The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Public Speaking Lab is dedicated to helping students master the essential skill of effective oral communication. Recognizing that public speaking is a fundamental ability that can significantly impact personal and professional development, the lab provides a supportive environment for students to hone their speaking skills. Located in the School of Communication building, the lab offers one-on-one coaching, practice sessions, and mentoring with trained professionals and peer mentors. 

Students can receive non-judgmental feedback on various aspects of public speaking, from topic selection and speech preparation to delivery techniques and overcoming speech anxiety. By offering these services, the NAU Public Speaking Lab aims to empower students with the confidence and competence needed to become effective communicators in both academic and professional settings.

Attend the Public Speaking Workshop

In today’s competitive job market, communication skills are often considered one of the most crucial attributes that employers seek. In fact, a study by LinkedIn found that 92% of hiring managers say soft skills, including communication, are equally or more important than technical skills when evaluating candidates. With this in mind, our college is excited to offer an upcoming *Communication & Public Speaking Skills* workshop designed to help students hone these essential skills.

This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of communication and public speaking. Whether you’re a first-year student or preparing to graduate, this event offers valuable tools to enhance your ability to express ideas clearly and confidently.

Agenda

• Introduction to Communication Skills: The workshop will start with a brief overview led by expert speakers from Motivational Speaker addressing essential communication techniques, focusing on how clear, concise, and persuasive speaking can help you in both academic and professional environments.

• Interactive Activities: Learning by doing is key. The workshop will feature engaging, hands-on exercises, including impromptu speaking sessions and group presentations. These activities will allow students to practice in a supportive environment.

• Q&A Session: Got questions about how to speak confidently in front of a crowd? Want advice on how to improve your delivery? This portion of the workshop will give students the chance to ask any questions they may have about public speaking.

Why Attend the Workshop?

• Foundational Skills: This workshop, led by speaking experts from Keynote Speaker will introduce students to core public speaking techniques, such as structuring a speech, maintaining eye contact, and using body language effectively.
• Confidence Building: One of the biggest barriers to public speaking is anxiety. By actively participating in this workshop, students will develop tools to manage their nerves and speak with greater confidence.
• Meet Peers: The workshop is also an opportunity to meet fellow students who share similar goals and interests. These connections can lead to future collaborations, study groups, or project teams.
• Engage with Instructors: Students will have the chance to interact with experienced speakers and faculty who can offer feedback and mentorship beyond the workshop.

Benefits of Public Speaking in College and Career

"Public speaking skills equip college students with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and confidently, enhancing academic performance through better presentations and group collaborations" says teen expert Sam Miller of Parenting Teenagers Academy These skills also prepare students for career success, improving employability and opening doors to leadership opportunities.

• Improved Grades: Whether you're delivering a class presentation or participating in group discussions, effective communication skills can significantly improve your performance.
• Enhanced Group Work: Communication is key to working well in teams, especially when collaborating on group projects. Clear, concise communication leads to better collaboration and stronger results.
• Career Readiness
• Employability Skills: Public speaking helps you refine communication techniques that are highly sought after by employers. Interviews, meetings, and presentations become much easier with these skills under your belt.
• Leadership Opportunities: Being a good communicator often translates into leadership roles. Clubs, organizations, and even student government look for individuals who can articulate their vision and rally a team behind it.

Students who have attended similar workshops in the past have experienced remarkable growth. Take Jane Doe, for example, who felt nervous about speaking in public but gained the confidence to present her senior project with poise. Or John Smith, who used his improved speaking skills to land an internship by impressing his interviewers with his ability to communicate his ideas clearly.

Apply For Public Speaking Workshop

Ready to take your communication skills to the next level? This workshop is just the beginning. We encourage you to sign up for the full Public Speaking Program where you’ll dive deeper into the art of persuasive communication. Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register soon.

Effective communication and public speaking are not just valuable skills—they’re essential. Attending this workshop will not only help you in your academic life but also set you up for long-term success in your career. Take the first step by joining us for this transformative event, and prepare to unlock your potential as a confident, capable speaker.

To learn more about our Fundamentals of Public Speaking program, go here.