Communication Corner

Ah, yes, the home stretch. We’re finally there! As we conclude our final week of classes, take a moment to relax amidst all the chaos. Also, reflect back and appreciate how far you’ve come this year. Some of you have come to the Speaking and Writing Center-and you’ve accomplished so much! You went from a rough outline to a fully completed paper; you overcame your nerves to give an awesome and engaging presentation. We want to thank you for letting us be a part of your academic journey and sharing your projects with us. We’ve gotten to learn from you guys as well: different literature topics, chemistry research, computer ethics dilemmas, and even how to communicate for business!

It doesn’t stop here though. We’ll be here next year for all your future projects- and if you’re graduating, we hope that we’ve made an impact on you and you can take what we’ve shared with you and use that. Have a fun and relaxing break-you’ve earned it!

Writing your first college paper can be tough, as the expectations are often sharply different from what you might be used to from high school. Assignments and requirements are often much more open-ended than the type given in high school, and the kinds of tasks professors assign are typically much more complex. So, here are some tips to make tackling your first college paper a little bit more manageable. 

1. Break it down.

Your first college paper can be overwhelming, especially if you’re being asked to write something longer than you’ve ever written before. To help combat this feeling, it’s important to break the assignment down into smaller chunks. Don’t expect to be able to sit down and complete the entire paper in one sitting. Plan out time to work on each stage of the writing process, including time to brainstorm, research, outline, draft, and revise. Try to set incremental deadlines for yourself to help avoid procrastination. 

2. Don’t skip the outline.

Many people think they can skip this step of the process because they think it’s just more work, but outlining actually makes your writing process exponentially easier. It’s also incredibly important for establishing clear organization for your paper. 

3. Let go of the 5 paragraph essay. 

In high school, we’re often taught the five paragraph essay (intro, three body paragraphs, and conclusion) as the only template for writing. But in college, especially with longer papers, this template isn’t always feasible, and it can actually hold you back (and lead to some gigantic paragraphs). Try to aim for at least one main point per the required number of pages when you’re planning (but don’t feel like you have to follow this formula exactly). Following a strict template like the five paragraph model tends to lead to more simplified thinking, so don’t be afraid to step outside the box!

4. Draft… and edit and revise.

Writing in high school is oftentimes a one and done process, especially when writing for high-stakes testing. But for quality writing, it’s important to leave time to go over your work and revise. Even the best writers make mistakes, but editing and revising help ensure you’re always turning in your best work. Try to take a break between finishing your paper and revising so you can come back to it with fresh eyes. First, look for big-picture issues, like making sure you have a clear thesis that’s supported by your body paragraphs. Then, do a final sweep to check for errors at the sentence level, like grammar and typos. 

5. Reach out for help. 

If you’re still struggling, that’s okay–you’re not alone! No matter what stage of the process you’re at, the Speaking and Writing Center is here to help. Make an appointment, and a consultant can help you work through whatever you need. The SWC Guide to Refreshing Over Break: A Self-Care Bootcamp by Bella Molseed, 10/17/2023

The SWC Guide to Refreshing Over Break: A Self-Care Bootcamp by Bella Molseed, 10/17/2023

Thanksgiving break is coming up, and we here at the UMW Speaking and Writing Center want to share our love and appreciation for all of you! 

Being a student is a lot of hard work, and we commend you all for being so stellar this entire semester! As finals come up, and we all turn our focus to exams, papers, and projects, it’s important to remember to take advantage of the upcoming break to connect with loved ones and recharge your energy. We’ve prepared a list of different self care activities to help you relax and refresh before coming back ready to slay the last few weeks of the semester 🙂

1. Spend some quality time with loved ones

Whether you’re traveling to visit family or friends for the holiday or enjoying the break from classes and a quieter campus, this break is a great opportunity to connect and spend time with your loved ones. Take the time to call a friend, play a board game with your family, or enjoy each other’s company over dinner! 

2. Have some de-stress time just for yourself

It’s time to curl up with your preferred warm beverage and have some me time! Get cozy under a blanket, have some snacks, and work on your favorite de-stressing hobby. Maybe you like to crochet or solve puzzles. Maybe you’re like me and want to curl up with a good book! Maybe you’re keen on playing your favorite video game. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it!

3. Move your body

Before we spend the next few weeks glued to our desk chairs, use this freetime to have some fun moving your body! Take a walk through the crisp autumn air, play some frisbee with your family, or try out a yoga class online! (You’ll be able to find me absolutely crushing my brother in Just Dance, by the way.)

4. Take care of the important stuff

Maybe you have an assignment you’ve been putting off, or you want to finally tackle cleaning out that one closet. Maybe you’re gonna take the time to get your holiday shopping done. Or, in the spirit of the holiday, let your loved ones know why you’re thankful for them 🙂

On that note, I’ll end this post by sharing what I’m thankful for. I’m thankful for the amazing UMW community and all the friends I’ve made in my time here. I’m thankful for hot chocolate and good novels. And most of all, I’m thankful for everyone who has played a role in my life in the past year and everyone who will in the next.

‘Twas the Night Before Finals by Elizabeth Sullivan, 12/1/2023

Season’s Greetings! With the end of the semester comes the inevitable onslaught of every essay due date that we’ve all been putting off. Here’s a new (and hopefully timely!) rendition of one of my favorite holiday poems. Happy reading!

‘Twas the Night Before Finals

‘Twas the night before finals, when all through Mary Wash

Every student was finishing the year with panache;

Their notes were all out on the table a’splay,

In hopes that revision would get them an ‘A;

The STEM kids were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of chemistry danced in their heads;

Humanities friends reading books for their classes,

Couldn’t settle their brains nor their fidgety…  bottoms;

Though everyone labored to wrap up their work,

Their unfinished essays, in dark corners, lurked.

All hope had seemed lost until each would remember,

A miracle – yes! The Speak-and-Writing Center!

Clients flooded our halls with their laptops in hand,

And we did our darndest to meet their demand.

