- How do I sign up for a session?
- Where is my session?
- How do I cancel a session? Can I reschedule?
- What if my group can't do any of the available days and times?
- What can I expect from my Speaking Fellows session?
- Can I meet with a Speaking Fellow one-on-one?
- I'm nervous about speaking in public. Will the session help me with that?
- I consider myself an advanced public speaker. How will the session benefit me?
- What if English is not my native language?
- How do I become a Speaking Fellow?
- What is required of Speaking Fellows?
How do I sign up for a session?
Speaking Fellows are not currently offering sessions for the Spring, 2012 semester. However, stay-tuned, as opportunities may arise in the future.
Please contact Cecelia Lie (clie@barnard.edu) to confirm the location of your session. Most sessions take place in 217 Barnard Hall.
How do I cancel a session? Can I reschedule?
Cancellations are only permitted in the case of emergency. If you must cancel your session, please call Cecelia Lie at 212-854-8941. Please note that an alternate session may not be available.
What if I can’t do any of the available days and times?
Speaking Fellows sessions are offered several times every week and weekends all semester long in order to accommodate a range of student schedules. Unfortunately, we are not able to schedule special sessions. As a last resort, you may try contacting a classmate and see if she is willing to swap her scheduled time.
What can I expect from my Speaking Fellows session?
In a “Presentation Fundamentals” session, you will learn about the dynamics of the presentation environment and get hands-on practice in the fundamentals of presentation-giving. You’ll be up and presenting in front of the group for most of the session, and the Speaking Fellow will give you personalized, individual coaching. She understands that everyone comes to the session with a unique level of skill, and she will work with you in the way that works best for you. Your practice presentations will be videotaped so you can view your progress. (Only you will view your videotape).
“Session Twos” offer specialized training in a specific area, and are also highly interactive and practice-based.
Can I meet with a Speaking Fellow one-on-one?
Yes, once you have completed a Presentation Fundamentals with a group. Once this requirement is met, you can request a one-on-one session to work on a specific presentation at any stage of its development. A Speaking Fellow can work with you on everything from structuring your remarks to polishing your delivery. Contact Cecelia Lie at 212-854-8491 or clie@barnard.edu to schedule a one-on-one session.
I’m nervous about speaking in public. Will the session help me with that?
Yes, the session is designed to help you develop your public speaking confidence.
I consider myself an advanced public speaker. How will the session benefit me?
Speaking Fellows are trained to work with students at every level of ability—including those who are already advanced. The session will help you identify the presenting habits that contribute to your success, and the Speaking Fellow will help you expand your public speaking repertoire.
What if English is not my native language?
The Speaking Fellows program celebrates students who speak more than one language, and encourages international students to feel at ease in the sessions. If you have any concerns about language issues, please let the Speaking Fellow know.
Please note that the method taught by the Speaking Fellows is rooted in American culture, so Western-valued behaviors like eye contact and movement are emphasized. We encourage all students to “try on” this Western style of public speaking, as it will be useful for anyone whose eventual career requires her to address Western audiences.
How do I become a Speaking Fellow?
Speaking Fellow applications are accepted at the end of the Spring semester for the following year. Applicants must be rising sophomores or juniors.
You will be asked to fill out a written application and secure a written faculty recommendation. A select number of applicants are then invited to interview with the program’s directors and veteran Speaking Fellows.
Please see the Become a Speaking Fellow page to download an application.
What is required of Speaking Fellows?
Speaking Fellows are a small, specially-selected team of students who are exceptional public speakers and who are trained to coach their peers in public speaking. They are attached to specific courses where they lead groups of up to eight students, and so must have strong teaching and leadership abilities.
Being a Speaking Fellow means being part of a tightly-knit team. While each Speaking Fellow leads training sessions on her own, the Speaking Fellows work together as a group to develop new programs and support each other’s development.
In terms of time commitment, Speaking Fellows:
- Dedicate a minimum of 70 hours per semester to the program. (Once training is completed successfully, a stipend of $910 is offered per semester).
- Are required to take a training course, “Rhetorical Choices: The Theory and Practice of Public Speaking.”
- Commit to working for at least three semesters, one of those being the semester immediately following the training course.
