Communication Corner

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

Don’t Leaf Yourself Behind: Use the Speaking and Writing Center this Autumn by Jessi LaBurno, 9/6/2024

It’s fall, y’all! A new semester is upon us. Regardless of whether it’s your first semester as a UMW Eagle or your last, it’s important to prepare for the workload ahead. That’s why knowing what resources are available to you and your fellow Eagles is important! Be-leaf it or not, this includes UMW’s very own Speaking and Writing Center!

About The Speaking And Writing Center

This autumn, you’ll likely be assigned a presentation or a paper. You might have no idea how to proceed. If that’s the case, the Speaking and Writing Center would be the place for you to go! The Speaking and Writing Center is an academic support service geared towards helping Eagles with any communication and written skills. We can help at any stage of the process, from brainstorming about writing a pie recipe to practicing a speech about pumpkins! You can book an appointment to work on a paper, speech, presentation, or even personal writing like an application essay!

Consultants at the center have been extensively trained in the areas of speaking and writing to help students of all needs. They have experience in citation style formatting, paper revision, grammar checking, outlining, and so much more! If you need help with a speaking project, consultants are happy to assist with anything from practicing a speech to tackling speaking anxiety. 

The center itself offers students many amenities. You can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate (maybe pumpkin spice flavored!) while waiting for your appointment from the center’s coffee bar. While meeting with a consultant, you have the choice to work in any available space, such as the presentation rooms, study cubbies, or open workspaces. There are also lots of fidget toys to borrow or free goodies, such as stickers, to grab on your way out. If you ever need a place to focus, you can stop by and use the study cubbies whenever the center is open whether you have an appointment or not. These amenities are as sweet as pumpkin pie!

The Speaking and Writing Center is here to help you and your fellow Eagles throughout your academic journey regardless of your academic seniority, the classes you’re taking, or your skill level in these areas. The service is available at no extra cost. Appointments can be made for both in-person and virtual visits ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. You can find the center on the fourth floor of the HCC. If you want to book an appointment, go to umw.mywconlne.com.

Tips for Using These Resources

Now that you’re familiar with UMW’s a-maize-ing Speaking and Writing Center, it’s time to start booking your first appointment! But if you want to make the most out of your time, here are some steps you can take:

Book Appointments in Advance

 Appointment slots can fill up fast, especially during exam periods. That’s why it’s super important to book your appointments in advance! Sweater late than never! If you know your assignment deadlines ahead of time, you can book your appointments early and guarantee your spot. The schedule for the center is available for the entire semester.

Go In With A Clear Goal

When you book an appointment with the Speaking and Writing Center, you have the option to provide details about what you’d like to work on. You can also attach files and share information about what you’re working on. It may be helpful to attach an assignment rubric or your draft. The more information you provide about your assignment or project, the more prepared we can be to assist you. Consultants can even email your professor a report from your appointment upon request! 

Know The Center’s Appointment Policies

The Speaking and Writing Center has different policies for how soon you can book or cancel an appointment. You can make an appointment up to thirty minutes in advance. That way, you’ll have enough time to walk as far as Combs all the way to the HCC! The center is here to assist in communication, not an Olympic-level sprint! 

You can cancel an appointment up to one hour in advance. Timely cancellations help us fit in other students who may be able to use that appointment slot. So, if you cannot make it to an appointment, please cancel as far in advance as possible. 

Come In With An Open Mind

We are all here to help, be-leaf me! But help can be a two-way street. It’s important to be receptive to consultants’ ideas and critiques. We’ve gone through extensive training so that we can best assist you, maybe even more than you might expect!

Be Prepared To Work Afterwards 

Because appointments are only 30 to 60 minutes, you may not be able to finish your project during your visit. We’ll give you advice on how to continue so you can squash any remaining work on your assignment. 

As the air continues to crispen and assignments continue to fall into place, it’s important to stay on top of your workload. If you ever need assistance, your fellow Eagles are here to help! Let’s start this semester out strong! And don’t forget to be-leaf in yourself!  

September Study Myths Debunked by Psychology by Kyleigh Friel, 9/20/2024

“I work better under pressure.”

“I can multitask while doing homework.”

“I work better at the last minute.”

“Procrastinating isn’t that bad.”

Does procrastinating help productivity? Do you really work better at the last minute? Let’s ask science.

What is procrastination? Procrastination is “to voluntarily delay an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay” (Steel, 2007, p. 66). Students who profess that procrastination does not hurt their grades, pat yourselves on the backs; “the correlation [of procrastination] with academic achievement is weak, rs = –0.13 to –0.19” (Steel, 2007; Kim and Seo, 2015).  Correlation statistics tell psychologists how strong the relationship is between two variables. This statistic shows a weak relationship, meaning procrastination does not directly relate to academic achievement.  Please do not interpret this incorrectly; this does not mean you have a statistical reason to back up your poor academic habits. Steel, Kim and Seo’s findings support that the correlation between procrastination and academic performance is weaker than researchers predict. Why is this relationship weak? Are there other variables that could hurt academic performance and are related to procrastination? Enter psychology nerds like myself: we call these variables mediating variables! 

People presume that: Procrastination -> Academic performance. The arrow in this equation shows that procrastination relates to academic performance. This correlation suggests that “Procrastination → poor academic performance” is not a strong relationship, or that procrastination does not strongly relate to academic performance. Psychology majors learn from day one, correlation does not equal causation. In studies we talk about how variables impact each other, but we do not try to prove that one variable causes another variable. We cannot prove that one variable definitely causes another because of other variables.  In this equation, mediating variables could be anything from, “anger, anxiety, feelings of discomfort, shame, sadness, feeling remorse, mental stress, and negative self-concept” (Grunschel et al., 2013). For our example, let’s use anxiety as our mediator:

This graphic translates as “procrastination is related to academic performance. Procrastination is also related to anxiety which is related to academic performance”. Once psychologists think variables might be related, we ask ourselves how strong those relationships are with statistics like correlations!

A study on procrastination among university students, cited below, found that there are significant findings between anxiety and procrastination. In layman’s terms, the more you procrastinate, the more you are anxious, the more anxious you are the worse you do academically. So, although procrastination and academic performance do not have a statistically strong relationship, they are still related. The relationship between procrastination and anxiety is stronger than the relationship between procrastination and academic performance. You might want to stop reading this article after you see that procrastination and academic performance are not strongly correlated so that you can pretend that procrastination isn’t bad for you, but it is. Procrastination is correlated with increased feelings of depression, anxiety, and negative self-image. These traits, and many others listed in the study below, are correlated with poor academic performance. 

Procrastination is a sneaky and harmful habit, like energy drinks. On the outside, you know a Cecius is not super healthy, but you think it will help you wake up for class, so you drink it anyway. Procrastination is not healthy, but we think somehow delaying an anxiety-inducing assignment will “help” us. I want to help you achieve your goals this semester, and so do researchers! I hope after reading this post you have learned a little about the psychology of procrastination and can make wiser studying habits going forward.

Rozental, A., Forsström, D., Hussoon, A., & Klingsieck, K. B. (2022). Procrastination among university students: Differentiating severe cases in need of support from less severe cases. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi-org.umw.idm.oclc.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783570

So, You’re Procrastinating… by Sarah Holt, 11/8/2024

Hey Eagles! Whether you believe it or not, finals week will arrive before we know it. For some, this is a time of heightened stress as multiple large projects loom ahead. But, the Speaking and Writing Center is here to help!

If you happen to be a procrastinator and need some guidance on how to efficiently complete your final projects, I have four steps to help you plan out your remaining time until those dreaded assignments are due:

1. Determine how many sections or steps need to be completed to put your project together. For example, if you are putting together a slideshow, you might want to consider how many slides you will need and break up the rubric or assignment sheet that way. If you are writing a standard analytical paper, you should consider how many body paragraphs you will need to complete the assignment at hand. In either case, you might also need to think about how much time you need for research before you start drafting. 
2. Next, you should determine roughly how long each section or component will take you to complete. For example, the introduction and conclusion paragraphs of a standard analytical paper generally take less time to complete than the body paragraphs. Always set out some time upon the first draft to be away from your project, even if it can only be 30 minutes. Your brain will be able to see more clearly what you still need to add or how to better connect your ideas once you have forced it to focus on something else for those 30 minutes.  
3. Next, determine how many hours, days, weeks, etc. you have left until the project is due. Maybe you have one more day left, or maybe you have an entire week. Either way, you should know exactly how much time you have left until you need to turn in your assignment. 
4. Next, decide in how many hours, days, etc. that you need to complete each section of your project. If you are writing a paper and you have four hours left*, you could allocate roughly 45 minutes to the introduction and conclusion. Developing your various body paragraphs may take over two hours. Factor in those 30 minutes for a brain break and you would have some time left to do last minute revisions and edits. 

After completing these four steps, you are in good shape to get started as you have created a project plan for yourself. Utilize this project planning process in the future to ensure that you get started on your bigger assignments before you find yourself in a time crunch. Starting your project earlier will always reduce stress and cramming.

* We at the Speaking and Writing Center do not recommend this as you should start your assignments much earlier. This is just an example! 

Get Ready to Spring into the Rest of the Semester! by Ella Cordle, 2/28/2025

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first half of the semester and now you get a well-earned week off.

Take a break, relax, and make the most of your free week. And when you come back, be ready to tackle the end of the semester – it’s closer than you think! Going into Spring Break, it can still feel like the semester just started. But as soon as you come back, it’s often like finals are just around the corner. 

The best thing you can do for yourself is go through all of your class syllabi. Your professor made you a map of everything that you’ll have to do throughout the semester, so there’s no need to be surprised by anything that’s coming up. The last few weeks of the semester can be really hard. Sometimes you have five projects, papers, and exams all due at the same time. Go through your syllabi, write all of your major assignments down, and make a plan to get them all done.

At the Speaking and Writing Center, we can help with anything speaking and writing related at any point in the process. We tend to get fully booked in the last weeks of the semester with so many students working on their assignments. Something you can do now to ensure that you’re able to get any help from us you may need is make your appointments sooner, rather than later. Once you’ve written down when your assignments are due, you can go ahead and schedule your appointments in advance.

The same thing goes for any other academic services like peer tutors and peer academic consultants. Find out what you’ll need help with now so you can make sure that help will be available when you need it!

Maybe you don’t have enough time or information to start some of these assignments now, and that’s okay. But there are things you can start doing now to relieve some of that pressure later on. You can start brainstorming, and by the time the project comes around, you’ll already know exactly what you want to do and how you’re going to do it. And if you’re struggling with brainstorming and inspiration, that’s something we love helping with at the SWC!

Something else to think about now is summer jobs and internships. If you plan on applying for anything this summer, check those deadlines because they should be coming up soon. If you’re writing an essay for an application, bring it to the SWC to have us look over. Or if you’re feeling stuck with your resume, go to the Center for Career and Professional Development.

Whether this is your first year of college and you’re working on navigating your finals, or if this is your last year and you’re working on your future career, the end of the semester is in sight. Make sure you’re looking ahead and planning for your own success and the resources that will help you get there!

How to Win at UMW by Ewan Highsmith, 9/5/2025

To “win” at most things requires doing better than the opponent that you face (or getting luckier than the opponent you face), but UMW doesn’t have opponents to your success (despite what you might think sometimes), so how does one “win?” Well I’m gonna break it down to the simplest aspects possible: winning at UMW means collecting  as many academic, wellness, and engagement points as you can in four years.

To score academic points, your classes need to be a priority. People sometimes forget that the point of college is to get a higher education. All I’m saying is that you are at a college to get a degree, regardless of your major it means going to class, doing assignments, and trying your best to understand the material. The backbone of all great scorers is the routine. Elite athletes will spend many hours a day training and practicing; for students, training means devoting time to academic pursuits everyday. Going to your professor’s office hours to ask questions or chat can be very illuminating. The Digital Knowledge Center and the Speaking & Writing Center  (shameless plug shameless plug), located on the fourth floor of the HCC, can help you improve not just your assignments but your skills as well. 

Athletes are also known for their obsession with their health and wellness, and that is an integral part of a college routine as well. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating regularly or going to bed at a reasonable time is integral to success.  Those aren’t random examples, however, as eating and sleeping are the most important things to do to improve your health and in turn, your scoring. The best ability is availability, and if you get sick because you’re eating once a day and sleeping four hours a night, then you aren’t available for your classes. If you are struggling with handling scoring by yourself, there are plenty of services offered at UMW that can improve your scoring ability. The Talley Center provides UMW students with a variety of therapeutic services such as free counseling and support groups. 

