With the end of the semester comes final exams, projects and for many students, presentations. But do not fear speaking in front of a class because the Kean University Communication Department offers services through the Speech Lab to help students combat the fear of public speaking and better prepare for presentations.
The Speech Lab was introduced by Communication Professor Dr. Lynch ten years ago when he saw a need for the services offered by the lab. Executive Director of the School of Communication, Media and Journalism, Dr. Sargent confirmed that the lab is utilized by students, faculty and professional staff on campus. Ultimately, the Speech Lab serves as an alternative teaching method for students to assist professors in the teaching process.
Although many communication majors use the lab, a variety of majors use this service as well. From basic speech classes to students preparing to present their projects on research days, the Speech Lab is here to help. The Speech Lab also works with the College of Education to help students train for teaching in a classroom setting to students.
So far in September and October, students have utilized the Speech Lab for help with presentations in COMM 1402 Speech Communication in Critical Citizenship, COMM 3590 Business and Professional Communication, Speech Communication, Social Work, Math and Psychology.
As word of the services offered by the Speech Lab is getting around, more students are utilizing it. It was Dr. Sargent's idea for the speech coaches to visit communication classes at the beginning of the semester. By introducing the services offered by the lab, this encouraged students to make appointments. After doing this, the number of students using the lab has increased.
As of Tuesday, October 18, 2016, the number of students who have utilized the Speech Lab in October has almost doubled the number of students who have had appointments with the Speech Lab in September.
Graduate Assistant Redona Omeri works as one of the Speech Specialists in the lab and is projected to graduate with her Masters in Communication in May of 2017. Omeri elaborated on the functions of the Speech Lab and how it operates to accommodate student needs.
The Speech Lab is available to both undergraduate and graduate students at Kean University. Mostly undergraduates use the lab but several graduate students have also stopped in for assistance. It can be utilized by students of any major.
"It doesn't matter what kind of major you are, if you are going to give a presentation in let's say psychology class, you need to know the guidelines and the structure that you need to follow in order to become a better speaker and to be more effective with your audience," Omeri said
The services offered by the Speech Lab are not used for solely in-class speeches, but can be used for the preparation of interviews and other professional speeches.
Omeri reflected on the beginning of October when three students came to the lab for assistance with preparing for a job interview. One of these students ended up receiving the job offer and came back to thank her, as many students who use the lab do after they use their newly acquired skills.
The coaches in the lab specialize not only in traditional presentations, but also PowerPoint presentations.
"We do everything that we can here at the Speech Lab so we can accommodate our students with everything they need; this includes improving and enhancing their skills, building their confidence, giving them the tools to be more persuasive, organizing their thoughts and reducing their anxiety," Omeri said.
Appointments at the Speech Lab can run anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. With sessions typically being one on one, groups sessions are available as an option as well. There are several ways in which students can make an appointment with a speech coach:
1. Email speechlab@kean.edu
2. Walk-ins are welcome, but other times may be available by appointment
3. Tutortrac (There were difficulties with this system last semester)
4. Sign in on the sign up sheet at the door
Omeri confirmed that the preferred method to making an appointment is in person or via email.
"Here at Kean, students have a lot of potential and desire to learn, which motivates me to help them even more," Omeri said.
When attending an appointment at the Speech Lab, students should be prepared with a draft or outline at the least. A student is also welcome to bring a 1-2 page paper that is connected to their speech or presentation.
Communication is normally done through email, but for more information students can call (908) 737-5326. The Speech Lab hours for the fall 2016 semester as follows:
Monday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (6 p.m. - 9 p.m. by appointment only)
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (6 p.m. - 9 p.m. by appointment only)
Friday None
Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Times in bold print are when Redona is working in the speech lab.