They threw down their outlines and their working drafts,

And pleaded we prove them experts in their crafts;

We helped them with papers and organization,

With essays and speaking for their presentations;

They left reassured, on their faces, a smile,

And knew that they soon would be done for awhile.

Each pupil felt confident when they hit “submit,”

Their hard-working selves took a break – they deserved it!

Let this be a tale cautionary to all,

That due dates will haunt you in winter and fall;

You’re already over-stressed this time of the year,

But if you work with us, then we’ll lessen that fear;

So best be on top of it, and all will be right,

“Happy finals to all, and to all a good night!”

based on: Moore, Clement Clarke, 1779-1863. The Night before Christmas. New York: Putnam, 1988.

Finals Week: The Good, the Bad, and the Stressful by Caleigh Deane, 12/8/2023

Finals week, no matter your year or specific semester, can be a very stressful time. That is why it is extremely important to take breaks from studying and working on assignments to take care of both your mental and physical health. Finding ways to manage all of the pressure is key to staying balanced and capable of succeeding. Taking study breaks, such as working for 45 minutes with 15 minute-increments of rest time, to deliberately destress is essential for all students to avoid burning out. One helpful option is to exercise if this is something you enjoy. Personally, I like taking a 30-minute walk outside for a mental refresh and exercise. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or following guided relaxation through apps such HeadSpace (14 days free), Calm (50% off right now), or Smiling Mind (free)  can also aid in much-needed relaxation. Connecting with supportive friends over a healthy (or not so healthy) meal or coffee break can aid mental health when tensions are running high. Even studying with a friend in a different place than usual, such as Panera or the library, can be useful in increasing your productivity in a meaningful and constructive way. Getting adequate sleep each night, even if it means starting to study earlier in the day than usual, is also immensely helpful in better remembering and understanding material for your exams. Allowing yourself small rewards after studying for a certain amount of time, such as watching a favorite show episode or eating a special snack, can also encourage you to keep working and making progress. Purposefully including these types of relaxing and somewhat fun activities throughout blocks of studying time can help you maintain the energy and focus needed to get through finals without feeling too overwhelmed or overextended. If you feel like you don’t know where to start due to the number or difficulty of assignments, you can either start with what is due first, what is easiest, or what is the most difficult. Making an appointment with a Peer Academic Consultant in HCC 429 to learn how to effectively budget and divide your time may help you with this somewhat daunting task. Another way to get organized is creating a schedule for yourself that details what parts of assignments you want to have completed by which day, or even the time of day. Having a specific system of getting work done can help you feel more in control of your time and studying progress. However, overall, what is most valuable to each person will differ based on your individual style and studying methods. I hope this post has provided you with possible ways to get through this stressful time with a bit less stress!

Tips for a Successful Spring by Kyleigh Friel, 1/19/2024

Welcome to the spring semester! Congratulations on getting through the fall semester successfully; hopefully your break was restful. You may be upset that classes are ramping up and your relaxation is winding down. There are many events on campus to look forward to to remedy that pain such as the spring formal, Devil Goat day, or trivia in the underground. 

While you have fun at UMW events, remember that school comes first. Here are some tips if you are in need of motivation for staying on top of your assignments this semester:

• If you find yourself constantly struggling to focus in class, maybe checking your phone too much, or just staring off into space, consider picking a seat in the front row. The pressure of your professor being able to see if you are on your phone may help you put the phone down and focus. I personally pay more attention when I sit in the front of classes.
• Keep a planner! Either a digital (chrome extension or app) or paper planner will help you stay on top of your assignments and help you succeed. If you find yourself struggling to plan out your semester, consider making an appointment with a PAC! I keep a digital planner and find it easier to have my schedule in my pocket. 
• Make sure to eat lunch every day to keep you energized throughout your classes or pack some snacks if your schedule is full. The grab and go section in Eagle’s Nest is a great option for quick snacking! My favorite choice is a PB&J!
• If you are intimidated by the amount of work you have in a class, consider making a group chat with your classmates to help each other keep track of assignments. I am in some group chats for classes where we share quizlets and study guides.
• Check your syllabi to see if you have any upcoming papers or presentations, then plan to come to the SWC and book your appointments early! Brainstorming appointments are my favorite,but you can make an appointment at any stage of your project!

Hopefully these tips are new ways you can improve in classes. Good luck this semester!

 The Calm Before the Storm: How to Show Yourself L.O.V.E Before Midterms by Mihaughany Redd, 2/16/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, eagles! I hope the special day was filled with self-love, love for others, and love for all the work you have done here at UMW. With the chocolate-filled holiday being over, we are brought back into the reality of our academic lives. One of the biggest stressors around this time of the year is completing midterms. Oftentimes, midterms are so overwhelming because of the amount of weight they carry in a class, the extensive amount of material that must be studied, and how the tests seem to follow each other back-to-back. One may start to feel like preparing for midterms is too much of a burden to bear, but fret not! Keeping the word L.O.V.E in mind will give you tips and tricks on how to prepare for midterms.

L: Link up with your classmates/friends

Completely isolating yourself from others can do more harm than good. You may start to feel like you are all alone in feeling uneasy about midterms, but that’s not the case! We are all going through the same thing, so grab a friend and hang out/ study together.

O: Optimize your time

Even with midterms quickly approaching, we still have other commitments that crowd our schedules. Review your schedule and find the days of the week when you have downtime, which is the time when you’re free from any other obligations like school and work.Your downtime can then be used most efficiently by planning when and how long you will study, take a break from studying, and still give yourself enough time to get other important things done.

V: Visit academic support here on campus

A lot of our anxiety about midterms stems from the unknown. These uncertainties can be solved by visiting your professors and asking them questions about the midterm. Professors certainly won’t give you an answer key to the test, but they will more than likely give you clarity about what to expect, and may even offer advice about how to study. You can also pay a visit to the Speaking and Writing Center and peer tutoring! The SWC can help with written and oral projects, while the peer tutors can help with studying for specific courses. 

