Social distancing and remote learning have reduced or altered opportunities to practice oral communication techniques that we all need in a variety of situations. Drake University’s Speaking Center is here to support students, faculty, and staff in our shared efforts to develop and advance these crucial skills.
The Speaking Center is now open for both online and campus appointments. Students can book appointments to meet with a tutor for help in preparing, composing, and delivering speeches and presentations—or even to get advice for initiating difficult conversations and participating in interactive discussions. The Speaking Center Director is also available to consult with faculty and staff or to offer classroom presentations and workshops.
Location and hours: The Speaking Center will be holding appointments online through Blackboard and also in the tutoring space downstairs in Cowles Library. Tutoring appointments are available Monday through Wednesday in the afternoons and evenings.
To make an appointment: Visit library.drake.edu/speaking to schedule a personal meeting with a tutor. Please enter a note specifying whether you prefer a virtual or campus appointment. Virtual tutoring sessions are held on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra at the following link: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/7989fbe8f9314fa98d680dca692582e9
Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes each, and students are encouraged to schedule multiple times while preparing for a single event if they wish. Any questions or concerns should be directed to speaking-help@drake.edu.
Speaking Center Services: Speaking Center tutors have experience and training in speech pedagogy and are prepared to assist students when selecting and narrowing topics, organizing ideas, drafting and revising an outline, preparing visual aids, and practicing delivery. The Speaking Center’s staff also facilitates access to research and resources that can help speakers and presenters, and can address a variety of oral communication issues.
— Joan McAlister, College of Arts & Sciences