Public Speaking Initiative
The new Public Speaking Initiative (PSI) offers resources to faculty, departments, and the student body. It offers practical techniques grounded in rhetoric and composition theory, enabling it to provide assistance tailored to the curricular goals of specific courses and assignments.
PSI is coordinated by Matt Ruben, a longtime instructor in the Writing Program. Matt earned his doctorate in English and Urban Studies, and is a community activist in Philadelphia with a broad range of public-speaking experience.
Contact Matt at mruben@brynmawr.edu to discuss a workshop for your class or department.
FOR FACULTY
In-class Workshops: Sessions customized for the pedagogical goals, intellectual content, and time constraints of specific courses and assignments.
Curricular Development: Individualized consultation with faculty on ways to create or further develop assignments involving speaking and presentation.
FOR DEPARTMENTS
Presentations: Sessions for groups of faculty, or for groups of majors, to assist with the department's academic and professional needs, including oral components of senior theses, poster presentations, research presentations, and more.
FOR STUDENTS
NEW: Peer Speaking Tutors: Specially trained students available for one-on-one meetings to help with oral presentations, thesis defenses, interviews, poster presentations, class discussion skills, visual aids, and more! Make an appointment or walk-in at the Writing Center, just like you do with peer writing tutors. Online appointments are available through the Writing Center's online system - just click on "Make an Appointment," above.
Campus-wide Workshops: Matt is conducting more workshops this semester, open to all students, focusing on the essentials of public speaking and presentation.
Spring 2013 Workshop 1
Presenting and Defending Your Senior Thesis
Tuesday, March 5, 4:30-6:00PM, Taylor Hall Room B
Working on a thesis or similar capstone project? Have a seminar presentation in your major course? Or do you just want to learn how to present your work to a group? Learn how to communicate your main ideas to an audience, how to establish a presence, and how to manage the presentation space. Please RSVP to Matt at mruben@brynmawr.edu.
Sprong 2013 Workshop 2
Academic Citizenship: Participating in Class Discussion
Date and Location TBA - stay tuned!
Class discussion is a form of public speaking - as is working in a small group, participating in a study group, and even meeting with your professor. Learn how to be an active participant in classroom and small-group situations. Help others see what you have to offer, and get the most out of your educational experience.