Public Speaking Program

Some people have said that public speaking is their number one fear, even before death! But, unfortunately, employers view the ability to speak in public as a strong requirement for a job candidate (see the top 10 job skills from the National Association for Colleges and Employers). Furthermore, having stronger speaking and communication skills can help you perform better in school overall (see Washington Post article).

Unlike other public speaking courses, our curriculum focuses on active learning with real time feedback for students during every class session. You can try to learn public speaking through videos on your own, but what you need is practice with our experienced counselors. Our curriculum is designed to introduce students to the full range of speaking activities, from impromptu talks to carefully rehearsed formal presentations, and includes instruction on the development and use of visual aids. Our counselors help students develop confidence in their speaking ability, rehearsals in one-on-one tutorials, and videotaped feedback.

During the sessions, we will also discuss famous speeches to learn from others and identify skills appropriate for each student.

Check out these famous American Speeches of the 20th Century:

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.

Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy

First Inaugural Address by Franklin D. Roosevelt

War Message ("A Date Which will Live In Infamy") by Franklin D. Roosevelt

Speech to the 1976 Democratic National Convention by Barbara Jordan

These American Speeches were selected by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M University.