E: Eat, sleep, and exercise 

It’s so easy to forget to take care of yourself when your mind is cluttered with exam concepts and equations. Forgetting to fuel your body can lead to even more unnecessary stress, so the best thing to do is to eat something nutritious, get as much sleep as you can, and remember to get up and move your body around. Food is brain power, so don’t be afraid to grab that snack that is waiting for you in the fridge. 

I hope that you will carry L.O.V.E with you before and during your midterms. I hope it helps you experience an anxiety-free midterm period. Godspeed!

How to Use Spring Break to your Advantage by Lauren Tabella, 3/1/2024

The week of classes before spring break is overwhelming, but now that spring break is here, you can finally relax and take some much needed time off. Many students will be going on vacation, others will just be headed home for the week. Wherever your spring break takes you, it’s important to recognize how this break can best benefit you and the rest of your semester.

Spring break is a chance to relax, sleep in, actually have time to do hobbies, or hang out with family and friends. This time to rest is really important! Don’t feel bad about taking time off; it is well deserved. I know I need a break from doing nonstop work, so I’m going to take one, which is okay! I get to see my family for the first time in a while so I want to make sure I spend quality time with them while I can.

More often than not, academics, athletics, and other extracurriculars leave us without any extra time for ourselves. If you are feeling a bit burnt out by now, that’s most likely why. You can take this week to prioritize rejuvenation, which will better prepare you for the rest of the semester. What you need to keep in mind, however, is to not feel guilty about taking a break (I know, I’m horrible at this too). A way I like to truly take advantage of time to rest is to schedule it into my day. As in, I literally add “Rest” time blocks into my Google Calendar. Making rest your objective or task can help you view it as productive, even if you’re not necessarily completing something. This way, I know that rest is what I’m supposed to be doing, so I’m more likely to make the most of it.

You could also look at spring break as dedicated time to get ahead on assignments and readings. Now is the time to jumpstart on those long-term projects and set yourself up for success. You can get ahead on readings, take time to review concepts you might be struggling with, or whatever else you need to get ready for the rest of the semester. With my breaks, I like to create outlines for my assignments; what are all the steps to get this done well? How can I manage it better? With this allotted time off, I have the opportunity to take a deep dive into what assignments entail and prepare myself for getting back to work by making it less intimidating.

I’m planning on using spring break for a little bit of both of these things. I want to give myself time to get my bearings and know what the rest of my semester looks like, but also recognize that I’ve done a lot of good work so far and have earned a break.

The most important thing to remember about spring break is that it is what you make it. You can use spring break in whatever way makes the most sense for you. Taking a break or maintaining your work momentum are productive ways to spend this week off. Either way, you can use spring break to your advantage.

Beware the Ides of March: Beware the Idleness of the Middle of the Semester by Sophia Ackridge, 3/15/2024

While every month has an “ides” day, the Ides of March– March 15– is particularly well known as the day Julius Caesar was assassinated, a date and warning– “Beware the Ides of March”–  made well known  by Shakespeare in Julius Caesar. In the play, Caesar is betrayed and stabbed by Brutus-similarly, you might be feeling betrayed by midterm grades. Maybe you didn’t quite get the grade you wanted and you’re feeling unmotivated.  Don’t be your own Brutus and stab yourself in the back (that would be brutal!)

Like the phrase “Beware the Ides of March” suggests,  you want to beware that mid-semester, post-Spring Break apathy and burnout that kicks in around March (or sometimes slightly earlier if you’re like me). Here are some ways to get back on your feet, stay on top of your assignments, and finish the semester strong! 

• Look at what’s been working and what hasn’t been working. If you need help with improving your study habits, maybe visit a peer academic consultant to get advice for changing your routine and managing your time better. 
• Up your class participation grade-If you’re someone who has a hard time with speaking in class, come to the speaking and writing center to practice getting more comfortable with class participation. Participating more in class will help you focus more, but also shows the professor that you care about and understand the material.
• Visit peer tutoring for help with specific subjects-If you need someone to break down a topic and talk through or clarify a subject, use the peer tutoring services.
• Take advantage of office hours-Sometimes it can be difficult to ask specific questions during class. Visiting your professor during office hours gives you the opportunity to ask those questions or get help with specific assignments.

The Ides of March are not meant to be a discouraging time-it might have been bad for Julius Caesar, but you’re not Caesar-you don’t have to rule an Empire. You just have to finish the semester, and you can

Writing papers and creating presentations can be a stressful process, and remembering tips and tricks can be difficult in the moment as well. The following advice has been translated (roughly) by ChatGPT3.5 into Shakespearean English in honor of Talk Like William Shakespeare Day, which is only a month away, in the hopes that the slightly silly wording will help you recall what exactly you’ve been hearing from the Speaking and Writing Center where papers and presentations are concerned!

Counsel on Speech and Composition

1. Verily, commence thy scripts and presentations with due diligence and foresight. ‘Tis wiser to conclude in advance than to be vexed by tardiness. Such actions shall grant thee leisure to seek counsel from us at the SWC!

2. Shouldst thou find thyself ensnared in the clutches of stagnation, endeavor to employ diverse brainstorming methodologies to surmount the obstruction of thy quill. Weave a tapestry of interconnected thoughts and ideas, or allow thy thoughts to flow freely upon the page unfettered by constraint or deliberation. Alternatively, avail yourself of the straightforward method of listing bulleted points, thereby imparting clarity and brevity to thy discourse.

3. Be it the crafting of a parchment or the fashioning of a discourse, thou must acquaint thyself with thy audience. Ensure that thy visual aids are apt and the knowledge proffered is tailored to the comprehension of those thou art addressing.

4. As the name doth suggest, rough drafts are ordained to be rough. Trouble not thyself with the pursuit of perfection in thy initial endeavor at a manuscript or discourse. ‘Tis not its destined purpose. Accomplish what thou mayst and reserve thy amendments for later.