The best athletes in the world win not just because they put in the work, but also because they love the game. Similarly, winning at UMW means having fun while playing. Making friends, showing up to random clubs (shoutout UMW Lightsaber Duels and the Water Bending Dance Club), talking to people, trying new things, and putting yourself out there are some of the many different ways to engage on campus. Although it may sometimes feel like you’re playing an individual sport, the reality is that people are here to pump you up, cheer you on, and assist you every step of the way. So while you’re out there scoring all your academic, wellness, and engagement points don’t forget that winning at UMW is a team sport.

Tips for Starting off Strong this Semester by Ryan Sandson, 9/12/2025

Starting a new semester can be an exciting time. That said, it can also be accompanied by feelings such as anxiety and apprehension. If you’re like me, determined to start off strong whenever a new semester begins, I have some suggestions that might help you the way they helped me!

1. Read the syllabus for every class

Syllabi are great references for what kind of work to expect throughout the semester. Many professors like to write up a schedule of what will be done, due, and discussed for each class. I recommend taking note of any important details, such as tests, projects, trips, etc. You can use these schedules whenever you’d like to look ahead and prepare for upcoming lectures. Going to class knowing the professor’s expectations can help you boost your confidence in how the class will go. 

2. Set up your calendar

Add your classes to your preferred kind of calendar. I personally suggest doing so on a digital platform, since you have the option to set reminders and notifications, but if you like paper, a planner is good. There, you can block out the times for each class, giving you a clear picture of what each weekday is going to look like. You can take this further by adding descriptions under each class where you include information such as building and room number. If you see on a syllabus that there will be a big project later down the line, you can also give yourself due dates for smaller chunks of the assignment,  setting goals of when you want certain milestones of the project to be completed. This can help you ensure you won’t get overwhelmed by the workload of the project days before it is due. I personally like to use Outlook for my calendar because it is tied to my school email; however I know others really like using Google for their schedules. What’s important is that you have something to help you keep track of the semester’s work in a format that makes the most sense to you. 

3. Daily to-do lists

Setting up a list of things you want to get done for the day is another way to keep track of your studies. Writing out the assignments you need to do for each class works well as a reference in case you forget what it was you planned to work on. I like putting little boxes next to each task and checking them off as I complete them. Every time I check off a box, I feel inspired to continue working on what I have left because checked boxes leave me feeling productive and accomplished. There are to-do apps you can download for this, but I personally like how my pencil feels against the paper.

4. Participate in class

I know that raising your hand during class can be difficult sometimes, but I promise you it pays off. Asking and answering questions is crucial to staying engaged during the lesson. Engaging in class discussion makes you put the information you learn into practice, which cognitive science tells us aids in the retention of the topic of discussion. If you have the opportunity to sit in the front of the class, that is a great way to stay focused on what the professor is talking about, as it makes it harder for you to zone out. If you only take one thing from my suggestions, let it be that class engagement will take you a long way!

5. Find the study space that works best for you

UMW has a wide variety of spaces which can be used for studying. We all have our various preferences, so it’s important to pay attention to how you respond to various study environments. Some people like having some background noise while others like complete silence; some find it helpful to study as a group while others might be distracted by it. I encourage you to find a spot on campus where you can easily get to work and get things done by the end of your study time, whatever that may look like to you. 

This doesn’t relate to everyone, but for many it is very helpful to have a separation between living and work spaces. I tend to associate my room with things such as leisure time and sleep, and so I know that environment doesn’t prompt me to focus. I like studying in dorm common rooms, the Simpson Library, the HCC and the CRUC instead, as they provide me with a variety of comfortable seating arrangements, and a setting in which other students are working on their assignments, encouraging me to do the same. If you need a space with minimal distractions, I highly recommend the 3rd floor of the Simpson Library, as it is a designated quiet space with “treehouses”  that provide an ambiance for productivity and focus. 

Ultimately, starting off strong this semester means doing what works best for you. I am confident that you’ll be able to find your academic rhythm and have a successful college experience. I hope my suggestions have been helpful, and I wish you all well this semester!

How to Turn the Semester Around by Sally Lawson, 10/25/2025

How to evaluate: 

The middle of the semester can cause a lot of stress, especially for students who are not happy with their midterm grades. By the time you get to October you may feel stuck in your ways, but this can be a great time to reevaluate and restart your semester! There are a few things that students tend to have in common when they are unsatisfied with their grades. Study methods tend to be one of the first things that need re-evaluation, along with assignment completion. When studying, are you focused and understanding the material?  Do you study early enough for exams? Do you start assignments with enough time to proofread, revise, and edit them? You may want to think about how you are using class time as well. Are you actively listening in class and taking notes that you can understand? Do you need to be going to more classes or asking more questions? These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to improve your semester. Once you have figured out what needs to be adjusted, you can start making the changes required to thrive in the second half of the semester. 

Study tips: 

Often, students are not studying in a way that is really effective for them. There are many different ways to study; you can study alone or with groups, in your room or in a study space, one subject a day or many subjects throughout the day. The key is finding out what works best for you. You may need to remember how you studied in the past. Was there a specific method that works best that you want to bring to other courses? You may also need to find some new study methods. If you find yourself cramming before exams, maybe try to make yourself a study schedule. Study schedules can be a great way to keep yourself accountable. I find it best to plan out the times I am going to do work and what specifically I will do during that time. It especially helps to start early! All syllabi should be posted at the beginning of classes. If you were not studying effectively during the first 8 weeks, take a look at that syllabus and plan out better times to complete schoolwork. This helps take away the stress of figuring out what to do first. It’s also fun to check each item of your study session off your to-do list! 

I find that allowing myself time in the evenings to settle down and sleep early helps a lot. After a certain point in the evening, you are simply unable to retain as much information as you want. A great way to avoid wasted time is to recognize when your cognitive functions are declining, put the computer away, and go to sleep. You can always go to sleep early and wake up early to get a better grasp of the material.  If you are really struggling in a class, maybe reach out to some students in that class who seem to be doing well. You could always form a study group; sometimes it helps just to study with people learning the same material. As long as you can contribute to the group, it can be a great help for everyone. 

There are a few other small tricks to help with retaining information. Experiencing the same sensation while studying and taking an exam helps with memory. For example, chewing the same gum during study times and exams helps you remember more of the information you studied. As well as studying where you will take the exam, or work on the same assignment in the same places. These are both sensory experiences that help with memory and recognition. Some people need to switch up study locations often.  Move locations as you tackle a new assignment or study for a different class. Changing locations is a great way to strengthen your memory recall. Again, it’s all about what works best for you. Also, don’t forget to take breaks!! Taking breaks while working on assignments is super important. When you have been working on something for a long time, your brain tends to put in what is supposed to be there, not what is really there. So give yourself time to take breaks and come back to the assignment with fresh eyes. 

Use your resources: 

Outside of study tips, it’s also a great idea to use the resources available to you. One of the best resources for you is your professors!  Most professors can provide you with some tricks for succeeding in their classes specifically; this can differ major by major or even course by course. Another thing that professors can provide you with is feedback. Make sure to take a good look at their comments on your previous assignments and adjust based on them. If comments are confusing or you are struggling to make those adjustments, you can always send a quick email and get some clearer advice. Even better, using your professor’s office hours can be extremely useful. When reviewing, you could write down some questions for your professors. Can you get extra credit, or do they have any advice for tackling their class specifically? A professor can be a huge help when trying to improve your academic progress, especially when you make a connection with them. 

Outside of professors, you also have spaces and academic services. Utilizing the HCC, Simpson Library, and even other academic buildings can be great for a distraction-free study time. Along with these spaces, you can also visit the library for help with finding resources. The 4th floor of the HCC also houses the Speaking and Writing Center, along with the Digital Knowledge Center. Depending on your courses, these resources can be a great help for starting and finishing assignments! 

Reevaluating study methods, implementing new study methods, and using your resources can really help you end the semester with a grade you are satisfied with. With these tips and tricks you can get your semester back on track and finish happy! 

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.

Simplifying Your Research for a General Audience by Max De La Cruz Morrobel, 9/13/2024

A research topic you may be working on can get complex. While you and others in the field will understand everything, others may not. Sometimes, you will need to share your research through presentation or writing to a general audience who will not have the same knowledge as you. Today, we will discuss how you can simplify your topic in both writing and presenting so anyone can understand!

• Simplify and focus on the big picture

Concepts within your research can get intricate and hard to understand for a general audience. For example, say you are reporting on the dialect of a region. There can be a lot of concepts raised such as multiple Englishes. Multiple Englishes is the idea that there are many different English dialects due to regional, cultural, historical, and social influences.  This can be a strange concept to grasp to those who have not heard of it. So to make it accessible, ask yourself, “What details are necessary to understand my research?” Focus on the bigger picture as it is much easier for a general audience to absorb. So a simplified explanation of multiple Englishes is that different groups can have different speech patterns and accents due to their upbringing.

• Use simple words

When working on your research, it is easy to get caught up with the technical jargon that comes with your discipline. To keep your research accessible, stick to simple words. For example, instead of saying “plastics are created through polymerization which is the creation of polymers involving the linkage of individual monomer molecules through a number of forms of covalent bonding”, you can instead say “plastics are created through polymerization which means individual molecules form long chains like beads on a string to form a strong, large material.”

• Use metaphors to explain concepts

Breaking topics down into easy to understand analogies is a good way to convey your research. To do this, think about a simple concept that is comparable to yours. For example, take the philosophical ideology of absurdism. Absurdism states that there is a conflict between human life trying to find the meaning in everything and the nature of the universe in which nothing has meaning. It can be hard to understand how people use absurdism to rationalize existence or experiences. So to explain it using metaphors, think of a hiker climbing a mountain with no peak. The mountain continues forever, but the hiker keeps climbing. This is because to the hiker, there is meaning and value to reaching the peak, but that meaning only comes with the struggle of climbing the mountain. If the mountain were a 10 foot hill, it is not something that would take much effort to climb, so it would take no fortitude on their part. In that sense, the hiker finds value in the endless journey  to the peak because the struggle to get to it signifies its importance. 

With these tips in mind, get out there and share your work with the world!

Writing Resolutions by Mariele Wassom, 1/17/2025

Happy 2025, UMW! As we enter a new year, many of us may think about setting resolutions or intentions for the new year. New Year’s resolutions are notorious for being quickly abandoned. In fact, January 10th of this year was designated as National Quitters Day, when many have left their resolutions behind. If your resolution is still going strong, you’re already surpassing many! Resolutions are often too broad to be maintained for even a month, let alone 365 days. Let’s say you want to eat a healthier diet in 2025; instead of planning to try a new recipe each day, think about trying a new plant-based meal once a week. Sometimes a college assignment can start to feel like a grand new year’s resolution—“how will I ever get that done?” In the same way large New Year’s resolutions can be achieved in small steps, so can the assignment that’s already hanging over your head. 

When it comes to writing large papers, the task at hand can feel daunting when looked at as a whole. As a result, procrastination can set in–turning drafting from what could have been a multi-week process into a stressful rush. Instead, breaking down the initial drafting process into smaller goals can make the assignment more approachable. There are a few ways of going about this, but as in any form of goal setting, it is important that your writing goals are specific and measurable. This is simpler than it sounds. If you need to make progress on an assignment, schedule out time to get the project or paper completed in chunks; when blocking this out be specific. Instead of writing “work on paper,” write “outline” or “get introduction done.” This will break the paper down into smaller tasks that feel less overwhelming. When you sit down to work on your paper, remove distractions by finding a quiet space and putting your phone away and on do not disturb. Then, simply set a timer for however long you want to work on your paper (45 minutes or an hour is often best). Once the timer is up, take a break! Writing can be a long process, and that’s why having small goals helps. Lastly, make an appointment at the SWC! Having an appointment on your calendar will help motivate you to work on your paper and we’re here to help you through the process. If by the appointment you have not made the progress you want, you can still utilize the appointment to help make progress on the paper and set your next goals. Even if you need someone to talk through the assignment guidelines with, we are still happy to help you get started.

Tamin’ Wild Horses, Reigning in Wild Ideas:  Steps for Narrowing Your Focus by Isabel Blackburn, 9/19/2025

Picture this:  you’re given an assignment where you have a lot of creative freedom. You want to talk about and include so many things, but you’re worried you won’t have time or page length to do so! Does this sound like you?

If so, you’re in the right place my friend! 

Today, I’m going to talk to you about narrowing down your ideas! Our brains sometimes are like horses from the Wild West:  they are beautiful and majestic, but they also have free reign. Though our beautiful brains are amazing at being creative and coming up with ideas, it’s not always helpful when we are on creative overload – especially if a grade is on the line. That’s why it’s important to rein in and tame those wild ideas so that you can get on the right track!

So sit back and relax, cause we’re fixin’ to go on a wild ride, partner!

Before we begin, though, you’ll need:  two sheets of looseleaf paper and a writing utensil. 

