Presentation Collaboratory
Contact information
Presentation Collaboratory: Aarum Youn-Heil ([email protected])
Presentation Collaboratory Fellows: Duncan Lord ([email protected]).
Who runs the Presentation Collaboratory, and how did it get started?
The Presentation Collaboratory is overseen by Rachel Pharr (Coordinator of Communications for DAE) and day-to-day operations are ran by Aarum Youn-Heil, our Communications Consultant GA. The PC was created in 2019 in response to students looking for a way to improve their public speaking or presenting skills outside of the classroom. It is meant to complement programs that already existed at DAE including peer tutoring and writing tutoring.
Who does the Presentation Collaboratory support?
The PC supports undergraduate students and graduate students at UGA. We offer both in-person and virtual appointments so that we can also serve students at locations other than Athens. Students can visit the PC at any part of the speech or presentation prep process.
How would you describe the support and programming the Presentation Collaboratory offers, say for students in writing-intensive classes across the disciplines more specifically?
The Presentation Collaboratory works as a complementary resource to strengthening writing skills. We do this by providing assistance in organizing arguments and evidence, developing and communicating a strong thesis, and building confidence in presentation skills.
What role do you see the Presentation Collaboratory playing in the development of UGA students’ communication skills?
The Presentation Collaboratory plays a huge role in this area as it is one of the few resources available specifically geared towards developing UGA students’ communication skills. Students are expected to have strong communication skills both interpersonally and in public speaking in the classroom and upon graduation, but they might not always get enough time to build these skills in the classroom. This is where the Presentation Collaboratory comes in! Our goal is to fill that gap and work with students through all steps in order to feel confident in executing a well-developed presentation and exceling in their communication skills beyond their time here at UGA.
The Fellowship Program is an intensive and targeted approach to developing presentation and public-speaking skills in UGA students, serving first-generation and rural undergraduate students in particular. This program is a vital part of the Collaboratory and is especially important in our mission to serve all kinds of students on campus who want to Learn Differently.
What are the benefits of a visit to the Presentation Collaboratory?
Students will receive one-on-one communication consultations to target specific areas of their communication that they feel nervous about. They will learn tips and develop skills that are both generally applicable and specifically catered to each student. We also encourage those in groups to meet with us in order to successfully navigate group presentations! Additionally, the Presentation Collaboratory is a welcoming and cozy space developed with our UGA students in mind. The Presentation Collaboratory space is structured specifically for brainstorming the speech process, navigating group presentations, and practicing speeches and presentations.
What are the benefits of participating in the Fellows Program?
Benefits of participating in the Fellowship Program include engaging with a diverse cohort of like-minded students, opportunities to develop relationships with UGA faculty and staff, and chances to gain practical experience in public-speaking communication.
What’s one misconception around public speaking you would like to address?
One misconception about public speaking is that it is innate or intrinsic to an individual. FALSE! Anyone is capable of being an excellent public speaker. Public speaking is a skill that is developed over time and can be successfully mastered with the appropriate tools and resources, but most importantly, one must have a strong interest in sharing ideas with others.