Communication Center

Do you need advice about preparing or delivering a speech? Do you need to record a rehearsal of your next speech assignment or theatre monologue?

The tutors in the Communication Center are ready to help. A tutor will review your preparation and delivery of the presentation or performance, offering helpful feedback. If you simply need help developing or organizing a presentation, we can help you with this, too.

The Communication Center is open to students, faculty, and staff. The recording and the advice are absolutely free.

Location

The Communication Center is located in Union Hall, Room 052. We will provide both in-person (synchronous) and virtual (on Zoom) appointments.

Appointments

The Center opens the second week of the semester. It is not open during finals week or Spring Break.

To make a both virtual and in-person appointments:

1. Log into Blackboard > Click/tap Starfish > Click/Tap Services
2. My Success Network
3. Search for “Communication Center”
4. Select "Communication Center" > Schedule the appointment
5. Choose the type of appointment you prefer - virtual or in-person

Virtual Appointments

For virtual appointments, you will meet with your tutor on Zoom. You must have a device that has both audio and video capabilities as well as access to reliable internet.

Virtual tutoring sessions are by appointment only and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please follow the steps below for virtual appointments:

1. Schedule a virtual appointment at the Communication Center using Starfish.
2. After making your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with further details.
3. No later than your schedule appointment time, email the following documents to the Communication Center (commcenter@cscc.edu).
   1.  a copy of your full-sentence speech preparation outline, either as a Word document or PDF file.
   2.  a copy of the assignment details either as a Word document or PDF file. (This will help your tutor know if you are meeting your professor's expectations.)
4. Before your appointment, rehearse your speech at home, often, and with an audience, if possible, until you feel confident that you can perform it well.
5. At the time of your appointment, connect to Zoom using the link and passcode provided in the appointment confirmation email.
6. During the appointment, the tutor will go over your speech preparation outline giving you feedback on your outline and presentation.
7. Follow the steps below to ensure you receive credit:
   1.  Set up your device so the tutor can see you when you present your speech.
   2. Present your speech as if you are presenting for your class such as standing if capable, dressed appropriately, and using speaking notes.
   3. Be sure the tutor is able to see you from your knees up.
   4. Ensure appropriate lighting.
   5. Resting the device on a high table or stack of books can help get a good angle for your rehearsal video.
   6.  Do NOT read from your outline. Reading from your outline may receive 0 credit from your professor.
8. After the appointment, your professor will have access to the tutor's notes on Starfish. However, please keep all emails from the Communication Center for your records.

In-Person Appointments

For in-person tutoring sessions, you will meet with your tutor in the Communication Center in Union Hall 052 at your appointment time and perform your speech live for one of our tutors.

In-Person tutoring sessions are available by appointments and drop-ins, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please follow the steps below for in-person appointments:

1. Schedule an in-person appointment at the Communication Center using Starfish.
2. Before your appointment, rehearse your speech at home, often, and with an audience, if possible, until you feel confident that you can perform it well.
3. Bring your printed, full-sentence preparation outline; speaking notes; visual aids (if any); and a copy of the assignment details to the tutoring session.
4. Arrive promptly for your appointment at 052 Union Hall.
   1. You have a full 30 minutes with your tutor.
   2.  If you are late, you will receive only the remaining time of your appointment.
   3. If you are later than 10 minutes, the tutor may have taken a drop-in appointment in place of you. If that happens you will need to reschedule your appointment.
5. The tutor will read your printed outline and discuss your performance objectives before videoing your rehearsal.
6. Your tutor will go over both your outline and presentation with you providing critical feedback. You will watch the video to further understand what the tutor saw during the rehearsal.
7. After the appointment, your professor will have access to the tutor's notes on Starfish. However, please keep all emails from the Communication Center for your records.

Contact

To leave a question for a tutor at the Communication Center, email us at commcenter@cscc.edu and a tutor will get back to you within 24 hours (excluding weekends).