Step #1:  What are you actually doing?

Sometimes when we get excited about a new assignment, we take off running with what we want to do before understanding what we need to do. And I get it – there are so many fun ideas and interesting things to discuss! However, your professor will not be pleased if your paper has many topics but none that really answer the prompt being asked of you. 

But fear not! There is a way to overcome this and I’m darn tootin’ sure that you will! (Are the Wild West metaphors getting old?) 

First thing you’ll do is grab your first sheet of looseleaf paper, go back to the original assignment, and extract out the requirements in the prompt; you’ll do the same with the rubric of your assignment. Then, you will write down any questions you have about the task and take those questions to your professor to be answered. 

Step #2:  BRAAAAIIINNN DUUUUUMMP!

Now that we’ve tamed the ideas, you can let them roam free! Let them run wild! (Okay, okay, I’ll stop with the Wild West references). 

Essentially, what I’m asking you to do is what is called a brain dump. Write out everything you can think of on your second sheet of looseleaf paper without the worries and restrictions of logic (for right now)! Once you have done this, we can move forward to step #3. 

Step #3:  Slashin’ and Trashin’

Alrighty! We understand what we’re doing! Take a celebratory pause (WOOOHOOO I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!)! 

Now… time to get down to business – no more horsin’ around 😏 (Okay, really, I’ll stop this time!). 

Put both sheets of looseleaf paper side by side so that you can compare your ideas to your assignment’s requirements. As you compare the two lists, ask yourself this essential question:  does this idea align with what is being asked of me? 

If the answer is “yes”, keep it! If the answer is “no”, cross it out! 

Repeat this for every idea on your list. At the end of this process, you will have a more manageable collection of ideas to work with. But hold your horses, we’re not done yet! (Haha! I lied about not using Wild West metaphors anymore, whatcha’ gon’ do about it? 😆)

Step #4:  Pick the prized mule!

We’ve separated the trash from the gold… but now it’s time to choose the core idea for your project.

Take a look at your revised list. Even though everything connects to the assignment prompt, there are still some considerations before you pick your final idea: 

1. Do I have enough evidence/support for my idea/argument?
2. Will what I want to write about meet length requirements; do I need to narrow even more or do I need to expand the idea? 

If the answer is “yes” to both of these questions, start writing! If the answer is “no”, slash and trash or make like a pioneer and expand your pastures and ideas!

Step #5:  

At this point in our process, our list is filled with ideas that are each suitable for your assignment. If your list has been narrowed down to one idea, use that one!

However, if you have two or more ideas left, I’m afraid that the only solution left now is to… pick your favorite!

Final Thoughts:  

Holy cow, wasn’t that a wild ride? Now that we’re at the end of this trying trail, you should be all set for your next writing adventure! 

I hope these steps help you out and that you have fun with your project! 

Getting Unstuck on your Projects by Audrey Boezer, 9/26/2025

You are sitting in front of your computer—perhaps a pencil and paper—and have been for the past hour. Despite your intense dedication to sitting until an idea appears, nothing comes to mind. Or perhaps needing to write a five-page paper starting from nothing is intimidating. Everyone has been there, so let me give you some tips on how to help when the words aren’t coming easily. 

Outlining Your Ideas

It can be intimidating to start writing when there is nothing on the page. Outlining is a good tool for figuring out what to say in response to your prompt but also can help organize your thoughts to make it easier to start writing. Knowing what you need to have in certain areas or simply having something on the page can help with that feeling of being stuck. It can even help to put in markers to indicate where you expect parts to end up. Formatting the first paragraph and writing “thesis goes here” can help get your brain working if it is hard to start with a blank page. We also have a handout in person and on our website that you can look at to see for help! 

Finding a Change of Scenery 

Getting up and moving from where you are can help you when you are stuck. This can help to eliminate distractions around you such as technology or other people. Going to a place with a quiet environment like the Simpson Library or a place with resources to help you like the HCC are also great options! You can also try changing the temperature of the environment if you are too uncomfortable to focus.

Even if you are trying to meet an upcoming deadline, sometimes a five-minute break is enough to refocus your attention. Get some water and a snack to keep your brain firing. Walk around and stretch your legs and muscles if you’ve been sitting for a long time. It’s completely natural to be stuck and unsure of how to proceed so don’t beat yourself up over it.

Visiting the Speaking and Writing Center 

You likely know who we are if you’ve found this blog post, but if not, the Speaking and Writing Center can be found in HCC 429. No matter where you are in the writing process—whether stuck in the brainstorming part or needing help figuring out the best way to approach a specific point you want to make—we can help! 

Showing Kindness to Yourself 

Sometimes, you are struggling to make progress because the perfect words aren’t coming to you. Keep in mind that drafts are supposed to be messy and having something on the page is better than having nothing! Things can always be changed later in the process so don’t focus on judging what you have in. We are often our own biggest critics and it is important to understand that it is normal to struggle or make mistakes, especially on a first draft. 

Maybe you had a hard day or it is late at night. Consider putting down whatever the project is for the day or night and picking it up later. This is not to say you have to wait until you feel motivated as motivation may not appear before the deadline does, but be excited by the prospect of learning something new or being successful in college. This is a great option for those who have enough time left to take that break.  

Any project can be intimidating to begin but taking it step by step and being kind to yourself along the way can help when you are stuck.

Tips for Picking and Narrowing a Research Topic by Miranda Lenihan, 10/3/2025

As we hit midterms and many of us start to think about final papers, picking a question can be the most difficult part. There are a couple of ways to pick a relevant topic for research, while making sure that it is 1) specific and 2) researchable. 

Browse through your class syllabus for potential topics – Spend time going through your syllabus and lecture notes for topics that you had more questions about. While going through your notes, think about what kind of questions you still have. Most importantly, consider what your professor is asking for in your research paper. Are you meant to be comparing two subjects? Do they want you to analyze the causes and effects of an event? Should you be looking at how something changed over time? Make sure to adhere to the parameters of your assignment.

 Look through subject encyclopedias for an overview of research on your chosen topic – Nearly every discipline has a subject encyclopedia with overviews of the research done in a field, as well as key scholars to look into. The Encyclopedia of Islam has gotten me through my undergraduate, especially when I first started getting into Middle Eastern history. Though I knew I wanted to look into architecture after briefly going over it in class, I had no idea where to start or what specifically I wanted to talk about. After reading the art and architecture section of the Encyclopedia of Islam, I was able to specify my topic from “Islamic architecture” to “Monumental Islamic architecture in the 15th century.” Subject encyclopedias will help you figure out where to look for major works on a topic. You can find a huge variety of subject encyclopedias at Simpson library! 

Narrowing your topic – Let’s use the example of “art during World War II” as a general topic. You could write an entire book on this topic, but your professor is asking for ten pages. Your class is about World War II, but your professor focuses on the European perspective. After reading through some article abstracts and the Grove Dictionary of Art, you find some scholarly sources about how artists protested fascism in France. You could examine some specific artists and how their art style changed during the war. 

 Make sure your question is not too narrow – Although most of the time students struggle with narrowing down a topic, choosing something too specific can also be an issue. Doing preliminary research will help you determine if you can feasibly write a paper on your topic. This doesn’t have to be in-depth– you are aiming to determine if there are relevant sources to your topic. Use abstracts and book reviews to determine if a source is relevant or not. If you cannot find anything related to the topic in a basic search, you may need to change your approach. Subject encyclopedias can also help you with preliminary research by listing some key articles and books on a topic.
Staying flexible is one of the most important parts of the research process. Use the brainstorming period to play with a variety of ideas that you can pick from once you have done more preliminary research. Your research should guide you, not the other way around. Trying to force research to be relevant to the topic you want to do weakens your argument. I got about halfway through a major capstone project before I realized my original argument was wrong. Reworking my thesis was frustrating, but ultimately led to a better paper than if I had forced the research to support my argument. 

Brainstorming a topic and narrowing it can feel challenging and overwhelming, but doing basic preliminary research will help you find a specific question to answer based on what you talked about in class. We are happy to help you brainstorm at the Speaking and Writing Center, and the research librarians at Simpson Library can also help you get started looking for scholarly works on a topic.

Writing Outside Your Major by Lia Fowler, 10/17/2025

No matter what major you call home at UMW, general education requirements require that students be flexible when adapting to courses with different conventions, genres, or specificities. This means being able to handle new forms of citation, different analyses and interpretations, and exploring specific methodologies that can be outside of your comfort zone. BUT RECOGNIZE!!

• Flexing this new muscle is both exciting and unpredictable, so a learning curve is to be expected.
• Adapting to the varying expectations of different professors is something everyone is doing at UMW. 
• Adapting to new speaking and writing styles is an impressive skill. 

Your skills and knowledge are valued in every discipline here at UMW, so what have you got to lose when writing in a new, exciting way?! But I bet you’re wondering, “What can I do at Mary Wash to make the transition from different classes’ writing requirements easier for me in the long run?”

Great question! Here are some ideas on how to ask for help and some tips to help you get acquainted with other writing styles.

Rationalize any preconceived notions – It can be scary, not knowing where to start when being introduced to a new class/major’s requirements, but rationalizing your fears is key to making sure you get to your assignment from a calm, rational place. Think about the worst thing that can happen. Think about it in a rational sense, not in a catastrophic sense (no, your professor won’t ridicule your work and show their own class your shortcomings). What is the most realistic thing that can happen once you turn your assignment in? The best? The worst? Realistically, you may turn it in late and receive a few points off, or you may forget to change some punctuation. Centering yourself in these realistic possibilities calms down that flight, fight, or freeze response we have when we feel danger or anxiety. 

Take detailed notes from your lectures – Your notes are super vital to helping you understand an assignment. Whether you are taking research notes or notes from a lecture, detailed notes will help you limit the number of questions you can have about an assignment or topic. This means writing down unfamiliar definitions, writing down examples of concepts you do in class, and highlighting/underlining your notes for your benefit. Taking handwritten notes is another way to focus and engage yourself with your notes. Write down keywords. Paraphrase ideas from professors’ slides in your own words within your notes. You want to get the most out of your notes, so following these tips and reviewing your writings will help you see how to help you get the most from the note-taking process. 

Look at papers/texts within the genre – Reviewing professors’ examples, templates, or similar course texts can help you get a better feel for the type of paper your professor may be looking for. Think about what type of class you’re in. Should you be looking at informative research on open-ended concepts? Argumentative analyses of novels? Scientific reports with methodology and graphs? This means looking into similar citation styles, looking at the texts included in the course, and asking your professor for any guidance on searching for examples within the specific genre that best fits the assignment. 

Reach out to your professors – It’s always important to reach out to the professor. They want you to succeed and understand the assignment to the fullest. Professors have office hours to aid and clarify any questions or concepts you might have about their class content or assignment instructions.

Visit the Speaking and Writing Center – We consultants, just like your professors, want you to succeed! We are trained to assist a diverse range of writers and speakers, accommodating to various writing requirements and styles within every appointment. Using the Speaking and Writing Center to help you understand an assignment, brainstorm, revise, or aid with grammar is what we’re here for. Whether you are speaking or writing in a new style, we are here to help you build those skills. 

View the Speaking and Writing Center website – Our website has many valuable citation guides and tips to help you become familiar with various formatting and citation styles. Ranging from APA to MLA and more styles, our guides go in-depth to help all readers understand how to properly cite, format, and incorporate quotes within specific style guidelines. Our guides note every small detail when getting a citation right, so using our guides as a resource will help greatly!

The community here at UMW is here to support you, even when experiencing a change in specific writing requirements. Writing outside your major can be stressful, but considering these tips will help make the transition from the familiar to the unfamiliar more manageable. Being prepared by acknowledging all the ways of succeeding with a project, like taking effective notes or reaching out to academic services and your professors, will set you up for success when writing in any style. 

Defeating the Monster: Breaking Down Long Research Papers Bone by Bone by Emma Findler, 10/31/2025

Happy Halloween UMW! As the spooky season reaches its peak, there is one more monster that continues to lurk in the back of our minds: the long research paper. If you don’t want to find yourself headless when it comes time to submit, then make sure you are breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. 

Don’t Ghost Your Deadlines – Start Early 

If you think you will be able to research and write your long paper in one frightful night, then you’ve in for a real nightmare. As soon as you know the due date for your paper, mark it on your calendar or agenda so that you don’t get a fright when the deadline creeps up on you. Then set smaller deadlines for yourself. Break your paper up into sections and mark a date to finish each one of those sections. 

Here’s a trick – which may reward you with a treat!: 

Make Speaking and Writing Center appointments in advance to keep yourself ac-count-able!