5. Be receptive to the evolution of thy thesis statement as thou dost acquire greater insight into thy subject matter. Insisting upon adherence to thy initial notion may thwart the emergence of a more robust argument.

6. Altering the font type and magnitude of thy text may aid in discerning slight errors overlooked amidst repeated perusal of thy document over many a week, or even a night.

7. In matters of formatting, attend unto the aesthetic embellishments of thy presentation only after thou hast assembled thy information and graphics aforethought.

8. Engage in repeated rehearsals of thy presentation for several days ere the appointed time. This shalt fortify thy confidence in expounding upon thy subject and diminish the prospect of faltering or omitting a crucial point. Furthermore, ’twill aid in alleviating general trepidation.

Each of the aforementioned stratagems may aid thee in the foraging of manuscripts and presentations, and this concluding counsel may prove especially beneficial shouldst thou find thyself beset by feelings of overwhelm. Practicing proper breathing doth assuage anxiety whilst composing a manuscript or delivering a discourse. ‘Tis of great import to inhale deeply and regularly, for it shall forestall the onset of the fight or flight response, oft provoked more fittingly when confronting distressful circumstances such as the scourge of plague and pestilence or the menace of marauding bands of thieves.

To write an effective thesis statement, first determine what kind of paper you are writing.  Is your paper evaluating, arguing, or explaining a topic? Is it analyzing, or doing something else? Your thesis may vary depending on the type of paper you are writing, but at the core, each thesis statement should have three components: a topic, the stance you are taking, and a connection or supporting detail that links the thesis to a broader idea-such as why this is important. The topic is what the paper is about, the stance is the point you are making in your paper, and the connection answers the question “Why does this matter?”

Tips for making a strong thesis statement:

• 1. Be specific-instead of a general statement, use concrete names for nouns-for example, in this case, instead of saying “This work has different themes” say what those themes are by name. 
• 2. Generally, the thesis should be at the end of the first paragraph-you’re also not limited to a single sentence for your thesis statement. While the thesis is usually one sentence, for more complex works it’s okay to use multiple sentences and have it at the end of the introduction rather than the first paragraph. 
• 3. As you write and learn more about your topic, you may need to go back and rework your thesis. This is a normal part of the writing process, and the thesis often needs adjusting. The original thesis you created wasn’t a life-long commitment. 
• 4. If you’re not quite sure what your thesis should be, start by asking a question that can be researched.  After learning more about the topic, you should find that the answer to the question is  your thesis statement.  

A Groundhog’s Guide to Conclusions by Conrad Tan, 2/2/2024

As college students, we often find ourselves navigating through the shadows of assignments, exams, and deadlines. Much like the groundhog emerging from its burrow to predict the seasons, concluding your writing requires finesse and a touch of forecasting. In this blog post, we’ll explore groundhog-themed tips to guide you in crafting a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression—something as memorable as the first signs of spring.

With a groundhog’s wisdom in mind, here are some general guidelines to help you burrow into a compelling conclusion.

1. Begin with the “Burrow In” Moment. In your conclusion, much like a groundhog settling into its burrow, transition smoothly from your final body paragraph. You don’t need an exhaustive summary, but a few sentences summarizing or linking back to your thesis is essential. This is your “what” portion of the conclusion.
2. Highlight the “Shadow of Significance.” As you did in your introduction, remind your readers of the stakes—why your argument matters. Why is it that we watch Punxsutawney Phil emerge? To know if we have 6 more weeks of winter. So, in your case, why is it that your reader spent all this time reading? Channel the groundhog’s ability to sense what’s at stake and articulate why your argument is important. This will make up the “so what” of your conclusion.
3. Leave Readers with a “Forecast for Thought” After addressing the “what” and the “so what,” offer your readers some final thoughts. If your introduction was strong, your readers know why your argument is essential. If Punxsutawney Phil tells us that we have 6 more weeks of winter, what do we do now? This is your time to emphasize a “call to action,” or the “now what” of your conclusion.

Remember to avoid pitfalls like a complete restatement of your thesis, bringing up new information, introducing a substantial counterargument without refutation, or issuing apologies for unexplored areas. Let your conclusion be a natural emergence, much like a groundhog stepping into the light after a period of hibernation.

The Calm before the Storm: How to Show Yourself L.O.V.E. before Midterms by Mihaughany Redd, 2/16/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day, eagles! I hope the special day was filled with self-love, love for others, and love for all the work you have done here at UMW. With the chocolate-filled holiday being over, we are brought back into the reality of our academic lives. One of the biggest stressors around this time of the year is completing midterms. Oftentimes, midterms are so overwhelming because of the amount of weight they carry in a class, the extensive amount of material that must be studied, and how the tests seem to follow each other back-to-back. One may start to feel like preparing for midterms is too much of a burden to bear, but fret not! Keeping the word L.O.V.E in mind will give you tips and tricks on how to prepare for midterms.

  L: Link up with your classmates/friends

Completely isolating yourself from others can do more harm than good. You may start to feel like you are all alone in feeling uneasy about midterms, but that’s not the case! We are all going through the same thing, so grab a friend and hang out/ study together.

O: Optimize your time

Even with midterms quickly approaching, we still have other commitments that crowd our schedules. Review your schedule and find the days of the week when you have downtime, which is the time when you’re free from any other obligations like school and work.Your downtime can then be used most efficiently by planning when and how long you will study, take a break from studying, and still give yourself enough time to get other important things done.

V: Visit academic support here on campus

A lot of our anxiety about midterms stems from the unknown. These uncertainties can be solved by visiting your professors and asking them questions about the midterm. Professors certainly won’t give you an answer key to the test, but they will more than likely give you clarity about what to expect, and may even offer advice about how to study. You can also pay a visit to the Speaking and Writing Center and peer tutoring! The SWC can help with written and oral projects, while the peer tutors can help with studying for specific courses. 

