Speaking Center door sign

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: Speaking Center Students

  • 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:Students at Speaking Center

  • class presentations
  • pitches
  • student leadership presentations
  • interviews
  • special occasions (TED-x, Commencement, etc.)
  • poster sessions
  • conference presentations