Pick Your Poison

Now that you have come up with a plan, it is time to conjure up your topic! Before you summon any ideas from the academic beyond, carefully inspect the assignment’s instructions so you understand the ghoul-lines and parameters. Then, dig up something that truly haunts your interest! Writing about a subject that you do not like will make the process much harder. You can always start monstrously big and then carve it down to something more manageable. Remember, because your paper is lengthy, your thesis can be somewhat broad, but it should remain clearly focused on the main topic. You want a topic that’s not so undeadly vast that it could fill a whole graveyard of thoughts, but still engaging enough  to keep your argument ALIVE for several pages. Choose wisely… or risk being haunted by writer’s block!

Building the Skeleton 

Before you dive fang-first into writing, take a moment to organize the bones of your paper. Outlining will give your paper a hauntingly strong base before you begin writing and help to illuminate a path out of the dark academic shadows. Start by composing the beating heart of your paper: the thesis statement. Every killer thesis statement should rise from the page to present your main point, provide direction, and warn the reader as to what is lurking ahead. Now it is time to carve your main points into sections and begin to mark the grave for each body paragraph. Don’t be afraid if the plan begins to shapeshift! Re-organization is normal during this step. 

Bring Your Paper to Life

It’s alive!! Now that you have created a plan, it’s time to build the monster. Stitch together your ideas using your analysis and lots of sources. Remember to build off of your skeleton. Don’t panic if your first draft feels a little monstrous – it’s all part of the process! Focus on getting your thoughts on the page, then polish the potion and sharpen the claws after. Take your time; it isn’t a race. Be your own Dr. Frankenstein and awaken your own original monster. Bring in pieces of evidence that you found during the research process, but don’t let that make up the whole body. Rather, it should serve as the stitching that holds the whole monster together. Do as Dr. Frankenstein did and construct your own original creature. 

Reanimate Your Writing

After taking some time away from your monstrous creation, go back through and read through it with a sharp eye. Start by slashing away any parts that don’t serve your thesis or lifeless ideas that drag your paper down. Then, stitch in any new material you may need where your argument is struggling for more strength or clarity. Don’t be afraid to swap out weak evidence for stronger examples or add transitions to connect your ideas more smoothly! Before you call it done, get rid of any ghastly grammar ghouls and every typo lurking around the corner. With each careful cut and stitch, your once-messy draft will rise again, ready to haunt your professor’s rubric. 

Don’t let the long paper become your worst nightmare – take it bone by bone, summon help when you need it, and soon enough you will rise free from the graveyard of procrastination with a masterpiece that even Dr. Frankenstein would envy. 

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!

Different Types of Thesis Statements by Sophia Akridge, 9/27/2024

Hello Eagles! Last year, we shared some tips for writing an effective thesis statement. This year, we’re going to dig a little deeper and discuss some of the different types of theses. There are three main types: argumentative, analytical, explanatory.

All thesis statements make a claim, but an argumentative thesis statement argues for a particular point of view or puts forth a defended opinion on a topic. It should be arguing for a point, but that point doesn’t necessarily have to be an all or nothing point. It could be a more subtle argument, or a more specific part of an argument. For example, if your essay is about school start times, you might not be arguing whether school should start super early or super late, but you might be arguing why we should consider pushing the start time to 8 AM instead of 7:30 AM.

An analytical thesis evaluates a text in order to illuminate something. You could be analyzing the overall theme of a text, or you could be analyzing characters within a text (or movie). Your thesis would include the topic of your analysis, and what sort of “conclusion” you reach from your analysis- or why your analysis is important. If you were writing an essay about the meaning of the color green in The Great Gatsby, you would be explaining the significance of the color green, and how it impacts the theme of the overall novel as well as why that is significant for understanding something beyond the novel. 

 In contrast, the explanatory thesis informs us about a topic for a clear reason. Your thesis should explain why your audience needs this information. For example, you might be explaining how the average college student spends their week, but your thesis should include why it’s important your audience knows this.

Regardless of which type of essay you’re writing, your thesis is the base of your argument. If your essay is a table, your thesis is the base support. It’s not the super visible part of the whole structure, but it’s still the overall support system.

How to Bee-gin a Paper by Rae Mears, 10/18/2024

We’ve all been there: staring at the empty word document, hypnotized by the blinking line in the corner of the page. It’s daunting and demoralizing, especially when you know you have multiple pages ahead of you. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks to help smooth the process along. 

My first piece of advice: don’t start with the entire introduction. It might seem counterintuitive, but the introduction is supposed to let your readers know what your topic is and how you’re going to approach it. These are questions that are easier answered when you have the supporting structure of the body paragraphs done. Therefore, by leaving the introduction towards the end of your draft you’ll know the content you’re supposed to be introducing. 

However, it’s a good idea to have a working thesis statement or research question before you tackle the body paragraphs. If the body paragraphs are the meat of a paper, then the thesis is the backbone that holds everything up. It’s where you let the audience know what the essay is focusing on, what your claims are, and how you’re going to back your statements up. It’s ok if you adjust your thesis as you start writing, but it’s helpful to have a preliminary draft of it that you can look back on. An example of a thesis would be:

“North Dakota’s dominance in honey production, which supports its number one revenue producer, agriculture, is due to the low exposure of pesticides, the wide range of plant diversity, and the strict laws imposed by the state government.”

This would be a thesis for an informative/explanatory essay, but the structure is generally the same for any essay type. You introduce the point you are trying to make and then let the audience know how you’re going to back it up. It’s kind of like a road map for the rest of your paper.

After you’ve built out your body paragraphs, let’s break down writing the introduction into manageable chunks.

The first sentence of an essay should draw the reader in, which is why it’s commonly called the hook. This means you want a powerful and intriguing start. This could be accomplished by:

• A statistic or fact.
  • Don’t forget to cite where you got it from if it’s not general knowledge!
• A shocking statement.
  • Make sure you don’t embellish. Your shocking statement should draw a reader in, but not be a lie.
• A quote.
  • Note: Although some professors allow the use of a quote as a hook and that’s why we’ve included it, we suggest staying away from quotes. It’s good for a first impression (and last thought from a conclusion) to be in your own words, as this is your paper.
• A description or story. 

Let’s use a statistic as our hook example:

“According to the USDA, in 2023, North Dakota produced 38 million pounds of honey.”

This hook gives you a vague sense of what the paper will be about while not giving too much away. After the hook, you can continue to lead your reader to your thesis. You should create a bridge between the hook and where you directly introduce your topic.

“In the average U.S. state, the rate ranges from 1-3 million pounds. So, for a state that ranks 47 out of 50 for population size, why is North Dakota so ahead in honey production?”

After the bridge you can give any relevant background information about your paper. For example, if your paper revolves around a specific book, tell the audience about the author and how the book came to be. You should also consider who your audience is while writing this. Is your paper targeted at an expert in the subject? Or someone who has no prior knowledge? For our example, we could use:

“Although the European honey bee was introduced in 1622 to what would not become the United States for another century, the honey industry was not quick to develop. For North Dakota, it was not until the late 1800s that a significant growth in beekeeping occurred. Nowadays,the state has been the unmatched champion of honey production for decades.”

This gives some historical context and a very simplified timeline for the topic. The background information doesn’t need to be super in depth, especially if your audience already has some knowledge about the subject.

Lastly, tack on that thesis you created before to the end of the paragraph. Note that your thesis is almost always the last sentence of an introduction.

So now when that blinking line comes back around to haunt you, you’ll have a plan of action. Most importantly, don’t forget to bee-lieve in yourself! 

References

North Dakota Honey: How is it produced & its history?. (2021, October 4). BeesWiki. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://beeswiki.com/north-dakota-honey/#:~:text=How%20Long%20Has%20North%20Dakota,up%20and%20down%20the%20coast. 

Hey there! 

Are you in a STEM focused class? Do you need to write a scientific research paper, but don’t know how to start? 

Well luck for you, I’ve got some clues!

Today, I am going to give you some tips on scientific writing. 

Language Used:  

As you are aware, the paper you are writing is scientific and consequently, you must use scientific and formal language. Colloquial phrases (e.g., “I ran the sample a few times and it turned out ok.”) and general terms will not be accepted for a research paper. Your paper should be clear, succinct, and detailed. To illustrate, let’s take a look at two examples of describing a melting point trial for organic chemistry. 

Example 1:  “The sample was run a few times”

This description is very vague. What sample is the student referring to? How many times is a few times? These are questions that your peers and professor will have for you if you do not give enough detail. The purpose of a scientific paper is to inform readers about what you did and how you did it. How can you inform your audience about work if you do not clarify for them what you are doing?

Example 2:  “A 0.5g sample of aspirin (C₉H₈O₄) was run in a digimelt (Digimelt 9) for a total of three times on Monday, January 15, 2024 to determine the sample’s melting point.”

This example is much more descriptive. It details the equipment used to determine the melting point of aspirin and specifies how much aspirin was used, how many times the procedure was run, and when the trials were conducted. It also states the purpose of the procedure. 

Grammar:  

A very important part of scientific writing is making sure that you are using the correct voice. In the past, it has been standard for scientists to use passive voice. However, scientific writing is starting to trend towards using active voice. Henceforth, it is best to confirm with your professor beforehand on what voice to use. 

Here is an example of writing in active voice:  

“The professor prepared the top agar.”

This sentence has three main components to it:  a subject (the professor), a verb (prepared), and the direct object (the top agar). In an active voice, the subject of the sentence will perform an action that immediately affects the direct object.

As mentioned above, although this is grammatically correct, some professors still prefer the traditional format of writing scientific papers in passive voice. 

Here is the same sentence written in passive voice:  

“The top agar was prepared by the professor.”

In this case, the former direct object (the top agar) now becomes the subject. The portion of the sentence, “…by the…” almost always indicates that a sentence is in passive voice; it can be eliminated and the sentence would still make sense. 

In addition to voice, tense is very important in scientific literature. When writing your lab report, you are reporting on things that have already happened. Consequently, you need to refer to your experimentation process in the past tense. 

Further, a scientist generally writes in third person. Third person point of view is from the perspective of an observer. The writer utilizes the subject pronouns “he”, “she”, and  “they”. This is because writing in third person prevents the paper from being personal and from using emotive language. In contrast, the first person point of view utilizes the subject pronouns “I” and “we”. There are a few exceptions where a first person point of view is acceptable in a scientific paper, such as during the discussion portion. Like voice, confirm with your professor about the usage of different points of views before writing your paper. 

I know you all can do it! Just like an experiment, writing out your paper can take multiple trials, so don’t get discouraged if you stumble along the way! Remember, if in doubt, check with your professor or stop by the Speaking and Writing Center where we can help you with any questions you may have. Happy writing, scientists!

Giving Thanks to Professional Email Writing by Emma Findler, 11/1/2024

Happy November UMW! As we enter into the month of gratitude, there is one major step you can take that your professors, future employers, and coworkers will thank you for: writing a good email! There are a couple important aspects of composing an email that will bring you a cornucopia of success:

Harvesting the Good Vibes

Use the subject line!! The subject line is one of the most important aspects of your email because it tells your professor what you are writing to them about. Think of it as the title of your email. Because it is the title, it should not contain everything you say – that is what the body of your email is for. Because it acts as the title of your email, it should also be capitalized like you would  a title.. Although the subject should not contain everything you need to say, it should still be specific so that professors understand what the actual subject is (hence the name, “subject”). For example, if I’m writing an email asking a couple of questions about our class trip to the museum, then my subject would say “Questions About Class Trip to the Museum” (rather than just “Questions”) and the body of my email would contain the actual questions. 

Season-ing the Day

Along with the receiver’s name is the greeting. This is the very first thing that your professor will see when they open your email, so a kind, but appropriate greeting is important. “Dear [name]” is a classic, but some other welcoming examples could include “Hello [name]” or “Good Afternoon [name].” It is important to note that your greeting does not belong in the subject line because it is the beginning of your email: be sure you are typing in the large box underneath the subject line. 

It’s the People Who Make the Feast

Make sure you know your professor’s name (and how to spell it)! This aspect automatically makes your email sound more personal and more respectful, making the receiver of your email more likely to help you. In addition to this, be sure to use the correct title. Most professors have PhDs so “Dr.” would probably be appropriate, but simply addressing them as “Professor” or “Prof.” is always suitable. When writing to someone who is not a professor, use “Mr.” or “Ms.” (unless of course they have a PhD, MD, or some other official title, such as President or Chairman). “Ms.” is always the safer choice when referring to a woman if you are unsure of their marital status, otherwise “Mrs.”is used for married women. 