E: Eat, sleep, and exercise 

It’s so easy to forget to take care of yourself when your mind is cluttered with exam concepts and equations. Forgetting to fuel your body can lead to even more unnecessary stress, so the best thing to do is to eat something nutritious, get as much sleep as you can, and remember to get up and move your body around. Food is brain power, so don’t be afraid to grab that snack that is waiting for you in the fridge. 

I hope that you will carry L.O.V.E with you before and during your midterms. I hope it helps you experience an anxiety-free midterm period. Godspeed!

When revising a paper, one thing many people have trouble with is cutting down the content they’ve worked so hard to come up with. This is definitely understandable, especially if the assignment was difficult to complete or had a word/page limit you needed to hit. To overcome this trepidation, try thinking of your paper like a slasher film!

Generally, the plot of films like Friday the 13^th are predictable: the weakest or most distracting characters die quickly. You need to think like Jason (or Pamela) and slash the Barrys and Claudettes first. Much like these characters, stumbling as they flee or rushing down the wrong corridor to a dead end, sentences within your paper can be trailing, frail, or distract readers from the main point. Any content that takes away from your argument needs to go. Remember, not every character (or sentence) needs to make it to the final act.

Some content isn’t necessarily weak, but detracts from the overall theme of your paper. Imagine these are your Steves and Bills: sentences that had a good chance of survival compared to others, but they’re better off cut from the cast of characters. Sentences like this might be strong on their own, but up against the rest of the paper they take away from the thrilling finale (conclusion). These sentences can also be compared to Sgt. Tierney of the local law enforcement; he has the firepower, manpower, and ability to take out the villain, but the movie isn’t a procedural cop show so he shouldn’t steal the spotlight. Similarly, all sentences should help guide towards rather than misdirect a reader from the main idea(s). If you’d like, you can even copy the sentences or paragraphs you’ve decided to slash onto a different document, much like a character being chased off into the woods. These would be your Alices: sentences that survive the purge and have a chance to show up in the following movie (or your next paper).

Next time you’re tackling editing and revision, have a little fun with it and put yourself in your favorite slasher villain’s shoes! Not a fan of Jason? How about embodying Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger instead!

As a peer consultant, I handle my fair share of assignments, papers, and presentations– both my own and others. The end of the semester always spells an influx of appointments in the Speaking and Writing Center, as well as in my own schedule. This semester, I’ve noticed a theme of final speaking presentations, some of which are quite lengthy. Here’s a few things that help me approach these daunting tasks. 

Timing. As with anything, time management is the most important component. We all have the same hours in a day to juggle our many obligations and personal lives. Setting aside time to work on the presentation is crucial. Timing is also important within the presentation. Knowing when and where you’ll discuss certain elements of your topic is key. Don’t get too caught up in the time requirement, though. Focus on including the information you need and wish to say. Typically, it’s much easier to cut information later if you find you went over in time. 

From paper to presentation. Many presentations are the final leg in the race of a research paper. Not all of the information in your paper will fit into the presentation, and that’s okay. On average, each page of paper is about 2 minutes worth of material. This will give you a rough estimate of how long your presentation will be. As a starting point, return to the outline, isolate the main points you want to discuss, and weed out what isn’t necessary to include. 

Delivery and Personality. You can have the best presentation ever, but without the right delivery, it won’t reach the listeners. Part of this is pacing, pronunciation, and engaging voice fluctuation. The other part is including your personality. Have fun, run with the material; you are the expert afterall. You’ve researched, prepped, and put together all the information you’re sharing. Now’s the time to make it yours and add that you-element. 

Engagement. Whether through visuals or through participation, try to engage the audience and maintain their attention. That being said, don’t use images just to make your presentation more colorful. Be intentional, select supplementary visuals. Remember the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” A well placed photo often works better than a slide of dense text. 

Factoring in timing, transitioning material between formats, delivery, personality, and engaging the audience, will transform your presentation from a thrown together spiel into the next great Ted Talk.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed every October by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Office of Disability Employment Policy, a subdivision of the Department of Labor that works to increase employment and economic success for people with disabilities through legislation, heads the celebration and assigns a central theme for the month-long awareness initiative. The theme this year is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

In keeping with the theme of “Advancing Access and Equity,” the UMW Speaking and Writing Center has been working to create a guide for students and faculty to aid in making accessible educational tools, specifically presentations and handouts. This post will give a sample of the 50-minute presentation that faculty or staff can request for their class or group. 

Prioritizing accessibility is crucial in creating an inclusive learning environment. Some disabilities are invisible to the eye, and it is the responsibility of the presenter to construct a lesson that values various types of learners. Consider these general tips the next time you give a class presentation:

Aiding the Audience – Think about making a recording of your presentation so students have the opportunity to reference the content after you have formally concluded. Also, consider making a handout to give students during your presentation. This can act as an overview of key points and allow students to look at a physical copy closely. 

Content Tips – Use inclusive language! Avoid using outdated or potentially offensive terms. There is a reason language shifts as culture progresses; be cognizant of the terms you are using and the impressions they may leave. Similarly, explain all acronyms, jargon, and other complex vocabulary. 

Clear Delivery – Explain, explain, explain. Explicitly describe the information on the slides, including visual information. Check periodically with your audience to gauge understanding. Pausing and saying something like, “Is this making sense?” can engage the audience. Practice makes perfect with most things, but especially presentation delivery. When in doubt, make an appointment with the Speaking and Writing Center to solidify your skills.

Working to facilitate an inclusive and accessible academic setting benefits everyone. Sometimes, disabilities can be “invisible,” and it is not clear what accommodations a student may need. It is best practice to implement as many accessibility features as possible to help mitigate exclusion.

For many, the nightmare of public speaking is just that: a nightmare. It can seem like a horrific and vulnerable experience to place yourself and your work in front of others. However, just like in Scooby Doo, there are many ways to unmask the big, scary monster and make the fear more manageable. The fear may never go away, but it can be countered with preparedness! 

