holly Korfmacher
As a peer consultant, I want to help other students feel comfortable and confident in presenting speeches in class.
Quote to live by: Live happy, pure, and bliss.
Specialty Area: I feel confident in assisting with outlines, considering I was just a freshman last year and excelled in outlines
Julia Koenitzer
Julia is a lead peer consultant in charge of social media.
Timmy Kissel
As a peer consultant, my goal is to help you at any step of the public speaking process. From brainstorming topic selection, creating outlines, fixing APA citations, and speech delivery, I know that I can give you the proper feedback you need to feel more prepared. When I was a freshman, I was so worried about giving speeches in front of the whole class. I realized that I had a little bit of public speaking anxiety. I think it is essential to recognize that you may feel uncomfortable in certain situations. It is even better if you are willing to go seek help from us peer consultants who are properly trained and experienced with managing stress in these most difficult times. Because I learned how to get through these stressful times, it made me realize I love CST! I am hoping to help you overcome the same fear I went through and hopefully show you how awesome Communication Studies is!
Tyler Sidders
As a peer consultant, I hope to help individuals better understand effective methods in speech communication.
Minor: Interpersonal Communication
Quote to live by: "Life is too important to be taken seriously." Oscar Wilde
Specialty Area: "Anything in relation to the exercise sport science major, as I feel I have extended knowledge in that area. I feel confident in assisting with persuasive speeches.
Jane Cimperman
Sophia Sorenson
As a peer consultant, my goal is to provide a welcoming environment to help students grow more confident with their public speaking abilities along with providing them with information to lead them to success.
Quote to Live By: "Live and let live."
Specialty Area: Organization of topic ideas and transitions
Mia Rentmeester
As a peer consultant, my goal is to help students get over their fear of public speaking. Many of us are afraid to stand in front of a group of people and talk but it is an essential life skill. I will do whatever it takes to help make your CST 110 experience as enjoyable as possible!
A Quote to Live By: “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are”-Kurt Cobain
Specialty Area: Presentation tips, delivery, and outlines.
Katie Banie
Calla Valiquette
Major: Psychology on the Pre-PA track
Quote to live by: "If you believe in yourself, anything is possible."
As a Peer Consultant: I hope to help others enhance their communication and presentational skills while creating a comfortable learning environment! Public speaking can be stressful, but I am here to share my experiences with others and help them overcome any concerns that they may have regarding their communication abilities. I am also here to listen and offer feedback!
Specialty: Outline organization and delivery.
Kate Lochner
Quote to live by: "Keep moving forward." - Walt Disney
As a peer consultant: My goal is to help students become more confident while public speaking and learn how to effectively present their thoughts and ideas. Everyone has important ideas to share, but sometimes communication becomes a barrier to sharing those ideas. My goal is to help remove that barrier so students can clearly express themselves and be confident in doing so.
Specialty: Topic selection, presentation delivery, and science-related topics.
Sunshine Vue
Quote to live by: If you really want something, you don't stop for anyone or anything until you get it"
Specialty: Outlines, PowerPoint, APA Citations
Owen Montheard
As a peer consultant: My goal as a tutor is to help people see how fun public speaking can be!
Specialty: Delivery of the speech
Bri Beining
Morgan Hose
Faith Schenk