The Bread and Butter

Now we have arrived at the actual email part of the email. Make sure everything you need to ask or inform about is in the email, but don’t be afraid to keep it concise – not everyone has time to read a 10 paragraph email, so try to only address the topic you referenced in your subject line. For additional clarity, try mentioning your name and how they know you (ex. Emma from HIST329). Many professors teach up to four courses a semester and may not remember you just by name so a frame of reference at the beginning of your email can help to clear up any confusion. Additionally, be sure your tone doesn’t sound too aggressive. Some precautions to avoid this are proofreading out loud before sending, not writing an email while upset or angry, and watching your punctuation use. Emails should NOT include any type of emoji and should include few or no exclamation marks – these can come off as overexcitement or frustration. There are some reasons to not send an email at all, however. If you are upset or angry at your professor or have a large number of questions, addressing these issues in person (such as office hours) may be a better way to make sure all of your concerns or questions are understood and communicated clearly. 

The Cranberry on Top

The final aspect of your email is your signature which both lets the receiver know this is the end of the email and acts as a clean conclusion to your writing. When writing to a professor, be sure your sign-off doesn’t become too casual. Signatures like “Best,” “Sincerely,” or “Regards” are all appropriate. The sign-off phrase should be followed by your full name (for clarity) and, optionally, any titles or credentials you may have. 

To: UMW Students 

Subject: Wishing You Success in Your Email Writing

Hello UMW Students, 

I hope this email finds you well. I wish you all good luck with any future emails that you write and hope that they’re all professional, orderly, and engaging. Don’t fall into any of the common traps and make sure to proofread. Happy writing! 

Best,

Emma Findler

How to Say “Thanks!”: Word Choice in Thank You Notes and Beyond by Sarala Kennedy, 11/22/2024

Gobble gobble gobble! Or, as we say in English, Happy (early) Thanksgiving! As we near both the end of the semester and the annual thanks-centric harvest holiday, I always think of the people who have made my year and semester better and like to express my gratitude for their presence. Over the past few years, I have grown to love writing thank you notes, though I initially struggled with making each one feel genuine and heartfelt for the reader. Learning about word choice and how to apply it in personal thank you notes has helped me better exercise gratitude and improve my academic writing too. I suppose the first step was not speaking like a turkey!

What is Word Choice?

Word choice is the selection of the right word to convey a particular tone and meaning to the reader. On the scale of single words, word choice involves considering a word’s connotation, or the feeling of a word, associations, other possible meanings, and origins, in comparison to its synonyms. Despite being synonyms, “thrifty,” “economical,” and “stingy” bring with them varying levels of positivity and negativity. Even more mechanical aspects like length, sounds, and prefixes or suffixes can contribute to the decision of using one word over another. Though “rock” and “stone” are synonyms with very similar meanings, the rougher sounds of “rock” evoke a sharper, less weathered shape than the smoothness implied through the sounds of “stone.” When placed within a larger work, whether a note, essay, or book, every word together to signal a tone to the reader. 

If you’ve ever heard the adage “Said is dead!” in creative writing classes, you have familiarity with a particular opinion on word choice in dialogue tags. Other word choice–related advice includes swapping adverbs for stronger verbs and adjectives, eg. “sprinted” instead of “ran quickly” and “brilliant” instead of “very smart,” or replacing generic words with more specific synonyms, eg. “chronicle” instead of “story.” In these examples, though the words are synonyms, their exact meanings and the tones and images imparted are different; though the general word “story” could be applied to anything from a short, informal tale told by a friend to an epic spanning continents and centuries, “chronicle” applies specifically to a detailed and factual telling of events in order. Rather than following cut-and-dry rules, good word choice requires you to understand the complete meaning of a word and the role you want it to fill, so you can avoid unclear or awkward language.

Why Does Word Choice Matter?

As previously mentioned, individual words come together to give a text its tone and make up your style as a writer. Two statements can mean the same thing in theory but have entirely different meanings once connotation is considered, and understanding word choice lets you choose which tone you want the reader to take away. Writing, especially personal writing, is an extension of ourselves and factors into the perception others have of us, so it is important to be intentional about the words we use to express ourselves. 

Word choice can indicate your status as a member of an in-group, perhaps by referencing an inside-joke in a letter to a friend or using physics jargon in your essay. When the reader gets the insider meaning you intended, they feel a connection to you and your writing. However, knowing your audience is key; referencing an inside joke with your friend would not make much sense in an academic study.

Clarity is also greatly impacted by the words and phrases you choose. If you use only archaic, multisyllabic words that your reader does not know, the meaning is obscured and the reader misses the forest for the trees. Clearer writing requires the use of commonly known yet specific words, to avoid both vagueness and unhelpful over-specificity. 

Word Choice in Thank You Notes

When sitting down to write thank you notes, it can sometimes be difficult to make each one on a list feel genuine and distinct from all the others. Of course you don’t want to write the same thing over and over to all your friends, family, and whoever else you’re writing to, but without knowing how to convey your emotions through words, the process can be very repetitive. I have found specificity to be my greatest tool in writing better thank you notes, with specifically chosen words making a big difference in how well my gratitude comes across.

Before writing, think of what exactly you are thanking the recipient for. Explicit statements of your gratitude, rather than generic thanks for non-specific traits or actions, better conveys the sincerity of your feelings. For thank you notes in response to a gift or act, be specific about what the gift or act was and what it means to you, to display your appreciation.

Referencing inside jokes is a great way to immediately make a thank you note feel real. Furthermore, reminiscing about a specific time the recipient exhibited their friendship or a particular event with them you enjoyed shows that you value your relationship and want it to continue. 

An informal tone also aids the feeling of genuineness in a note to a close friend or family member, but when selecting a tone consider how close you are with the recipient. When writing to a professor or employer, a formal tone will help you come across as more professional and considerate of your position.

Though they can require a fair bit of emotional vulnerability, thank you notes are a great way to let someone know that you notice and care about them and are grateful for their contributions in your life.

How Can I Apply Word Choice in Academic Writing?

Understanding how individual words come together to create a tone and style across an entire piece of writing lets you master a variety of voices. Academic writing does not allow for as much variety in tone as personal writing, but by understanding word choice you can better meet the expectations of formality and professionality in writing for school. As a student in different academic disciplines, word choice can additionally help you better understand the differences in expectations between various subjects. 

When writing and editing academic papers and essays, consider the formality, applicability, connotation, and relevance of the words you use and whether more general or more specific synonyms would better fit the meaning you want to convey.

Thanks for taking a dive into the grand world of word choice with me! I hope you’ve learned something helpful to apply in this season of final papers and thank you notes.

14 February 2025

UMW Speaking and Writing Center

Hurley Convergence Center 429

1301 College Ave.

Fredericksburg VA, 22401

To Whom It May Concern:

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Bella Molseed, and I am a consultant at the UMW Speaking and Writing Center. Here at the SWC, we are passionate about helping you with all your communication needs, from participating in group discussions to writing analytical essays.

As you probably know, today is Valentine’s Day—a day widely thought to be one of the most romantic of the entire year. No matter your relationship status, today is a great day to show the people in your life that you care about them, whether through thoughtful gifts, kind words, or sweet gestures! If you are in need of a last minute idea for telling that special someone how you feel, fear not! The Speaking and Writing Center is here to help. Don’t worry about rushing to the store and buying overpriced chocolates or a cheesy greeting card—follow our handy guide to write your own Professional Love Letter!

To start, make sure you’ve got your formatting right. (No one wants to be wooed with inconsistent line spacing). Create a header with the date and your return address (so your beau knows where to send their responding love letter). Next, use an appropriate salutation. Greet the love of your life by name or title. If you don’t know either, you can always be coy and say “To Whom It May Concern.” 

Your introduction should immediately inform your boo thang of the letter’s purpose, in this case being a declaration of your undying love and affection. No need to play mind games here—keep it concise and straight to the point. In the body paragraphs, detail the information you want to convey and any requests you wish to make of your sweetie pie. Feel free to support your statements with specific examples of why you love them so much!

When concluding, summarize your letter’s main point and clearly reiterate any action you expect from your honeybunch. Finish with a flirtatious closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your beautiful signature. Make sure you proofread your letter before you send it because typos are not sexy!

With this guide in mind, you now are perfectly prepared to go write an amazingly professional love letter to your favorite cutie patootie. Don’t forget to credit the SWC for this spectacular advice!

Sincerely, 

Bella Molseed

Editor’s Note: This blog post is meant solely for the purposes of teaching how to write professional letters. We cannot recommend that you actually write a love letter using this advice.

Discussion Boards: Writing Concisely and Clearly by Lauren Tabella, 2/21/2025

Every major requires writing-intensive courses, so you’ll most likely find yourself having to complete a discussion board at some point or another. With a short word count, writing a complete response can be difficult; you might think to yourself, “how can I fit everything I have to say in only 350 words? Or even less?” It’s challenging to figure out how to best approach writing in a concise way that also makes sense, which is why I wanted to give you some tips on how to handle discussion boards.

Tip 1: Read the questions before you do the reading.

Having an idea of what you’re going to be writing about can start before you do a reading or watch a video. Make a point to look at the questions for the discussion board before going to class, doing the reading, watching the video, etc. The questions might also prompt you to go back and confirm your understanding of course concepts, which can also help you better understand the reading and provide a meaningful response.

Tip 2: Make an outline before sitting down to write.

I know, an outline for a discussion board? Sometimes, we have too many things to say and not enough space to say them. With a limited space in a discussion board post, an outline can be helpful to figure out what your primary response is and how you can best support it. If there is a specific section of the text you want to highlight, you can plan out when you will reference it.

Tip 3: Avoid adding in context.

Oftentimes, discussion boards are assignments asking you to respond to something: a class reading, a concept from class, etc. You can avoid having an overflow of content by cutting out context, or summaries, of what it is you’re responding to. Everyone seeing your response should have the same background knowledge to know what it is you’re referencing, so don’t waste your words defining or summarizing. Knowing your audience can help you determine what might be necessary information (ex. specific quotes you want to emphasize to support your response) and what might be unnecessary (ex. explaining who the author is).

Tip 4: Converse with classmates.

A discussion board prioritizes conversations between classmates, with many professors requiring you to respond to your peers. With your responses, you want to go beyond validating their comments. Is there a specific concept you both discussed? Did you have a follow-up question? Make your response specific, referencing what they say while also adding something new.

I hope these tips can tip you towards success!

Making Writing Instructions as Easy as Pi(e)! by Jessi LaBruno, 3/14/2025

Happy Pi Day, everyone! Bakers and mathematicians rejoice! Today, the world celebrates not only a delicious dessert but also scientific and mathematic discoveries that have revolutionized our world. In fact, today isn’t just Pi Day; it’s also Science Education Day! 

When it comes to writing out science experiments and pie recipes, the two have something in common: they both involve writing out a procedure. This can be a very daunting task since procedures need to be articulated well enough for general audiences to understand. Fear not! The Speaking and Writing Center has some tips for how to write out a procedure: 

1. Use Active Voice 

Active voice is a sentence structure where the subject does the action, as in “the student stirs the mixture.” In that sentence, the subject is the person who is performing the action. Passive voice is a sentence structure where the subject receives the action; for example, “the mixture is stirred by the student.” In this sentence, the subject is the mixture, which has the action done to it by something else. When writing out a procedure, use active voice instead of passive voice. Active voice better communicates instructions because it is often easier to understand than passive voice.

2. Disclose all materials and important precursor information 

Before you begin writing the steps to a procedure, you’ll want to ensure that your audience is informed about what they will need and what they should be aware of before beginning. As an example, you’d want to list out all of the ingredients to a pie recipe at the beginning of the recipe. Likewise, you’d want to provide a reader with any warnings about the toxicity and any known risk of the chemicals an experiment might call for.

3. Include Any and All Units

Units are crucial to understanding how much of something to use. If a recipe calls for a glass of water, that volume could be interpreted in different ways. Make sure to specify that you need 1 ½ cups of water. In this case, cups are an identifiable unit that has a widely understood meaning.

4. Choose your words carefully

Word choice can be the difference between someone understanding and misinterpreting a step in a procedure. To avoid misunderstandings, use plain language and avoid any overly technical or flowery language. Try to avoid words that may have several different definitions or interpretations. For example, instead of saying, “Pour the liquid from the apparatus into the test tube,” you could say, “Pour the acidic solution from the Earl Myer flask into the test tube.” 

5. Keep it organized 

Write the steps of your procedure in a list. If a single step seems to be getting too long, split it up into sub-steps or multiple steps. Any notes or warnings should be clearly bolded and labeled with“Note” or “Warning” so they are not confused with steps or sub-steps.  For example, “Note: Use cold butter when making the pie crust. Warm or hot butter could make the crust tough.” and, “Warning: Touching liquid nitrogen can burn your hands!” 