Here are some tips for vanquishing speaking apprehension:

1. Practice! This is the best way to become more familiar with the information you are presenting, and you will know what to expect in the presentation. This will help BOOst your confidence!
2. Dress Up! Wear a “costume” that makes you feel more confident! Appearances are reality; if you look confident, then it will help you feel confident.
3. Remember to breathe! Silence can seem spooky, but it is better to take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts than to try and rush your way through the presentation. 
4. Use effective speaking notes (with professor permission)! This is a SCARY good tool for you to bring to your presentation. Make sure to use bullet points instead of full sentences so that you can quickly see the information that you need to continue with the presentation.

Lastly, I will present something scarier than public speaking: more puns! Here are some Halloween jokes to celebrate the spooky season: 

• Why didn’t the skeleton go to Fall Formal? He didn’t have the GUTS to ask someone to go with him, so he had NO BODY to go with.
• Why don’t vampires target Taylor Swift? It’s because she’s got Bad Blood.

Keep in mind, much like a Scooby-Doo episode where they always manage to unmask the monster within just 30 minutes, your presentation stress is temporary!

Writing academically can be a stressful experience for the most proficient writer. As November begins and the weather grows colder, one may want to sit down with a warm meal and fall asleep to the smell of baked goods. Thankfully, at the basic level, writing is much like baking. While you work on your papers, consider baking your favorite fall meal; you may find yourself recognizing the similarities! First, you must decide how you would like to organize your space; as a chef would line up their measuring cups, whisks, and baking equipment, take the time to create your ideal writing environment. Perhaps put on a pot of coffee and relaxing music to clear your head and prepare you for writing. Chefs work best when they are comfortable with their environment as well. A well-organized kitchen can be just as comfortable as one’s tranquil space for writing. Fostering a space where your mind can focus is critical to cooking up your best work.

 There are different types of writing anxiety; you may experience little motivation to complete your writing assignment because of past criticism, as you would find yourself directionless in a kitchen if your first batch of cupcakes did not rise. You may lose your train of thought and similarly avoid writing because you fear judgment. Receiving a bad review of a meal on which you worked hard hurts. You may also be obsessed with going back and dwelling on every detail of your writing and miss the bigger picture. Adding more frosting and fondant may make a cake look appealing on the surface, but in doing so, you may miss adding a key ingredient.. Do not worry; these feelings are common! 

Chopping up your paper into slices may make your workload more manageable. A good idea is to let your dough cool in the fridge before going back and putting it in the oven; spending time away from your paper can let your mind rest before you return to it. By breaking the assignment into a step-by-step process in a helpful outline, you can create your own recipe and feel more at ease.

  There are several other “ingredients” you can utilize to prepare a delectable paper. 

• Breathing exercises: for example, Box Breathing or four-square breathing in which you inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds can calm your nerves.
•  Meditation: meditation is an excellent relaxation method; clear your head of your current anxieties by setting time aside daily for self reflection.
• Guided imagery: work on creating a comprehensive outline that visualizes the steps you need to take to formulate your paper. The Speaking and Writing Center offers services to help you do so!

 A clear mind can do wonders for creating a paper or preparing a fine meal. Hopefully, these skills serve as tools that mitigate feelings of stress during the writing process and let out a pie of relief!

If all else fails, actually bake yourself something comforting. Here’s a good pumpkin muffin recipe that always cheers me up!

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Tips to Overcoming Writer’s Block by Danielle Ross, 11/10/2023

One of my biggest goals in life is to write a novel. When I was younger I would have countless ideas, sit down to write, and somewhere along the way lose the motivation to finish. My desk, and now my computer hard drive, has accumulated piles of incomplete stories. For each one, I remember the excuse: I was too busy, didn’t know enough about the topic, read a book that already wrote what I wanted to. Since then, I’ve developed a list of solutions to the formidable writer’s block. 

1. Write when you feel most inclined

Finding the time of day when you feel most productive is key to making progress with your writing. For me, I can easily write five pages within an hour in the morning, but if I sat down around 3 pm, it’d be like pulling teeth. Work and school dominate our time and it can be hard to set aside time that’s conducive to your schedule. Try your best, even if it’s a half hour before work or class in the morning, during a lunch break, or before you go to sleep at night.  

2. Keep a daily journal

Journaling has been linked to lower levels of stress, improved memory and cognitive functioning. Writing in some capacity every single day can help you feel productive, as well as generate new ideas to use in your story. Plus, the repetitive practice of sitting down to write will strengthen the habit of consistently adding more to your story.

3. Write now, edit later

It can be tempting to read through what you’ve written for that day, but this will only sidetrack you and distract you from finishing your manuscript. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect and most likely won’t be. You become a better writer once you’ve gotten past that first hump of just completing a draft. 

4. Research

If you’re stuck, do some research! Dive into your topic and make it fun. What better way to write about experiences than to live them? Sometimes research can point us in different directions or open new doors that we wouldn’t have walked through before. 

5. Get moving

Exercise in general is good for the body and mind, but it can also provide a change in scenery. Staring at a screen or page for hours on end will, regardless of the progress you’re making, will only lead to fatigue and frustration. Successful authors, such as Dickens and Tolkien, attribute their greatest brainstorming sessions to their walks. Putting your body to work gives your mind a break and leaves you refreshed to come back and finish at a later time. 

6. Establish a writing community

There are countless online writing communities and events, such as National Novel Writing Month, to partake in. National Novel Writing Month is an annual event which takes place during the month of November. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript over the course of 30 days. While this feat may seem daunting, the main goal is simply to overcome procrastination, writer’s block, perfectionism, and self doubt to produce a completed rough draft of a novel. Aside from NNWM, there are many other writing communities, online and in-person, to join that meet year round. On our campus there are clubs such as Fine Print, which focuses on poetry, and the English Club, which concentrates more on Literature. There are plenty of opportunities to form your own writing group, or even come by the Speaking and Writing Center to bounce ideas around with a consultant. 

