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 and Facilitator | Themes Dates and Times Mode and Location Topics
Group 1 Michelle | Interpersonal Themes - Assertive Communication and Self-Advocacy Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | Sept 2, 9, 16, 23 Teams (Online) | Sign up for link Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, and Assertive Communication | Making Clear Requests | Boundary Setting and Saying No | Self-Advocacy with Supervisors, Instructors, or Peers
Group 2 Chris | General Themes - Everyday Life Mondays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m. | Sept 14, 21, 28 In Person | Pearson 3157 Food | Shopping | Health and Wellness | Daily Routine
Group 3 Dina | General Themes - Settling Down Thursdays 2:10 - 3:00 p.m. | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 In Person | Ross Hall 0022 Introducing Yourself and What You Do | Talking about Your Home Country | Change and Adjustment | Homesickness
Group 4 Michelle | Interpersonal Themes - Feedback, Trust, and Communication Repair Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21 Teams (Online) | Sign up for link Giving Constructive Feedback | Receiving Feedback Without Becoming Defensive | Building Trust and Psychological Safety | Reparing Communication After a Mistake or Misunderstanding
Group 5 Chris | General Themes - Communication Mondays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m. | Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 In Person | Pearson 3157 Asking Questions | Sharing Opinions | Giving Advice | Misunderstanding
Group 6 Dina | General Themes - Cultural Adaptation Thursdays 2:10 - 3:00 p.m. | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 In Person | Ross Hall 0022 Stereotypes and Biases | The Culture of Small Talk in the US | Traveling in the US | Holidays in the US
Group 7 Michelle | Interpersonal Themes - Group Dynamics, Leadership, and Facilitation Wednesdays 3:10 - 4:00 p.m. | Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 18 Teams (Online) | Sign up for link Understanding Group Roles and Team Dynamics| Encouraging Participation and Managing Dominant Speakers | Decision-Making and Unequal Workloads | Facilitating Productive Group Discussions
Group 8 Chris | General Themes - Free Time Mondays 4:10 - 5:00 p.m. | Nov 2, 9, 16, 30 In Person | Pearson 3157 Hobbies | Sports | Movies and Music | Weekend Activities
Group 9 Dina | General Themes - Academic Success Thursdays 2:10 - 3:00 p.m. | Oct 29, Nov 5, 12, 15 In Person | Ross Hall 0022 Time and Task management | Academic Commmunication | Group Projects | Networking and Career Fairs

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.