Public Speaking

The Public Speaking program is designed to introduce principles of communication and the classical roots from which they were derived. In class, students prepare and present speeches in both formal platform settings and informal group discussions. While attention will be given to extemporaneous delivery, the emphasis of the coursework is on behind-the-scenes preparation: organizing ideas, structuring messages, and adapting messages for specific audiences. Students who experience anxiety in public speaking situations are particularly encouraged to take a class.