7. Leave mid-sentence

Some authors suggest leaving a writing session in the middle of a sentence. This makes returning to your story less scary, since you left in the middle of a thought, and provides a jumping start for new ideas. 

The most important thing to keep in mind during your writing process is that your worst critic is yourself. We all have inner critics, little voices inside our heads telling us we aren’t good enough or we need to be more. Don’t let that voice get louder than the one that’s telling you to write.

Combatting Chronic Procrastination by Elizabeth Sullivan, 1/26/2024

I have a confession: I am a chronic procrastinator. I despise long essays, especially when I’m not sure how to start. Even as a veteran writer–I’m a Writing Consultant, for goodness’ sake!–I feel my stomach churn at the thought of those daunting final drafts. That being said, I have developed a few strategies over the years that force me to sit down and just do it. You might not like it, and I certainly don’t either, but I do know that these tips and tricks might help us tackle the trek through essay writing’s most brutal terrain.

1. Establish a routine.
   • Dedicate concrete times to work on every step of the writing process.
   • Make your “writing time” the same block in your schedule every day/week.

2. Create “micro-goals” within your writing schedule to motivate you through the rough spots.
   • A great example of one of these goals could be taking a snack break after finishing a paragraph. You deserve to reward yourself for your accomplishments!

3. Brainstorm, but finalize your main idea in that first or second time block.
   • You might change your exact thesis later, but you’re more likely to keep working if you’re confident about your topic.

4. Do your brainstorming on paper.
   • This one sounds silly, but I swear that I work better when I don’t have to fit within the constraints of a laptop. Using doodles and fun colors always helps me to make the writing process a little more fun!

5. If you are on a roll, don’t stop!
   • My one exception to my writing schedule is that I’ll keep working when I’m feeling inspired. I find that momentum comes easier when I’ve been writing for a while!

6. If you need to do research for your topic, look for sources with strong quotes.
   • Write down those quotes as you find them, and cite your sources immediately. This will almost give you a “word bank” of quotes to pull from when incorporating them into your paper; that’s less work for you later! 

Hopefully these tips help you (and me!) navigate through the perils of procrastination. Good luck, everyone!

Greetings, Eagles! In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to write about African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the value it holds in writing.

AAVE is a dialect of English that has been around since the establishment of the thirteen colonies. While I cannot do full justice to every regional variation of AAVE in a short blog post, some general features are habitual “be” (He is working vs. He be working), double negation (I don’t want any vs. I don’t want none), copula absence (She is my sister vs. She my sister), Aspect marking “done” (She finished her homework vs. she done finished her homework), etc.

Given its prevalence amongst African Americans, AAVE can be a powerful tool to bring in a Black perspective and cultural authenticity. Today, we will showcase a couple Black artists and works which have utilized AAVE in effective and artistic ways.

August Wilson was a Black playwright in the 1900s and wrote famous plays such as Fences (1985) and the Piano Lesson (1990), both of which won Pulitzer prizes. He was particularly famous for how perfectly he portrayed the African American experience and injustices in his plays. One of the ways he does this is through the use of AAVE,  even utilizing different regional variants of AAVE depending on the setting. Many of his plays involve characters sharing stories that have been passed down through generations and they utilize vivid and immersive depictions. Lastly, he made great use of code-switching, where Black characters would swap from AAVE to “standard English” when they are in situations where they might be looked down on for speaking in AAVE.

Kendrick Lamar is another great example of an artist who utilizes AAVE to elevate the cultural authenticity of his music. He writes about the issues faced within the African American community as well reflecting upon himself and growing as a person. He utilizes AAVE to make cultural references, spin anecdotes, and engage in storytelling in a similar fashion to Wilson. There are some particular lines from the song “Kendrick Lamar”. In this song, Kendrick renounces his stage name “K. Dot” in favor of the name given to him by his mother, and the name born from his culture. The lines goes, “I changed the name cause I was tired of being like y’all. Now finally I’m ready to tell the world who I are.”

The most notable part of this line is his use of “who I are”. This is an example replacing a copula because in standard English, this would just be “who I am”. However, this usage of are is a beautiful example of using AAVE for the sake of cultural authenticity as he is using this line to reject the persona and embrace his culture and upbringing.

The value of AAVE in any form of writing is to express the cultural authenticity of African American culture in whatever work it is used in. I hope that going through Black History Month, you are able to see usage of AAVE in a fond light thanks to the power it holds in representing its culture in any way, shape, or form.

Leap Into Success: Embracing Opportunities in this Leap Year by Carlos Ortega, 2/23/2024

As we embark on this leap year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the unique phenomenon it represents. In a leap year, each date on the calendar advances not by the usual one day but by two, a significant leap forward. Likewise, in your academic journey, you’ll find opportunities to maximize this extra day for progress and advancement.

Consider this: during your typical four-year college journey, you encounter just one leap year. This single additional day carries immense potential for personal and academic development. Just as the leap year provides an opportunity to advance swiftly, so does your college experience offer moments to leap forward in your learning, networking, and personal growth.

This year, consider maximizing the opportunities available in college by venturing beyond your comfort zone. Engage in networking events to broaden your connections, immerse yourself in diverse organizations and clubs that resonate with your passions, and explore fresh academic avenues to expand your knowledge and skills.

“Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.” – David Lloyd George

Take that step outside of your comfort zone without fear. College is a special time in your life to explore your interests, try new things, and push yourself. Every step you take toward your success—whether participating in a class discussion, presenting a project, or applying for an internship—matters. For instance, I vividly remember the nervousness I felt when I attended the Career Fair. 

