UW- La Crosse now has a Public Speaking Center with peer
consulting for UWL students needing aid on presentations, public speaking
assignments, as well as extracurricular/personal public speaking events.
Many students on campus are aware of other tutoring
opportunities such as The Writing Center, but few have heard of the PSC, new in
fall 2013.
Peer consultants at the PSC provide guidance on topic
selection, outlines, content, delivery and visual aids. Consultants also strategize
techniques for reducing speaking anxiety and improving confidence.
“I encourage anyone in need of public speaking help to make
an appointment with me or any one of the other qualified peer consultants. The
Public Speaking Center will be advantageous to those who need our help with
their projects and presentations. Speaking in front of others can be
intimidating, but it is our goal to help UWL students overcome that,” says
newly hired advisor Brandon Forcier.
There is a hyperlink stating “To make an appointment, click
here” on the PSC’s homepage. The homepage can be accessed by typing the
center’s name on the UWL website’s search engine. The consultants recommend students
visit the PSC at least a week prior to the event or assignment’s due date. It
is urged that advisees make an appointment; however, walk-ins are welcome.
The PSC is located in
the back right corner of Murphy 251 in the Murphy Library Learning Center. It
is open six days a week, Sunday – Friday, with varying daytime and evening
hours. Students should access the PSC’s homepage for specific hours.
UWL students interested in becoming a peer advisor can fill
out an application before the start of each semester. The deadline for fall
2014 applications has not been announced. As a peer consultant students can
volunteer, earn academic credit, and/or earn a wage if eligible for work study.
The current seven advisors are all pursuing degrees in
Communication Studies and received training after being hired.
Any further questions, comments and feedback can be
addressed to Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan, Professor of Communication Studies, at tdocan@uwlax.edu or (608) 785-6722.
