Adrienne Brovero – Debate Coach and Speaking Center Director
abrovero@umw.edu
Changes to the Speaking Center Fall 2020
Ainsley Rucker – Consultant
Class of 2023
Major: Philosophy Pre-Law
Apprehension Tip: I always fear that people won’t think I know what I’m talking about during presentations. To help, I practice a ton to make sure I appear confident.
SPKC Tip: We can help with ANYTHING about speaking, not just presentations.
Fun Fact: She’s an artist.
Anna Beth Tanner – Consultant
Class of 2021
Double Major: Biology and Environmental Science
Apprehension Tip: Choose something you’re passionate about. When I get to talk about something I love and everyone has to listen, it makes me really excited.
SPKC Tip: Everyone who works here is super kind and we’re not perfect! Not one of us gives 100% perfect presentations, no one in the world does, but we have lots of tips and tricks to alleviate some of your worries.
Fun Fact: She is in the top 1% of Big Time Rush fans on Spotify.
Brian Wolf – Consultant
Class of 2023
Double Major: Computer Science and Communication & Digital Studies
Apprehension Tip: To prevent revealing my ignorance on a topic during a presentation, I do a lot of prep work. I double check that I have every point I want to hit in my notecards before I present.
SPKC Tip: Getting a second pair of eyes on your presentation is super helpful for catching mistakes and pointing out problems that you might not have thought of on your own.A second, unbiased opinion on your work can only help.
Fun Fact: He likes to play chess.
Caitlin Holt – Lead Consultant
Class of 2021
Major: Mathematics
Apprehension Tip: After all that hard work of preparing and practicing, you should feel accomplished and want to share your work. Think of making visual aids as a creative project to alleviate stress.
SPKC Tip: We can help you with whatever step you’re on for your presentation, whether it’s brainstorming or doing a final run through of the finished product. We want to help you succeed!
Fun Fact: She has played the guitar for 8 years.
Click on the following link to work with Caitlin: https://umw.campus.eab.com/pal/P0FlGiKi_o
Daniel Walker – Consultant
Class of 2023
Major: History, College of Education
Apprehension Tip: You are your own hardest critic. Others will not view you as harshly as you do yourself.
SPKC Tip: You don’t need to be working on a presentation to make an appointment. Meet with one of us to learn about resources that will prepare you for public speaking or improve upon the skill you already have.
Fun Fact: His hobbies are gaming and watching movies.
Elizabeth Kondzella – Consultant
Class of 2023
Major: Anthropology
Apprehension Tip: To overcome the feeling of being judged while speaking, remember that the audience members are human and probably have to give a presentation too. So, they’ll be kind.
SPKC Tip: We’re students, but we’re well trained. The center is a safe space.
Fun Fact: She loves crafting. Cutesy creative stuff is her jam!
Emily Voorhis – Lead Consultant
Class of 2021
Major: Sociology, College of Education
Apprehension Tip: If you’re speaking about something you’re passionate about and you have the group’s attention, then you don’t have to compete to be heard.Think of it as a great opportunity!
SPKC Tip: Our consultants are really nice and understanding of the fact that most people fear public speaking. We’re normal students who share your worries. That puts us in a great position to help.
Fun Fact: When she was 11, she broke her arm on a trampoline within the first 24 hours of its assembly.
Kevin Dougherty – Consultant
Class of 2022
Double Major: Mathematics and Economics
Apprehension Tip: Start practicing your presentation well in advance of the due date. The better you know the information, the fewer verbal pauses you’ll use.
SPKC Tip: We’re students, too. That makes for a comfortable, collaborative environment in the center without hierarchies.
Fun Fact: He got lost on the Great Wall of China when he was 10.
Maya Jenkins – Consultant
Class of 2023
Double Major: Political Science and Philosophy: Pre-Law
Apprehension Tip: Carefully document what you want to say in a way that works for you (lists, bullet points). Having a unique plan that speaks to you and your needs helps.
SPKC Tip: The SPKC is still operational in the pandemic. We’ve worked hard to pivot and provide our services online though Zoom.
Fun Fact: She is President of the class of 2023
Petra Aloizos – Consultant
Class of 2022
Major: International Relations and Economics, Arabic Minor
Apprehension Tip: Remember that collective learning is such a unique and exciting aspect of the human experience. Public speaking allows you to show your personality and create emphasis, aspects which are difficult to achieve in other communication mediums.
SPKC Tip: Our services are for everyone! Those who struggle and aficionados are welcome. We have resources for every kind of public speaker.d provide our services online though Zoom.
Fun Fact: She’s an Australian and an American citizen.
Nandi Davis – Trainee
Katriel Lee – Trainee
Class of 2024
Major: Double majoring in Pre-Law Philosophy and Political Science
Apprehension Tip: Take several deep breaths and remember that no one in the audience is judging you. You are your own worst critic.
SPKC Tip: Public speaking, like anything else, is a skill that improves with practice. It may seem daunting now, but it will get easier over time.
Everyone at the Speaking Center is more than happy to help you practice and we want you to succeed.
Fun Fact: I have watched The Office all the way through four times.