6. Add visual elements and expectations

When applicable, include visuals to help guide the audience. After a few steps of a pie crust recipe, you could show a photo of what the dough should look like thus far, along with a caption indicating such. If you cannot include a visual, such as in a volatile chemistry experiment, a descriptive statement like “The liquid produced by the reaction should be hot pink in tint and have no bubbles in it” will do. 

Whether you’re baking a delicious treat or trying to prove a hypothesis, it is important to be clear and concise when explaining any procedure, especially by writing it. Procedures can be difficult to write, but with these tips, anyone can make writing one as easy as pie! 

As you begin to write college-level research papers, especially in English and History courses, your professors may require you to include content footnotes in your essay. Content footnotes are a simple but powerful way to show your credibility as an expert and include everything you have researched for your project. 

What are content footnotes?

Content footnotes are footnotes that include information that is relevant to the research but not important enough to add to the paper itself. Content footnotes could include:

• Definitions of keywords
• Fun facts
• Opinions from other scholars
• Your own opinion
• Other sources to look into that are not included in your paper

How to determine what is footnote worthy?

Deciding which information should be fit in the essay itself, what can be a content footnote, and what should be left out entirely can be tricky. When making the content footnote, ask yourself the following questions:

• Who is your audience? Are you writing to experts in the field or people who have never heard about your topic before? Your intended audience will drive what is important to go in the main body or not.
• Is this personal commentary? If you are giving an informal opinion, it should go in the footnote rather than the main body.
• Would your main audience already know this? If so, including definitions or clarifications for key-terms can go in the footnotes rather than the main body.
• Would your reader like to research more about this topic? If so, give them the names of some scholars or scholarly works you haven’t cited.

Examples of content footnotes:

If by themselves, content footnotes look like a couple of sentences or a paragraph where a citation note would be. This example comes from a history paper about monumental architecture in medieval Central Asia and the Middle East. The audience was assumed to be other experts in Islamic history who have some understanding of building terms. 

1. Madrasas are Islamic schools. 

This is a content footnote that gives a definition to the term madrasa. Because the audience is intended to be other experts, it is assumed they have heard of the term madrasa before. Since the rest of the paper assumes the audience knows English terms relating to the building, it would be out of place to give the definition for another basic term. However, because it could be an unfamiliar word, it is defined in the footnotes for anyone who may not know what it means. 

You can also find content notes in fiction. Junot Díaz in The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao includes content footnotes to give information about real historical events and his opinion on them. 

1. Felix Wenceslao Bernardino, raised in La Romana, one of Trujillo’s most sinister agents, his Witchking of Angmar. Was consul in Cuba when the exiled Dominican labor organizer Mauricio Baez was mysteriously murdered on the streets of Havana. Felux was also rumored to have had a hand in the failed assassination of Dominican exile leader Angel Morales… (pg 120)

Díaz uses this footnote to explain the history of the real-life man he’s referencing, because the factual information would be out of place in the overall fiction text. He frequently uses his footnotes to explain these figures and events, as well as give informal opinions on them. He assumes his audience may have some idea of who he’s talking about, but he clarifies for those who don’t in the footnotes. 

Content footnotes can be used for a variety of purposes in a variety of disciplines. Using them correctly can help clarify your paper and acknowledge the wide audience it may reach, rather than just the audience you intend to write for. 

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!

Finals Week is Nye: Before Submitting, Consider the Following by Cameron Spivy, 12/11/2024

As finals season approaches so do the due dates of countless essays. With the end in sight, it’s so tempting just to skim over the paper one more time before checking it off the seemingly endless list of finals week assignments and study topics and putting it aside until it’s time to submit. Resist the urge! 
Revising can seem like this intangible concept with goals and steps that are indistinct; here are some scientific tips to make your revision more efficient and effective.
Before Submitting:

The effectiveness of your revising can depend on how you define revision. To become better at revising, you need to reframe it in your mind as something that not only looks at grammar or citations, but at the core arguments of your paper.
Have someone else look it over! The more you know about a topic, the harder it is to revise writing about it since you unconsciously can add in missing context that might not be explicitly stated. When reading, we tend to fill in the gaps in our arguments or explanations since we already know what we meant to say. Missing context that we can easily identify in others’ papers is harder for us to recognize in our own writing. 
Read through your essay multiple times with a different focus each time. Start with your thesis.  Throughout the essay consider how each paragraph and sometimes even sentence supports your thesis, making sure that you’re explicitly connecting your evidence back to your argument. By structuring your revising on specific goals, you can break it into chunks for it to be less intimidating. This also means that you can consider multiple factors that might affect how you want parts of your essay to be. For the next round of revising you could consider the audience, focusing on the clarity of your writing and whether the reader would understand the context. Each time you make changes, make sure that they aren’t canceling each other out. If you change a sentence so that the audience will understand it better make sure that it’s still supporting your thesis or including relevant context.
If you’re not sure where to start, come to the Speaking and Writing Center! We can assist you with different types of revision strategies to address any of your concerns. As Bill Nye once said, “Every question leads to new answers, new discoveries, and new, smarter questions.”

As the semester comes to a close, I hope you are reflecting on the good work that you’ve done. Maybe you’ve turned in stellar lab reports, given great presentations, and have written inspiring papers. I encourage you to keep writing. Technological advantages bring forth automation and can help supplement tasks for humans. Let AI help you work. For example, have it create sample statistics questions for you to practice but remember that it was not made to replace thinking. When assignments pile up, consider using AI to help you make an optimal to do list for your tasks, not write your paper for you.  

Let AI work on tedious things, such as an outline for your paper (if allowed by your professor), so that you have more time to be creative. For example, I recently used an online tool to turn photos into stained glass for my Art History class. I thought it would be a fun idea and technology helped me achieve it (since I do not know how to make stained glass). 

Though AI can help you enhance your creative ideas or create outlines for ideas you’ve already thought of, remember the pitfalls of AI. AI, when tasked to write papers, flattens language and can sound robotic. AI cannot put personality or your unique creativity into your paper. You got into college because our university believes in you. Professors want to hear from YOU, not AI. When asking AI for sources, remember that it is pulling from all available websites and has little to no access to journal databases. ‘All available websites’ may include a blog post from 2003 that is not scientifically backed, but the machine will treat it as equal to a reliable source. Your professors typically require scholarly sources and AI cannot access the sources behind paywalls. AI can be helpful for some tasks but remember to double check any sources or citations you find with AI, they may get them wrong.

Your words are valuable. Professors ask you to write papers not because they like to see you suffer or simply to keep you busy, they want to see what you do with your newfound knowledge. Stephen King likens writing to man’s only evidence of telepathy, where the author can send images to the reader’s mind delivered through text. Consider reading this excerpt for some motivation to keep writing! Good luck getting through finals week and don’t forget to be creative in your assignments.

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.

“I Have a Dream” of Speaking Persuasively by Ezra Carper, 1/24/2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day having just passed, his famous “I Have A Dream” speech may be on the forefront of our minds. You may find yourself needing to inspire or persuade people through a speech as well. So, what are some things to keep in mind?

• Focus on motivation- What will make the audience care about the position you’re presenting? Try to make your message personally relevant to the audience, and show how the perspective or change you’re supporting will benefit them. This may require you to do some research or evaluation ahead of time in order to determine the demographics of the audience, as those affect their motivations, wants, and needs.
  • The motivation MLK was tapping into in his speech was the inspiration the country needed in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Those who were fighting for the rights of Black Americans wanted to believe that there was hope and to be able to picture what that world they were fighting for would be like.
• Encourage mental engagement- When audience members are motivated to care about what the topic of your speech is, they engage in central processing, meaning they think critically about what the message means and how they should respond. In order to do this, link your argument to practical concerns of the audience, and present your argument at a level of detail appropriate to the expertise level of the audience.
  • MLK linked his persuasive argument back to the real-world concerns of his audience by acknowledging that a lot of them had faced discrimination and police brutality. Despite this, he encouraged them to be brave and return to the good work.
• Stress your credibility- The audience will be more likely to listen and consider your point if they feel you are both knowledgeable about and genuinely care about the topic at hand. If you have any, present your personal experience or expertise regarding the topic.
  • In his speech, MLK included many references to God and faith. Though he did not specifically reference this in the speech, he was a Baptist minister, which his audience was likely aware of. This added credibility to his claims that God would see them through, as he would be a trusted source on the topic of faith and religious belief.
• Address culture- Different cultures may have different core values or norms, and it’s important that you be aware of those to the best of your ability. This can also be applied to other groups your audience may be a part of, such as their major or what’s appropriate to their profession. You don’t want to promote norms that contradict strongly-held beliefs of your audience, nor do you want to challenge any major norms of the group. This is when research ahead of time on who you’ll be speaking to will come in handy again.
  • The core values of those who were participating in the Civil Rights Movement were heavily based in social justice and equality, which MLK appealed to. He also appealed to the widely-held belief of his audience that nonviolence was the way to go. This could have been a conflict were he appealing to, say, followers of Malcolm X, but he knew the values of those who followed him and could thus choose to take that position.
• Construct sound arguments- To create a sound argument, you need your claim, or the point you are trying to make, to be supported by evidence, with the claim and evidence linked by reasoning. The evidence must be convincing, so you’ll need to have done sufficient research. Your reasoning must also be effective.
  • MLK shows reasoning through a cause-and-effect argument by directly connecting the actions that the Civil Rights Movement will carry out to the future he has a dream of, where racial injustice is no more.
• Balance reason and emotion- While you should appeal to the emotional and cultural wants and needs of the audience, appealing to reason and logic is still important. Emotion is what gets the audience invested and willing to carry out the intended action or thought process, while reason provides the justification for that action.
  • Tone can be one good way to strike this balance. In MLK’s speech, he focused on the positives of the situation and his hope for a better future, saying “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair”, as opposed to dwelling too heavily on the negatives of the past. This appealed to how the audience wanted to be hopeful, while he tempered that emotional appeal with rational warnings, saying, “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.” This indicates a rational thought process and concern for how their movement would be perceived.

Be aware that, despite how you may use these tips, individuals are not likely to change core values based on one speech. Enacting real change, should you need to do so, will take more input, but these tips are a good jumping-off point for any persuasive speech you may need to give.

Converting Paper to Presentation by Erin Landfair, 1/31/2025

Have you just submitted a lengthy paper? Have you thought to yourself, “I’m officially done with that topic,” just to see that your professor is also requiring a presentation alongside it to go over the material? 

Whether public speaking is your thing or not, this advice can help when converting your paper into a presentation. 

Keep the time in mind:

• One double spaced page of writing typically takes about 2-2 ½ minutes when spoken aloud, so when you have 10 minutes to go over a 10 page paper, the focus of your paper should be the main points of your writing

Go back to the Basics:

• As silly as it may seem, going back to the early stages of your writing process can remind you of your original goals and key points
• Look at your most recent outline you followed for your paper, for example. By taking the headings and separate sections of your outline you can get a better idea of what you want to include in your presentation, versus what maybe isn’t as critical

Avoid all the Excess:

• While writing a paper you always wanna add enough content to keep it full and reach your page count, a presentation should just contain the most critical information to the topic

Focus:

• Focus on what is most important for your audience to take away from the end of the presentation

Opt for Visual aids:

• In papers with a lot of data/statistics, opt for a chart or graph as opposed to listing out the statistics in sentence form to ease your audience’s view
• It’s also important to remember it is better to make your own graphs, copy and pasting from other documents or references can leave you with lots of extraneous information, keep the graphs simple and include the data most important

Don’t forget the Citations:

• While it’s very natural to notice a citation in a paper, when speaking it’s vital that you mention the author and note when you are citing something vs when you are sharing your thoughts/interpretation
• When referencing a specific quote, you can start off with “According to Insert Name here” followed by the quote
  • You can also end quotes by simply saying, end quote

Bring Speaker Notes:

• Use your paper to help you come up with effective speaker notes
• Pick your favorite phrases/sentences to use in the presentation, but again, do not simply read your paper as a guide
• Reading your paper word for word does not cut it in terms of a presentation
• Some people opt for small note cards with individual bullet points, whereas others may opt for a sheet of paper with general points listed

If you’re still struggling, come visit the SWC for help on anything to do with making your presentation!

How to Cite Sources Orally during your Presentation by Bella Molseed, 4/11/2025

I looked at my calendar this morning and realized that today is 4/11, which made me realize it’s time to give all the loyal Communication Corner readers the 411 on an important skill to ace the final presentations you’ve got coming up. Your final projects are the culmination of all the hard work and research that you’ve put in this semester, and the best way to highlight your credibility as a scholar in these presentations is to learn how to incorporate your sources into your speech.

When you write an essay or research paper, you use an in-text citation or footnote to give credit to the sources where you found your information. This shows your reader that you’ve done proper research, which you can then apply to the topic you’re talking about. Similarly, when giving a speech, you want to make sure you explicitly reference where you got the information you’re sharing in the moment. However, it can be hard to figure out how to translate that to a spoken format. That’s where this guide can come in handy!

