Does public speaking TERRIFY you? Join us at the Speaker's Center!

I remember the first time I had to stand up in front of the class and give my informative speech. I was in my sophomore year in college and I recently changed my major from Art & Design to Communication Studies. I was terrified from the amount of pressure I felt as my name was called to give my presentation. My palms were sweaty, and I wondered if anyone else could hear my heart trying to jump out of my chest.   ​

My topic was on mushrooms, something I knew little about, but I was determined to challenge myself. This speech was the opportunity for me to expand on my education and learn something new. I worked really hard the night before and I rehearsed my speech over and over again knowing the first few sentences from memory. I could hardly keep my grip on my note cards as I walked up to the front of the classroom, and I imagined they looked like a Rorschach test after all the smearing of the ink.

Right before I was about to begin, I remembered our book’s chapter on speech anxiety and tips to overcome them. I closed my eyes, and I took a three second breath in, held it for three more, and exhaled. I looked across the faces of my peers and I smiled- because I was about to ace this speech. 
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Today, I am a graduate teaching assistant who teaches public speaking classes and how to overcome speech anxiety. One of my favorite aspects at SIUC is being the Director for the Speaker’s Center on campus. 

What is the Speaker’s Center?

The Speaker’s Center is housed in the Communication Studies Department and is virtually available for any student taking a CMST course. We have volunteers Monday-Friday 12-4 PM ready to assist you with ideation, research, outlines, writing/editing, practice, delivery, anxiety-reduction, and more!  ​

Why should you virtually attend the Speaker’s Center this semester? ​

Not only can your instructor or professor offer extra credit for attending the Speaker’s Center, this is a great opportunity to ensure yourself an A! From my experience I have had, I would have loved this opportunity to practice my skills before I was graded.

​Attending the Speaker’s Center is so easy, too! Since our office space is using Zoom this year, we are only a click away and you can do this at the comfort of your own home. We even offer late night hours on Thursday and Sunday.  
You can find hours, the virtual space for meeting, and volunteer information on our website!  
https://www.siucmst.org/speakerscenter.html  

How can I find your hours?

You can find hours, the virtual space for meeting, and volunteer information on our website!  
www.siucmst.org/speakerscenter.html

Why is the Speaker’s Center so important? 

I think back to the first time I gave my informative speech for my public speaking class and I only wish there was a center that would have helped me rehearse and overcome my speech anxiety rather than waiting until the very last second to remember some advice in the textbook. The Speaker’s Center is for all students who need assistance with a speech or presentation in their classes. Like a writing center, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in your class and carry this information into your future career! Public speaking is integrated into every career path there is, and everyone is terrified at first. The difference between a successful public speaker and one that dreads having to get up in front of a group of people to lead a discussion, or talk about your research, or even addressing your family at your sister’s wedding, is taking opportunities that better your skills and challenge you to keep succeeding.  
 
Our team at the Speaker’s Center cannot wait to see you this semester. Have a great Fall and don’t let FEAR get in your way of success! ​

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Madeline Wiles
Speaker's Center Director 
madeline.wiles@siu.edu