NEW!

It's now easier than ever to make an appointment for a session at the Speaking Center. Try the the On-line Scheduler from the convenience of your own laptop. Once you take a few seconds to sign in, you can submit an appointment request on-line, receive consultation reports, fill out consultation feedback forms and more... all on-line!

We would like to thank two UMW alumni, Broderick Taylor and Steven Sorrell (formerly supervised by Professor Jennifer Polack, CPSC), as well as Speaking Center staff David Moore for their work on this one-of-a-kind software that will make the Speaking Center more accessible to all.

Our Mission at the Speaking Center:

The mission of the Speaking Center is to support the objective of the Speaking Intensive Program, which in turn supports the liberal arts goals of the University of Mary Washington. The center is committed to aiding development of oral communication skills aimed towards effectively communicating a diversity of views. Specifically, our goal is to provide individualized consultation sessions and printed, audio-visual, and web resources to assist the university community in achieving its liberal arts education goals. The Center houses a collection of instructional resources (books, handouts, videotapes and equipment) which address a variety of topics ranging from public speaking anxiety to constructing effective visual aids. Consultants are available to videotape practice presentations and to provide feedback. The Center adheres strictly to the university's Honor Code: consultants will not compose any portion of a presentation for a student nor will they do research for a student's presentation. Consultants are also prepared to offer advice on special types of oral communication activities such as speeches, group presentations, debates or interviews.