August 15, 2008
Bowling
Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University’s reputation in speech and debate has earned the communication program another spot on the national stage.
On Sept. 3 in Louisville, four WKU communication experts will lead a speechwriting boot camp for the National Conference of State Legislatures. The session begins a four-day professional development seminar for the NCSL’s Legislative Information and Communications Staff Section and the National Association of Legislative Information Technology.
“Our objective is to equip them with the strategies and tools that will help them develop more effective speakers,” said Dr. Sally Ray, head of WKU’s Communication Department.
Dr. Ray will be joined by Judy Woodring, director of WKU’s award-winning forensic program; Dr. Larry Caillouet, associate professor of communication; and Jace Lux, communication instructor and a debate coach. Rusty Cheuvront, who served as communications director for former Gov. Paul Patton, also will be on the panel.
Topics for the daylong boot camp will include how to use anecdotes, humor and personal experiences; how to use powerful persuasion techniques; how to deal with challenges such as writer's block or a boss who says he needs a speech but leaves out most of the details; and how to coach people on delivery.
“We’re hoping to take the speechwriters to the next level and enhance their abilities to coach eloquent speakers,” Dr. Ray said. “We will provide them with the tools to effectively write and prepare messages for another person.”
The seminar will attract NCSL members from across the country. “This program is a great opportunity for us to represent the communication department and the forensics program,” Dr. Ray said. “People in forensics and in Kentucky know about our program but this is an opportunity to create an awareness at a national level of the expertise we have here at Western Kentucky University.”
On Sept. 4, Dr. Ray and Dr. Blair Thompson, assistant professor of communication, will present “Going the Extra Mile,” a session on improving oral presentations.
More information about the boot camp is available online at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/lincs/KYBootcampPRE.htm
More information about the professional development seminar is available online at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/lincs/KYagenda.htm
More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
For information, contact Sally Ray at (270) 745-3296.
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