The BSU Speaking Center is housed in the Department of Communication Studies and helps students prepare for course-related oral presentations and speaking engagements outside the classroom. In addition to coaching, the staff of the speaking center offers classroom workshops and monitors a text helpline.
Speaking Center Goals
The speaking center aims to assist students with public speeches at all levels. We offer two types of coaching: planning and performance. Students work one-on-one with coaches to ensure their speech/ talk/ presentation has a compelling message, audience-centered structure, and confident delivery. The coach provides the speakers with constructive feedback, advice, and encouragement to strengthen their confidence in presentational design and delivery. BSU’s Speaking Center serves as a crucial student support space for speakers enrolled in COMM 210.
Drop-in hours and appointment hours:
- Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Appointments are available virtually and in-person
- Schedule an appointment
Location
- Letterman Building, room 302
How it works:
Students can now schedule appointments online through Navigate. We offer two types of appointments: planning and performance. When scheduling an appointment, students will fill out an intake form online. For in-person coaching, speakers should check in at Room 302 in the Letterman Building. We also offer drop-in appointments. For online coaching, speakers will join a Zoom waiting room and will be assigned a breakout room for their one-on-one meeting.
Schedule an Appointment
Areas of support offered:
- managing anxiety
- gathering support material
- presentation organization
- outline construction
- effective physical delivery
- effective oral delivery
- presentational aid design
- critical listening
- topic selection
- rehearsal strategy
- message development
- video review
Types of assignments/events the center supports:
- class presentations
- pitches
- student leadership presentations
- interviews
- special occasions (TED-x, Commencement, etc.)
- poster sessions
- conference presentations