Public Speaking Center

Meet with a Tutor!
Study Skills: Video Series
Welcome expanding section

We support student success by providing quality peer consulting on speech assignments and 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 

Want to be a Peer Consultant? 

We hire every spring - our application for 2023-24 will be available in late February 2023. 

Here is more information about becoming a tutor and what a tutor does. 

Additional Resources

You can use this QR code to leave consultants feedback. 

PSC QR

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.

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Public Speaking Center Hours expanding section

Sundays: 2 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Mondays: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Tuesdays: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Wednesdays: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Thursdays: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Fridays: 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Tutoring is available in-person, virtually through Zoom, or asynchronously through emailing documents. If doing asynchronously, a tutor will look over materials during their scheduled hours if there are no appointments. 

Each session is a half hour long. 

Booking appointments expanding section

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
  3. Asynchronous tutoring Please email materials to jpeterson@uwlax.edu
    1. Send materials 72 hours before you need feedback.
    2. Include the following information in your email:
      1. The name of your instructor
      2. 2-3 areas the tutor should provide feedback on
      3. The due date of the assignment
    3. Please send materials as an attachment (Word or PDF so tutors can easily provide direct feedback. 

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. Jessica Peterson will send an email to you and your instructor to follow up for proof of consultation within 48 hours.  

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

FAQs expanding section

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

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 jpeterson@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?  

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. 

Public speaking resources expanding section

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 video, preparation outline

Persuasive speaking - Resources & examples

Have ideas for resources? Contact the Public Speaking Center Director. 
Meet the Peer Consultants expanding section
Marti Maday

Marti Maday

Communication Studies & Public Health

Scheduling Lead

Owen Montheard

Owen Montheard

Communication Studies (Media Studies) International Business (Minor)

Social Media Lead

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

Bri Beining

Biology & Communication Studies (Org & Professional Communication)

Hiring Lead

Kate Lochner

Kate Lochner

Public Communication and Advocacy (Biology Minor)

Hiring Lead

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.

Emma Eslinger

Emma Eslinger

Communication Studies (Interpersonal)

What is your favorite part of public speaking?

My favorite part of public speaking is creating the blueprint of your speech (outline) and then presenting it in front of your audience!

I think that while these parts in the public speaking process may seem daunting at times, they are the most rewarding because you are able to communicate your interests to others in an authentic and structured way, as well as in a setting that sets you up for success.

What are your goals as a tutor?

My goals as a tutor are to listen, support, and guide my clients on their journey through the public speaking process.

 

Anna Horn

Biology (Biomedical Science)

What is your favorite part of public speaking?

My favorite part of public speaking is being able to learn from your speeches and how you can grow from every speech you give. 

What are your goals as a tutor?

My goals are to help students find a spark of joy with public speaking and hopefully see that it isn't as scary as it's made out to be!

Anna Giese

Anna Giese

English Education & Comm Studies (Public Com & Advocacy)

What is your favorite part of public speaking?
My favorite part of public speaking is the ability to share my passions and express my ideas.

What are your goals as a tutor?

My goals as a tutor are to make the student see their topic in a new perspective, as well as making them comfortable in their topic.

Matthew Nordstrom

Matthew Nordstrom

Business

What is your favorite part of public speaking?
My favorite part about public speaking is that you can always be improving your communication and social skills.

What are your goals as a tutor?

To help others get over their fears of public speaking and to help boost their confidence when giving speeches.

Aly Theilen

Aly Theilen

Elementary & Middle School Education
Anastasia Grochowski

Anastasia Grochowski

Biology & Pre-PA

Connor Pendleton

Connor Pendleton

Business
Workshops expanding section

Managing Communication Apprehension 

Hosts: Anastasia Grochowski and Matthew Nordstrom, PSC Peer Consultants

When: Thursday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. 

Where: Centennial 1309 or Zoom 

Researching Topics and APA Formatting

Hosts: Anna Giese, PSC Peer Consultant and Chelsea Wyman, UWL Librarian 

When: Wednesday, February 15th at 7 p.m.

Where: Student Union 3105 

Outlining Presentations

Host: Emma Eslinger

When: Thursday, February 23rd at 6 p.m.

Where: Student Union 3110

Public Speaking Center Director

Jessica Peterson profile photo
Jessica Peterson  Profile of Jessica Peterson  Office hours

Teaching Assistant Professor
4226 Centennial Hall
jpeterson@uwlax.edu
608.785.6697

Specialty areas:

Public Speaking and Rhetoric

Feminist Theory

Higher Education Administration

Leadership in Education