The best way to incorporate citations into your speech is to think about what information about the source is most important or relevant. You don’t necessarily have to include every detail that you would include in a full written citation, but you should consider which pieces of information will give your source the most credibility in context. Elements you should consider include the title of your source, when it was published, the author of the piece, and what website you got the information from. 

For example, if you’re giving a speech about how different generations use social media, and want to quote a research study from the Pew Research Center, you might have originally planned to say:

“One source said that 78% of adults aged 30-49 use Facebook, while only 66% percent of adults in that range use Instagram.”

Instead, you could make the statement stronger and avoid plagiarism by stating important information about where you got the information, like this:

“According to a 2024 Pew Research Study, 78% of adults aged 30-49 use Facebook, while only 66% percent of adults in that range use Instagram.”

In this example, the speaker would be highlighting how recent the data is by referencing the year the study was published and where the information was published by mentioning it came from the Pew Research Center, a well known source for population statistics.

Now that you’ve got this 411 on 4/11, you’ll be ready to ace your final presentations as a credible speaker and scholar!

We’ve all been there: book in hand, deadline looming, and no closer to understanding the words on the page. Shakespeare’s plays are a staple in high school curriculums and beyond, but they aren’t the most intuitive reads. The line breaks muddle the plot and the Old English scattered throughout can be frustrating to understand. As National Shakespeare Day approaches on April 23rd, this blog post is here to give you some tips and tricks for getting through these classics.

1. Active reading beats passive reading

In cases like this, it’s important to engage with the text. You should highlight sentences you think are important or central to the plot. You can underline words you’re unsure of and look them up in a dictionary. It can even be helpful to write little summary outlines at the end of each scene. 

2. Read it out loud

Shakespeare plays were created to be performed. By reading out loud, you can hear the intended intonations and decide what words deserve the most emphasis. The natural pause after punctuation can give you time to process what you’ve just read and separate ideas. You could even assign characters between a group of people so it’s easier to track who’s speaking.

3. See if you can find a video performance or audiobook of the play

If you prefer following along with someone else, there are multiple free performances you can look at online. These range from local productions to main-stream movies. Additionally, websites like Youtube have free audiobooks of Shakespeare’s plays that you can listen to. For example, this playlist has all of the acts from Macbeth broken up into individual videos.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare FULL Audiobook – YouTube

4. Read the punctuation, not the line breaks

Let’s take an example from a Rosalind monologue in As You Like It.

And why, I pray you? Who might be your mother,

That you insult, exult, and all at once,

Over the wretched?…

If we split that based on punctuation we get: 

“And why, I pray you? 

Who might be your mother, that you insult, exult, and all at once, over the wretched?” 

When we rearrange the lines, it’s easier to understand that the “mother” here isn’t an actual character, but rather part of an expression that Rosalind is using to chastise the morals of Phoebe.

5. Familiarize yourself with the play before you start reading

On websites like the Folger Shakespeare Library you can find synopses of each scene in an act. Folger also provides a list of all characters and their relationships to each other. The synopses don’t substitute for reading each act, but they do supply a foundation for you to build upon and reference.

Don’t be afraid to adapt this process in whatever way you want! You can listen to an audiobook as you walk to class or download a pdf to highlight the play to your heart’s content. You can make it a conversation by discussing with friends or sharing your thoughts in online forums. Whether it’s for an assignment or just for fun, it never hurts to brush up your Shakespeare! 

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.

Halloween’s Scariest Monster: ADHD in College by Allie Schwartz, 10/11/2024

Happy October! October is actually National ADHD Awareness Month. In honor of this, I will be talking about some strategies that have helped me in school.

One misconception surrounding ADHD is it’s something kids will grow out of. While this may ring true for some, it certainly doesn’t for everyone – myself included. College students with ADHD report lower GPAs, less confidence in their academic success, and higher levels of struggle in college than peers without ADHD.

Create the environment that best helps you focus. Do you need complete silence or background noise to work? What about location? If you keep getting distracted by something in your dorm, try studying somewhere else on campus. For myself, these needs can change on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes, I need lots of background noise while other days a ticking clock can distract me; make sure to listen to what your body needs and adjust accordingly.

Work with others present. This is a strategy known as body doubling and is used to help people with ADHD complete tasks. Find someone who can sit alongside you quietly while you work. My friends and I host study sessions during which we all work independently and silently. 

Break tasks down. Whenever I get a large assignment with a far away due date, it feels like ADHD’s final boss. Take your assignment and go through every step it will require and assign them a due date. This lets you have a balanced pace during the creation process and gives a definite starting point.

ADHD or not, I hope you found some of these tips helpful.

It’s important to note that ADHD is a very broad diagnosis and what works for me might not work for you. In fact, I have some friends with ADHD that have found completely different strategies that my own ADHD would struggle implementing. Remember, if you are seriously struggling with your symptoms, talk to a healthcare professional!

If you want more resources to help you, I have a couple articles linked below. 

ADHD and College — This is an additional “survival guide” for college students with ADHD if you want more helpful tips!    

CDC on ADHD — This is the CDC’s page on ADHD. It’s a good starting point if you want to learn more about ADHD as a whole.

 Best of luck in the rest of the semester, everyone!

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!

3 Things No One Ever Told You about Public Speaking by Sarah Holt, 2/7/2025

Are you someone who loathes the idea of giving a presentation in front of your fellow classmates, your professor, or another type of audience? If yes, I, a Speaking and Writing consultant, can give you helpful and practical ideas to overcome that contempt, and further, prepare you to be an effective public speaker. 

Even if you do not absolutely despise public speaking, I bet you have heard of the major “tips and tricks” that are supposed to help someone who experiences speaking apprehension, or the fear of public speaking. The expressions that come to mind are: “imagine your audience in their underwear!”, “bring speaker notes!”, and “do deep breathing exercises!”. Yes, these tips can be useful to some (maybe don’t imagine your audience in their underwear, though), but as someone who suffered extreme nervousness when it came to presenting in front of my peers, these tips never worked for me. 

But you’re in luck—I’m here to tell you three things that no one ever told me about public speaking, and to give you helpful, practical tips that helped me to finally conquer my speaking apprehension. 

1. No one wishes to see you “fail”. When it comes to your audience, there should not be a single member who wants to see you struggle with your presentation. We have this natural aversion to risk—the risk of failing in front of an audience in this case. However, you will realize that your professor, a fellow classmate, or even an audience full of professionals just wants to hear something worthwhile as they have dedicated time to being present for your speech. They’re simply hoping to hear something useful to them. 

TIP: Remind yourself that the audience is rooting for you and that your listeners want you to succeed. 

2. You are the “expert” on your presentation material. You are the person in the room with the best handle of the content of your presentation. Your audience likely will have some knowledge about the topic, but you are the only person in the room who knows what you want to say. So, in the off chance that you do not present exactly what you said during practice runs, no audience member will know that you have “messed up”. 

TIP: Remind yourself you do not look silly or unprepared if you happen to stray away from your mental script. 

3. The time you put into practicing directly influences your confidence and overall performance. It is probably no secret that you must practice a presentation before doing the real thing in front of an audience to get a feel for timing and transitions. Many students do not realize, however, that the time spent running through a speech positively impacts the performance. The more time you can dedicate to practicing, the more confident you will feel standing in front of your audience. 

TIP: Make the time to run through your presentation at least 3 times, if not more; the longer your presentation, the more time you will need to set aside. 

If you are someone who identifies with these struggles surrounding public speaking, I sincerely hope these reminders and tips will help you overcome some of your fears. Good luck Eagles! 

Speaking Advice from a Reluctant Public Speaker by Ella Cordle, 10/10/2025

I still remember the first presentation I ever had to give in front of my class. I was in fourth grade and I had to do a book report on Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. I was so anxious I practically blacked out. The only thing I remember is that I was stumbling through my words so quickly in an effort to put the whole thing behind me that my teacher made me stop and start over. Twice. To my horror.

Twelve years have passed since then and my feelings about public speaking have not changed very much.

Every time I have to give a presentation, which is unfortunately quite often, my palms sweat, my knees tremble, and my stomach drops into my shoes. 

I know what you’re thinking. “But Ella, aren’t you a consultant for the Speaking and Writing Center?”

I sure am. And I get anxious every time I have to present for the SWC, as well as for my classes. But as someone who does a lot of presentations and also has speaking anxiety, I’ve found specific strategies that work for me, that allow me to do my job and my assignments successfully, and to give advice to other students in one-on-one speaking appointments.

The strategies that people always recommend for speaking apprehension, such as rehearsing your presentation in advance and focusing on your breathing, are important tips that everyone should practice, but they’ve never helped me overcome my anxiety and feel like I was performing as well as I wanted to.

The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone is to focus on your strengths. There is some part of what goes into a presentation that everyone is good at. 

Personally, I’m good at writing essays, so the best thing that works for me is treating my speaking assignments like writing assignments.

The processes are actually really similar. I find my topic, identify the most important things about it, and then do research. I take notes on all my research and start organizing my notes by topic. 

This is usually where speaking and writing assignments stop having similarities. If your assignment is an essay, you start writing an essay, and if it’s a presentation, you start working on your slides. But because writing is my biggest strength, I begin writing a paper for either type of assignment. It doesn’t have to be a formal paper, and I don’t usually include the structure and flourishes of an essay. But I write down everything I want to say exactly how I want to say it and in the order I want to go in. I make sure it’s organized logically, and it addresses the criteria of the assignment and that I’m happy with the way everything flows. And then I use it as a guide to construct my speaking notes (if they’re permitted by the professor) and my slides.

This has been super helpful for me because it allows me to think about presenting my content in a way that I’m more comfortable with. Then when I’m actually presenting my material, it’s almost like I’m telling people about a paper I wrote. Like the work is already done, and I’m telling my class about something I’m interested in.

This is what has helped me get through my dozens of presentations throughout my time at UMW, and it might help you too! Or it might not, if writing isn’t your strength, and that’s okay, too.

But everyone has a strength when it comes to presenting! It just might not be speaking or writing, so you have to get a little creative. If your strength is research, focus on that. If you’re passionate about your research that will show in your presentation. If your strength is building slides, take pride in those. 

When it really comes down to it, the best way to conquer speaking anxiety is confidence. If breathing and practicing isn’t helping improve your confidence, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do those things too, but try thinking about it another way. Find the thing in the presenting process that you are confident in, something you know you do well, and find a way to emphasize it to yourself. Remind yourself that you’re excited about at least one aspect of your presentation and focus your energy on that.

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!

How to Fight Writing Procrastination by Clarisa Johnson, 11/7/2025

Staring at a blank page, it’s the night before the deadline, and all you can think about is how you wish you had started this assignment earlier. Writing procrastination is a battle almost every student faces, no matter their level as a writer. As a procrastinator myself, I understand how difficult it can be to turn thoughts into sentences, especially when the weight of a due date isn’t pressing you to start. While I still sometimes start later than I’d like, here are some tricks that have helped me fight my writing procrastination and feel more confident when turning in an assignment! 

Stay Hydrated and Snack-Ready

This one sounds silly, but when I get stressed over an assignment, one of the first things I want to do is look in my pantry to see what food there is. Having a nice snack by your side removes the excuse of getting up and stepping away from your work. Consider choosing a light snack that will give you the energy and sustenance to keep writing (I usually opt for fruit or a granola bar!). Along with having snacks on hand, make sure your water bottle is full and nearby. Dehydration contributes to brain fog, which can make writing feel even more difficult when you are prone to procrastinating. So, fight brain fog by getting the hydration you need to stay focused!

Break It Down into Manageable Tasks 

Part of the reason people procrastinate is that they don’t know how or where to start their project. Breaking the assignment or task down into smaller steps helps the assignment look less unmanageable and gives you a clear idea of where you need to start. Having a checklist of the steps you need to take can help you visualise the progress you have made and also provide a sense of achievement, motivating you to continue as you cross tasks off. The checklist can also help you pace yourself, allowing you to set how much work you want to complete within a timeframe. Consider how much time you want to spend on each task, and use that to plan how you will space out the tasks across your writing schedule. While making a checklist is a handy tool, make sure not to get caught up in creating the list, as the hyperfocus on making one can turn into a form of procrastination.

Record Yourself for Motivation

Reaching for your phone when your brain gets tired is one of the most common methods of procrastination. While hiding your phone or putting it out of sight might work for some people, I always dig it out after an hour or two. One way to add that extra sense of accountability with phone use is setting up a timelapse of you working. Being able to watch yourself work can be surprisingly motivating and push you to work for more extended periods, as a time-lapse speeds things up. This method has worked very well for me, especially since stopping would mean you have to watch yourself turn off the camera. 

