Adrienne Brovero – Debate Coach and Speaking Center Director
abrovero@umw.edu
Changes to the Speaking Center Fall 2020
Emma Gardner – Consultant
Class of 2023
Major: Biomedical Science
Apprehension Tip: I practice my speech over and over again, I figure out what I need to practice on, and I use the Speaking Center.
SPKC Tip: The SPKC is place to practice your presentations and get out all your nervous energy before an actual presentation. It is a great and useful tool!
Fun Fact: I’m left handed!
Ainsley Rucker – Lead 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.
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
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.
Kyra Breslow – Consultant
Class of 2022
Major: English/Education (5-year master’s)
Apprehension Tip: I do a lot of practice beforehand, ensuring that I know the topic I’m presenting on very well. Right before the speech, I meditate and do breathing exercises to calm myself down. During the speech, I focus entirely on my voice, not the audience.
SPKC Tip: It’s a really great resource for every part of giving a speech, from writing it to the presentation itself. The SPKC can also provide feedback on every step of the speech depending on what you need help with.
Fun Fact: I really like Dungeons and Dragons.
Daniel Walker – Consultant
Class of 2023
Majors: History, Education, Political Science
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 – Lead 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!
Kevin Dougherty – Lead 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.
Emma Bradley – Consultant
Nandi Davis – Consultant
Katriel Lee – Consultant
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.