Find Your Voice at the Communication Center

By: Kiara Mauro ('15), Student Affairs Technical Services

If you're like most people, you are uncertain about your public speaking abilities and are terrified of giving a presentation in front of an audience. According to the Wall Street Journal, the number one fear for the majority of Americans is public speaking. Presenting is an essential part of life, whether it is required for a class assignment or for your future career. What if I told you that there is an easy way to improve your presentation skills? The Communication Center at JMU is a resource for students to help them develop and refine speeches and practice interviewing skills.

By improving your presentation skills, you will also reduce your anxiety about speaking in front of a group. Just ask Haley Winter; she was first introduced to the Communication Center when her professor offered extra credit for practicing her speech at the Communication Center. Haley states, "After the first visit, I realized what a benefit it was and kept coming back on my own. It has given me more confidence with public speaking. The tutors make you feel great about your speech and help you take it to the next level." The Communication Center assists in helping you overcome speech anxiety so that you can feel more confident in front of an audience.

Not only can the Communication Center help you to improve your public speakings skills, but the tutors will help you at any stage of your presentation. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, developing the speech or practicing the delivery, the Communication Center is happy to help you every step of the way. The staff can also provide students with assistance in visual communication, including consultation on how to develop charts and infographics.

An exciting service that is also offered at the Communication Center is the opportunity to practice and prepare for job interviews. This partnership with Career and Academic Planning (CAP) benefits students because they can sign up for mock interviews and utilize JMU's interview stream. The interview stream is a tool that allows for the user to record themselves answering questions within a virtual interview. CAP only allows students one practice interview a semester, whereas the Communication Center does not have a limit on the practice interviews.

Rachel Matt, who currently serves as a tutor, recognizes the importance of developing communication skills: "No matter what profession you choose, the ability to communicate your ideas effectively is necessary across the board. Students who come to the Comm Center leave with a better understanding of the particular form of communication we were working on, which is a skill that will serve them well down the road." Go into your next presentation or interview feeling confident and prepared. For more information about the Communication Center and how to schedule your next appointment, visit: http://www.jmu.edu/commcenter/