Stick to a Writing Schedule 

Once you have your checklist, putting it into action by planning how long you’ll write each day will help keep you on track with your writing. Space out the tasks in your calendar and dedicate specific times to work on your project, and hold yourself accountable to those times. Set alarms on your phone to help you remember your writing commitments, and remember that consistency builds habit! Consider creating a writing streak and tracking how many days in a row you follow your writing schedule. The streak will motivate you to follow your plan and hold you accountable if you have missed a few days. 

Get Comfortable

When you’re overwhelmed and already stressed about writing a paper, any slight inconvenience or discomfort can feel amplified. Fight this by wearing your coziest clothes to help you feel relaxed and comfortable while writing. Writing can already be a stressful endeavor for many students, so make it more enjoyable by creating the most comforting environment possible. To find your perfect environment, think about places where you feel most comfortable, such as a coffee shop or your own bed. Finding what feels right for you can ease the anxiety that results from procrastination and allow you to focus on the writing. 

Fighting writing procrastination isn’t something that will be fixed in a day, but finding small habits that make starting (and finishing) easier will make all the difference. Whether it’s staying hydrated, breaking your work into steps, or creating a cozy space to write, every effort to make writing less daunting adds up. 

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!

I Love to Write Day by Danielle Ross, 11/15/2024

John Riddle, a non-fiction and self-help writer, founded I Love to Write Day with the intention to get kids writing in schools and encourage adults to rekindle an old dream. The aim is to prompt people of all ages to sit down and put something on paper or computer, however short and in whatever style. 

As a college student, I often associate writing with academics; formal papers, professional emails, class evaluations, and anything else that might have an impending due date. But writing also surfaces in our personal everyday lives, such as on our social media platforms in the form of captions, comment sections, and post’s content. We see writing in blogs (like this one), on websites, in the customer review section for products, or anywhere we scroll. Writing is present in books, short stories, and poetry of course, but also in much smaller, mundane places such as text messages or even sticky notes. 

Writing is important for several key reasons, both personally and socially. Here are some of the main reasons why:

Communication

Writing is one of the most effective forms of communication. It allows us to share ideas, convey information, and express emotions in a clear, organized manner. Whether it’s a letter, an email, or an essay, writing helps people communicate across time and space, making it essential for personal relationships, professional interactions, and even large-scale public discourse.

Preservation of Knowledge

Writing is a way to record and preserve knowledge. Written records allow societies to document history, pass on cultural practices, and preserve scientific discoveries. This allows information to be shared with future generations and across different cultures, ensuring that valuable knowledge is retained over time. We’ve grown up studying Shakespearean plays, but twenty years down the line, another generation might be analyzing what certain twitter comments meant!

Critical Thinking

Writing forces us to clarify our thoughts and think critically. When we write, we must structure our ideas logically and provide evidence to support our claims. This process helps to refine our understanding of a topic, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop a deeper comprehension of complex subjects.

Self Expression 

Writing provides an outlet for self-expression. Whether through creative writing, journaling, or other forms, writing allows individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and identities. It offers a safe space for reflection and can help in the process of self-discovery and emotional processing.

Creativity 

Writing can be an incredibly creative act, especially in forms like fiction, poetry, or playwriting. It allows individuals to craft worlds, characters, and stories that don’t exist yet. This form of creativity not only enhances personal fulfillment but also contributes to the arts, culture, and entertainment.

Problem Solving

Writing can help individuals break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. By writing about an issue, whether it’s for a work project or personal challenge, we can analyze it more effectively, explore solutions, and come up with plans of action. The act of writing can often clarify a problem and lead to innovative ideas.

Academic and Professional Success 

In both academic and professional contexts, writing is essential for success. From research papers and reports to emails and presentations, writing is a key skill that influences how people are evaluated, whether in school or the workplace. Writing is also utilized when we use calendars, planners, or lists to keep track of our busy schedules. Clear, effective writing helps individuals advance in their careers and gain credibility.

Connection and Influence 

Writing has the power to influence opinions and bring about change. Historical documents, influential books, and the work of journalists and activists have shaped societies throughout the years. In today’s world of social media, we see a lot of the influence of writing seeping into our For You pages and algorithms. Writers have the power to challenge ideas, raise awareness, and advocate for change on social, political, and environmental issues– and anyone can be a writer! 

Learning and Growth 

Writing is an effective tool for learning. It encourages active engagement with content and deepens understanding. Writing about what we learn helps reinforce memory and comprehension. In fact, many people find that writing notes or summaries helps them better understand and retain information compared to passive reading or listening.

Building Discipline and Focus 

Writing requires focus, discipline, and time management. Whether it’s writing an academic paper or a creative novel, the process of writing often involves planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Developing the ability to stay focused on a writing project helps improve patience and perseverance, which are valuable skills in all areas of life.

Writing is more than just a tool for communication; it’s an essential skill that contributes to personal growth, social interaction, cultural development, and intellectual achievement. Whether for self-expression, problem-solving, or professional advancement, writing plays a critical role in shaping our world. Regardless of if you’re an amateur or an established author, start today by writing anything, even if it’s just a word or a silly message to a friend! Remember to have fun with it, write something you enjoy, get creative!

World Poetry Day by Morgan Zimmerman, 3/21/2025

Celebrate World Poetry Day with us here at the Speaking and Writing Center! The following poems are examples of many different poetic structures from around the world:

Haiku

A wonderful day

Celebrating poetry

Around Mary Wash’

Limerick

Weary students of UMW,

With so much upcoming work to do;

Exhaustion is potent,

Just breathe for a moment,

And success on exams will ensue.

Acrostic

Unparalleled community,

Magnificent programs,

Wonderous campus.

Sonnet (Shakespearean)

UMW students come and gather,

To hear of a most incredible place,

Or visit instead if you would rather,

The Speaking and Writing Center’s great space;

Here we can help everyone to succeed,

Whether a paper or speech is assigned,

We give all who visit the tools they need,

To feel both calm and confidence combined;

Our consultants are very outgoing,

You’ll receive warm welcome right from the start,

Together we will continue growing,

As it is knowledge we strive to impart.

Please join us here at the SWC,

Where helping students is our specialty.

Villanelle

If your skills and performance you hold dear,

When presentations and papers are due,

The Speaking and Writing Center is here.

We offer help to everyone all year,

But seeking it out is all up to you,

If your skills and performance you hold dear.

There is a solution for when you fear,

Your grammar or citations are askew,

The Speaking and Writing Center is here.

You will surely leave full of great cheer,

After visiting us for peer review,

If your skills and performance you hold dear.

We offer the skills to boost your career,

All who have visited know this is true,

The Speaking and Writing Center is here.

Around this time of year finals creep near,

And should you want your skills polished like new,

If your skills and performance you hold dear,

The Speaking and Writing Center is here.

Petrarchan Sonnet

To every student of UMW,

Who is concerned around this time of year,

Midterms creep closer and finals draw near,

And you aren’t quite sure what to do,

Only that your citations are askew,

And your presentations fill you with fear,

There’s a problem that’s increasingly clear,

You desire to polish your skills like new.

The Speaking and Writing center gives aid,

To any and all who seek our service, 

Any speaking troubles will quickly fade,

There’s truly no reason to be nervous,

After writing tips and tricks are conveyed,

We will have fulfilled our helpful purpose!

With these examples, why not try to write your own poems to celebrate! Give a Shakespearean sonnet a shot, or compose a haiku to surprise a friend! 

Don’t Be Afraid of Librarians! by Lauren Tabella, 4/4/2025

We UMW students love Simpson Library; the treehouses, study rooms, and collaboration spaces offer great areas for productivity. But did you know that Simpson has another great resource for you? Librarians! In honor of School Librarian Day, let’s discuss how librarians can help you and why you shouldn’t be afraid to meet with them.

1. Librarians know their stuff!

Finding scholarly sources is very intimidating, and the vast number of databases UMW has access to is overwhelming. Librarians know where to start and how you can put your best foot forward. Talking through an assignment with them can make a world of difference and help you feel confident in your abilities to successfully find relevant sources.

2. Librarians work in specific departments!

It can be daunting to write a research paper on a very specific topic and try to find applicable sources. Luckily, Simpson Library has librarians who specialize in different departments so that each major has someone who knows your content well. So, that niche seminar paper topic that you’re worried about finding sources for? Never fear; a librarian knows the databases for you to go to get you situated with your sources. You can meet with a research librarian in a one-on-one appointment to receive personalized support that fits your needs and your assignment.

3. Librarians are dedicated to helping you!

Their job is to assist with any research needs you have, making them friendly faces on campus. Even if you don’t know the right questions to ask, they can provide general advice to help get you started; they won’t ever criticize where you’re at in the process. Librarians have the time to sit down with you to work with you one-on-one, and they understand how to best narrow down your search terms to find the best sources. Students have shared that after an appointment with a librarian, they receive a follow-up email from them to check in and make sure everything is going okay – because librarians care! They also set aside time to come into classrooms for workshops, helping groups of students feel confident in navigating the online databases. Yes, everyone at UMW wants you to do well, but librarians’ jobs are to help you! That’s what they’re there for!

4. Librarians have access to exclusive spaces and resources!

Bet you didn’t know about this (because I didn’t until this year, right before I graduate)! Simpson Library has the Rare Books and Special Collections spaces, which are exclusive resources for UMW students! If you want to spice up your bibliography with unique sources like first editions of books and rare journal articles, librarians can give you access to the Special Collection pieces that few others are able to utilize. You can either go in during the Open Hours or schedule an appointment!

Librarians are great resources for every student; don’t be afraid of them!

Beware of False Raptors! by Morgan Zimmerman, 4/18/2025

April 18th is National Velociraptor Awareness Day, and on this day I would like to present to you a conundrum. The concept most people have in mind when they think of a velociraptor likely stems from the Jurassic Park movie series: a scaled pack hunter standing as tall as the average male. Unfortunately for fans of the series, this representation is an inaccurate one. In actuality, the author of the Jurassic Park novel, Michael Crichton, based the majority of his velociraptor on a different dinosaur known as the deinonychus, choosing to use the other dino’s name for its intimidating and predatory feel. According to what we have in the fossil record, velociraptors were in fact solitary, entirely feathered, and about the size of a turkey.

Pop culture can greatly influence public perception of various concepts, as seen in the case of the velociraptor, but movies are not the only ways people can be influenced to take falsehoods as facts. A burgeoning problem in the modern world revolves around AI use and misuse, particularly in academic settings. Many AIs have the habit of hallucinating information that seems to fit a prompt and incorporating it as fact. ChatGPTin particular is notorious for this flaw. This habit can lead to viewers or readers seeing citations to studies and thinking a source is trustworthy enough to quote or incorporate statistics into their own work without realizing those studies don’t exist. AIs access any and all open sources when they are answering prompts, often leading to information pulled from sites like Reddit cited as though they are indisputable fact. Blatant hallucinations of facts are also generated by AIs using material with keywords the AI deems close enough to be related to your topic.

Many social media posts are now entirely AI generated, many profiles are AI run, and many articles are AI written. This means that there are many social media profiles and posts generated by AI to incite certain reactions in viewers, something far easier to see during periods of political turmoil. These posts often use falsified information to shock viewers and cause them to interact with a post, which in turn causes the algorithm of the social media network to push the post to a wider audience, leading to the spread of fake news. Seeing as social media posts are open sources, these can be used by AI right alongside more reliable material when asked to generate a list of sources related to a topic of interest. The impact of this is best seen in Google AI’s search summary, which has been known to cite blatantly false information as fact in response to a question, often contradicting itself within the summary.

In order to stop the spread of hallucinated statistics and misleading correlations, it is vital to follow citations to see what exactly is being used in an article and determine if it is reliable. If you can track down the original material an author or AI cited in their work, you can both remove someone else’s interpretation of the facts and see how the author developed their conclusions. This will help you determine if the AI’s (or author’s) interpretation is supported by what they cite or if the statistics are misrepresented in their conclusions, and thus whether the source you intended to use supports your thesis. It is exceedingly easy to misrepresent statistics by picking the numbers that seem to support desired conclusions and completely excluding those that refute them, something AI is often guilty of depending on the prompt given. 

If you are unsure of how to follow citations, or if you are worried about finding reliable sources, the Simpson Library has a team of research librarians who are happy to help with any research-related inquiries. You can book an appointment with a librarian that specializes in your subject matter for help gathering or assessing resources, and these appointments can be online or in-person! And remember, when on the hunt for reliable sources, beware of false raptors masquerading as deinonychus. Dig a little deeper to see whether your first impression is the correct one based on the whole truth rather than a fictional creation.