Public Speaking Center

Meet with a Tutor!
Study Skills: Video Series

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 

Public Speaking Center - Hours and Appointments

Please use our Navigate link to make an appointment. 

We offer three modalities of tutoring (see information below):

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

Fall 2022 Hours

Sundays 2-8pm

Mondays 12-9pm

Tuesdays 1-9pm

Wednesdays 12-8pm

Thursdays. 1-8pm

Fridays 11-1:30pm

We offer tutoring in three modalities.

  1. In person in the Murphy Learning Center
  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 klavelle@uwlax.edu
    1. Send materials 48 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

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

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. 

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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Contact

Contact Kate Lavelle, Public Speaking Center Director, at klavelle@uwlax.edu or 608.785.6698 for questions, ideas, and if you are interested in setting up a workshop or classroom visit. 

Find us on Facebook and Twitter

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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 logo
  • 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?  

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 Liberal Studies (CLS) 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. 

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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

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 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

Persuasive Speaking - Resources and Examples

Have ideas for resources? Contact Kate Lavelle at klavelle@uwlax.edu 
Mia Rentmeester

Mia Rentmeester

Business Management

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.

Kate Lochner

Kate Lochner

Public Communication and Advocacy (Biology Minor)

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.

Owen Montheard

Owen Montheard

Communication Studies (Media Studies) International Business (Minor)

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)
Morgan Hose

Morgan Hose

Political Science & Communication Studies (Public Communication & Advocacy)
Faith Schenk

Faith Schenk

Biology/Pre-PA (Leadership & Chemistry Minors)
Marti Maday

Marti Maday

Communication Studies & Public Health