Oral communication practice in groups facilitated by speaking consultants

Peer Speaking Practice Groups (PSPGs)

PSPG participants commit to a four-week block and meet weekly for 50 minutes. Each group is facilitated by one speaking consultant. Topics can be negotiated or preset by the facilitator. Additional topics can be brought up during weekly sessions. It is possible for certain topics to be covered in different PSPGs, but the situation may be different. For example, making small talk can be for general day-to-day conversations, or it can be for networking purposes at an academic conference.

Group | Facilitator | Themes Dates and Times Mode and Location Topics
Group 8 Sara | General Themes (Living & Succeeding as a Grad Student) Fridays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | Mar 6, 13, 27 WebEx (Online) | Sign up for link Everyday Small Talk and Academic Culture | Teaching, Learning, and Academic Success | Technology Tools for Research and Teaching
Group 7 Cat | Career-Readiness Themes) Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | In Person | Student Innovation 4237 (Mar 4, 25) and Student Innovation 2233 (Mar 11) Leading Through Conflict | Faculty Conversations: Advisors, Committees & Collaborators | AI as a Communication Practice Partner
Group 6 Chris | Public Speaking (Preparing and Delivering a Talk) Tuesdays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m.| Mar 3, 10, 24, 31 In Person | Ross Hall 0027 Choosing What to Say | Starting a Talk Strongly | Explaining Ideas Clearly | Ending a Talk Effectively
Group 5 Chris | General Themes (Daily Life & Common Experiences) Mondays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m. | Mar 2, 9, 23, 30 In Person | Ross Hall 0131 Shopping and Money Habits | Free Time and Entertainment | Health and Daily Routines | Technology in Everyday Life
Group 4 Sara | General Themes (Everyday Grad Life) Fridays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 WebEx (Online) | Sign up for link Everyday Small Talk | Hobbies, Wellness, and Work-Life Balance | Community, Friendship, and Support Networks | Travel, Conferences, and Cultural Experiences
Group 3 Cat | Career-Readiness Themes) Wednesdays 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 In Person | Student Innovation 4237 Networking | Conference Communication: Posters, Talks & Networking | Increasing Self-Awareness for Better Communication
Group 2 Chris | Public Speaking (Foundations of Public Speaking) Tuesdays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m.| Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 In Person | Ross Hall 0027 Speaking in Front of a Group | Nervousness and Stage Fright | Eye Contact and Body Language | Voice: Volume, Speed, and Clarity
Group 1 Chris | General Themes (Everyday Topics) Mondays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m. | Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 In Person | Ross Hall 0131 Food and Eating Habits | Weather and Seasons | Transportation and Getting Around | Housing and Living Spaces

These topics are most suitable for international students who want to practice their English speaking skills in different situations and increase their knowledge about cultural differences. Generally, the themes are negotiated by participants and facilitators during the first session, but any additional topics can be brought up during the group meetings. Possible topics include: making general conversation, living in the US, discussing hot or popular issues, sharing personal cultural experiences, practicing presentation skills, using politeness strategies, etc.

These topics are most suitable for both domestic and international students who want to practice their interpersonal communication skills in different situations and increase their confidence in one-on-one interactions with others. Generally, the themes are preset by the facilitator, but any additional topics or scenarios can be brought up during the group meetings. Possible topics include: making small talk, preparing for a difficult conversation (e.g., with a major professor/labmate/roommate/landlord), resolving conflicts, using open or closed statements, avoiding misunderstandings, etc.

These topics are most suitable for both domestic and international students who want to practice their public speaking skills in different situations and increase their confidence in delivering content to general and specific audiences. Generally, the themes are preset by the facilitator, but any additional topics or scenarios can be brought up during the group meetings. Possible topics include: effective introduction and conclusion strategies, organizing key points, incorporating useful visuals, handling questions and answers, body language and gestures, etc.