CommLab Presentation Notes

CommLab Overview

  • Introduction:

    • Presenter: Connor (Graduate student at Virginia Tech, GTA for CommLab).

    • Objective: Educate students about CommLab as a resource for improving public speaking and presentation skills.

  • CommLab mission:

    • Promote peer-to-peer training for public speaking and communication skills.

    • Provide an underutilized yet vital resource for students.

  • Personal experience:

    • Connor: Confesses a lack of experience with public speaking prior to joining CommLab.

Resources Offered by CommLab

  • Peer Coaching:

    • All coaches are students familiar with presentation assignments.

    • Coaches come from diverse majors, not limited to communication.

  • Services Provided:

    • Outline Building: Help constructing and refining outlines for presentations.

    • Presentation Corrections: Feedback on completed presentations.

    • Public Speaking Practice: Opportunity to rehearse in front of an audience.

  • Benefits of CommLab:

    • Reduces fear of public speaking by allowing practice in a safe environment.

    • Enhances presentation quality through constructive critiques and timed practice sessions.

Scheduling Information

  • Hours of Operation:

    • Open Monday to Thursday, 10 AM - 6 PM; Sundays 4 PM - 6 PM.

    • Closed on Fridays.

  • Location:

    • Located on the 2nd Floor of Neumann Library.

    • Directions: After exiting the elevator, turn left and walk down the hall.

    • Support staff in the Writing Center can provide directions if needed.

  • Appointment Booking:

    • Reservations can be made via commlab.vt.edu, selecting preferred dates and coaches based on availability.

Communication and Social Media

  • Instagram Revitalization:

    • Encouragement to follow CommLab’s Instagram for updates on hours, special events, and closures.

Class Announcements

  • Upcoming Speech Days:

    • Order of presentation scheduled from February 5 to February 10.

    • Discussion on maintaining a three to five-minute time limit for presentations.

  • Policy Regarding Absences:

    • In case of absence on speech day, students should communicate with peers to swap presentation dates.

    • If no swaps are possible, students can present in CommLab for credit (one time this semester for full credit).

Presentation Skills Overview

  • Confidence in Presenting:

    • Overview of Chapter 13 in terms of presenting confidently and competently; relevance to narrative speeches.

  • Speech Style:

    • Emphasis on the extemporaneous style, contrasting it with manuscript delivery which is often less engaging.

  • Public Speaking Anxiety:

    • Discussion of commonly felt anxieties and how to manage them through practice.

    • Notable that many people fear public speaking; heart racing and other physiological reactions to anxiety are normal.

Practice Recommendations

  • Rehearsal Suggestions:

    • Recommended to practice the speech at least 10 times out loud to manage anxiety and enhance comfort.

    • Suggestion to use peers or CommLab for practice feedback.

  • Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety:

    • Redirect anxiety into preparatory action, such as rehearse or draft outlines.

  • Vocal Elements in Public Speaking:

    • Importance of clear articulation and deliberate pacing to convey confidence.

    • Identifying filler words during practice sessions (e.g., "like") to diminish their usage in presentations.

Attire for Presentations

  • Business Casual Dress Code:

    • Guidelines for both men and women on professional attire choices for presentations.

    • Detailed examples of acceptable clothing items.

  • Career Outfitters Resource:

    • Encouragement to utilize this resource for obtaining suitable business attire when necessary.

Reminders for Speech Preparation

  • Sleep and Nutrition:

    • Importance of adequate sleep before a presentation and avoiding excessive caffeine.

    • Recommendations against trying new foods before a speech.

  • Materials for Presentation Days:

    • Reminder to bring course guides and critique sheets for peer evaluation.

    • Advisement on checking clothing for wrinkles and having a backup plan for attire.

Questions and AI Utilization in Outlines

  • Using AI for Outline Structure:

    • Ethical considerations in using AI to assist in organizing speech outlines, emphasizing originality.

  • Outline Submission:

    • Reminder about submitting a narrative speech outline, with a template provided for reference.

  • Bezos Speech Example:

    • Preview of an analysis of Mark Bezos’ narrative speech for stylistic insights in future presentations.

  • Wrap-up:

    • Recap of key information covered in the class and emphasis on preparation for upcoming speech days, including attire and scheduling CommLab sessions.