Meeting employers seemed daunting, but I pushed through my discomfort. Surprisingly, engaging with them not only eased my nerves but also provided invaluable insights into the field. It’s moments like these—where we challenge ourselves despite fear—that often lead to the most rewarding experiences and growth in our academic and professional journeys.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Consider that leap years serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of occasionally going the extra mile. Just as a leap year adds an extra day to our calendars, presenting us with an opportunity to leap forward, so too can we approach our academic endeavors with a mindset of making the most of this additional time. Maximize this additional day by setting clear objectives, structuring your academic plans, and initiating the journey toward achieving them.

As a fellow peer and a speaking consultant, I’m here to guide you through this journey. Together, we can turn this leap year into a pivotal chapter in your story of college progress. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I wish you a successful academic year full of personal development!

Journalistic Writing and Education by Margaret Jackson, 3/29/2024

Journalistic writing serves as the main component of media communication. Reporting events and news, from what people wore to a premiere to the recent tragedy of the Key Bridge collapse encapsulates the art of conveying information, stories, and events to the public. Key aspects include:

1. Purpose and Audience: Journalists write with a purpose—to inform, entertain, or persuade. Their audience varies from casual readers to policymakers, and their writing must adapt accordingly based on what they are covering. 
2. Clarity: Journalistic prose is concise. Writers aim to convey complex ideas in simple language, ensuring clarity for diverse readers by getting the point across quickly,  intelligibly, and relatable.
3. Inverted Pyramid Structure: News articles typically follow an inverted pyramid structure: the most critical information, known as the lead, appears at the beginning, followed by supporting details that go further in-depth for the story. This structure caters to readers who only skim the article; that way they still leave with an understanding of the article’s main idea. 
4. Objectivity and Balance: Journalists strive for objectivity, presenting facts without bias. They provide multiple perspectives to maintain balance and ensure they are covering all points of view to give a complete overview of the situation. 

Comparing Journalistic Writing to Education

Let’s explore how journalistic writing compares to writing in an educational environment:

1. Different Approaches:
   • Journalism Method: Educators grapple with teaching journalism effectively. They blend theoretical concepts, including media ethics and storytelling with practical skills like interviewing, news writing, editing, and copywriting. Innovations in technology emerge from experimentation, and developing skills over time.
   • Student’s Voices: Despite being beginners when it comes to journalism, students’ insights matter. Recent studies reveal the student’s.  understanding of journalistic ideals and practices by applying them. For instance, the study “The Voices of Students in the Learning of Journalism: Views from the Philippines” explores the many social media-savvy journalism students who contribute to discussions on how journalism should be taught and learned in the classroom, as well as how it can be marketed outside of the classroom. These class structures provide students with a solid foundation of communication skills, which will further benefit them in school and prospective careers. 
2. Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
   • Literacy in the Media: Integrating media and information literacy into journalism education is crucial. Students benefit from interdisciplinary approaches, including academic courses and specialized training, having classes based solely on the idea of increasing technology. These efforts empower them to navigate the evolving media landscape and develop skills that will benefit them on multiple career paths, as seen in the test “Media and Information Literacy in Journalism: A Handbook for Journalists and Journalism Educators” which delves into the methods and skills taught in Journalism. 
   • Comparative Analysis: Researchers analyze curriculums across journalism courses in different regions. For instance, a comparative analysis of journalism education in Brazil displays local and national scenarios, shedding light on effective teaching methods, by showing how students approach different stories. Students look at a broad array of stories, from local events to national news, and look at different methods of reporting them. Looking at the “Journalism Students’ Profile and their Perceptions of Journalism Education in Brazil: A Comparative Analysis of Local and National Scenarios” as well as the study from Global Media Journal “Journalism Education in Brazil” which details the journalism education programs implemented in Brazil and students experiences with them developing their writing and communication skills.  
3. Writing Competencies:
   • Developing competent media communication skills is pertinent for students. In a world where media is such a large pillar of our daily lives, knowing how to communicate effectively in those areas is an important skill that can be marketed for graduate studies and careers post-grad. 

Journalistic writing and education share a symbiotic relationship.  As educators refine teaching methods in our ever-evolving world and students contribute their voices, the future of journalism education remains dynamic and responsive to global trends. While journalism and becoming a journalist isn’t for everyone, developing these skills ensures students can communicate and develop the skills necessary for success. 

Graduate with Greatness: Tips from the UMW SWC by Nandi Davis, 4/5/2024

As you gear up for one of the most exciting times in your life, there are many tips that you have learned at the University of Mary Washington that we want you to take on your journey. Wherever you venture off too, you will be  equipped with more than just your diploma to show off all your hard work. Communication is a skill that you will utilize for the rest of your professional journey. From an office to a TedTalk stage, here are some valuable tips– ones we enjoyed sharing with you when you visited the SWC to remember on your next journey of life!

Enhancing Clarity

Tip: Clarity is key in every interaction. Whether you’re composing emails for your boss, contributing in group brainstorming sessions, or presenting ideas, clear communication ensures your message resonates with your colleagues and audiences. Keep it concise, to the point, and always proofread before hitting send or presenting an idea. Nobody likes to read long emails! 

Preparation

Tip: Preparation is key to success in interviews and other professional mixers. Research the company, anticipate questions, and practice articulating your experiences and qualifications. By showing confidence, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the position, you will become the next powerhouse in your position. Be confident in yourself and your abilities!

Appearance

Tip: Your appearance speaks volumes before you say a word. Dress appropriately for professional settings, paying attention to the nature of your company. Presenting yourself professionally not only demonstrates respect for the job you are working, but also gives you an extra boost of confidence in your capabilities.

Appropriate Communication

Tip: Effective communication goes beyond just your words. Make sure you know the context in which you are speaking with your coworkers, or boss. Remember to be professional in any type of text messages, emails, or posts on any social platforms. Nothing deleted is ever truly gone! 

Confidence

Tip: Confidence is the success in any future goal. Find your confidence by embracing your strengths, setting achievable goals, and stepping out of your comfort zone! Your confidence will be contagious and inspiring to those around you. So, stand tall, speak like you own the room, and let your confidence shine brightly on your journey to success!