About Us

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The UAF Speaking Center is a service provided by the Department of Communication and Journalism (COJO) to assist the students and faculty of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in preparing and delivering public presentations, speeches and interviews. The Speaking Center is staffed by graduate students in the Professional Communication program.

The center provides a multitude of services:

Individual or Group Face-to-Face Appointments can come to the Speaking Center to receive help in developing, organizing, writing, delivering, and refining an individual or group presentation. The Speaking Center can also help overcome speech or presentation anxiety. Student may have their presentations digitally recorded for their own viewing.

Individual or Group Virtual Appointments can make a virtual appointment with a Speaking Center coach to receive the same services such as, developing, organizing, writing, delivering, and refining an individual or group presentation. The Speaking Center can also help overcome speech or presentation anxiety. The Speaking Center can coach over the phone, virtually through Blackboard or Google hangouts or through a mix of the two options. Student around the world are welcomed and encouraged to utilize the Speaking Center's services!

Students can schedule an appointment through the uaf.edu/speak website, email the uaf-speakingcenter@alaska.edu directly or call 907-474-5470 to set an appointment.

Visual Aid Presentations, the Speaking Center coaches can provide critical feedback and guidance for visual aid materials used alongside a speech or presentation such as powerpoints, Prezi's and infographics.

Mock Interview Prep, the Speaking Center wants to prepare you for your entrance into the job or internship world with our mock interview prep. Schedule an appointment with a Speaking Center coach for practice interviewing, interviewing tips, and tricks for overcoming interview anxiety.

Workshops, throughout the semester the Speaking Center offers workshops on a variety of topics from outlining and thesis statements to mock interviews workshops partnered with other UAF resources like the Career Services Center and the UAF Writing Center. Check our workshop schedule on the home page or on our social media on Instagram and Twitter @UAF_COJO.

Classroom visits, particularly those teaching Oral Intensive courses, can request that members of the Speaking Center staff come to their class and deliver a fifteen minute, thirty minute, or sixty minute presentation on effective public speaking and presentation. These presentations can be adapted to fit the needs of the the faculty member's class. Faculty can also request that the Speaking Center staff come to their class for a five minute or less introduction of the Speaking Center facilities. 

Faculty members should contact Amy May at amay11@alaska.edu or 907-474-6799 for more information or to schedule a presentation.