Public Speaking Group

Most of us feel uncomfortable when we speak to a group, and many students would like to avoid the stress and anxiety of speaking in public. Nevertheless, many university programs now require students to make class presentations or to conduct seminar sessions. This group provides instruction in how to speak effectively to an audience and to survive the experience.

Many students come to the Public Speaking Group to get rid of the anxiety. Unfortunately, that goal is not realistic -- speaking in front of a group is stressful, and the anxiety that one experiences (while unwanted) is perfectly normal. The Public Speaking Group is designed to help students practice presentation skills and experience anxiety as they do a good job.

Public Speaking Group Sessions

Session 1: Introductions

• Get to know one another through introductions
• Overview of the group
• Procedures: Presentations, Questions, Feedback, Video-recording
• Participants select a reading on public speaking for presentation at next session.

Session 2: Speaking about Speaking

• Summary of individual readings on public speaking
• Present highlights of reading and key points
• 5-minute presentation; listeners make notes and jot down questions; 5-minute question period
• Feedback (what you liked about the presentation)

Session 3: Mini Lecture - Teaching About Something

• Pick a topic from your area of study
• Prepare a 5-minute mini-lecture that teaches one or two (at most) key concepts
• Use visual aides to amplify your points

Session 4: Mini Lecture - Teaching How To Do Something

• Pick an activity that you know how to do.
• Provide a 5-10-min presentation/demonstration that teaches the group members to do the activity.

If the Group or Workshop is already scheduled
Please make a 20 minute appointment to meet one of the facilitators, to make sure that the group is appropriate to your needs.

If the Group or Workshop is not already scheduled
If we have sufficient interest in this group we will offer it as possible. To show your interest, please come to the Counselling Services and fill our a timetable to show us when you would be available.

Schedule
Please check the events page to see if a group is scheduled.