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
Spring 2025 Postdoc Peer Speaking Practice Group | Sebnem Wednesdays 3:10 -4:00 p.m. | February 5, 12, 19, 26 In Person | Pearson 2125 Varied Topics
Group 6 Sara | General Themes (Technology and Communication) Fridays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | March 7, 14, 28 Online | WebEx (Sign up for link.) Small Talk, Technology and AI in Daily Life, Social Media and Communication, Dream Jobs and Career Goals
Group 5 Chris | General Themes (Life and Culture) Tuesdays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | March 4, 11, 25 In Person | Ross 0131 Cultural Celebrations & Traditions, Daily Life & Routines, Food & Cuisine, Adapting to a New Environment
Group 4 Michelle | Interpersonal Themes (Small Talk) Wednesdays 4:10 -5:00 p.m. | March 5, 12, 26 In Person | Pearson 3137 Topics for Social Communication, Initiating Social Comunication, Threading Small Talk
Group 3 Sara | General Themes (Leisure and lifestyle) Fridays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | February 7, 14, 21, 28 Online | WebEx (Sign up for link.) Small Talk, Games and Hobbies, Fitness and Wellness, Travel and Adventure
Group 2 Chris | General Themes (Cross cultural collaboration) Tuesdays 12:10 - 1:00 p.m. | February 4, 11, 18, 25 In Person | Ross 0131 Cross Cultural Collaboration, Resolving a Cross-Cultural Misunderstanding, Cultural Norms in Teamwork, Overcoming Stereotypes in Collaborative Work Success and Challenges in Cross-Cultural Teams
Group 1 Michelle | Interpersonal Themes (Planning and participating in difficult discussions) Wednesdays 4:10 -5:00 p.m. | February 5, 12, 19, 26 In Person | Pearson 3137 Interpersonal Communication & Difficult Discussions, Planning Difficult Discussions, Effectively Using Nonverbals During Difficult Discussions, Executing and Participating in a Difficult Discussion

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.