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THE GLACIER AUGUST 31, 2012 VOLUME 45, ISSUE 2
Lucas reaches out to speech teachers By Fallon Sweeney Entertainment Editor There are few things college students dread more than making a speech, much less taking a public speaking course. Luckily for them, there are teachers in the world like Stephen Lucas. Stephen Lucas is the author of Moraine Valley’s current speech textbook “The Art of Public Speaking” as well as
a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His public speaking course is one of the highest rated courses at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lucas acquired his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973. He has also taught workshops in China. Lucas and McGraw-Hill representatives presented a seminar to staff and speech teachers focusing on the newest edition of the textbook. The semi-
Stephen Lucas, author of “The Art of Public Speaking” spoke to a group of Moraine Valley teachers in the M Building. [Jessica Pacholski]
nar started off with an introduction by Moraine’s speech team (coach?) and speech teacher, John Nash. He thanked the staff, mostly speech teachers, for attending. Staff members present included full time faculty members Krista Appelquist, John Nash, Delwyn Jones, and Mike Shannon. When asked what inspired him to write this text, Lucas responded, “I wrote the book because I had been teaching the public speaking course for a number of years and had come to the realization that I had some contributions to make to students and teachers alike with regard to the content and pedagogy of the course. Above all, I wrote the book for students. My aim was to communicate the principles of public speaking clearly and in such a way that students would become more interested in the subject-even excited about it--and do their best to improve their speaking skills.” Lucas took time in the evening to talk to teachers about using the “Connect Plus” disc available. Lucas pointed out different benefits of the software, including room for teacher customization for their students. He explained
that technology was a major part of the changes to students. The rest of the evening involved dinner and workshops with McGraw-Hill representatives about the new program. Teachers had a chance to learn about the technology while being able to ask different questions of Lucas. When asked if he had any advice for first time public speaking students, Lucas explained, ”Above all, work hard. Follow the principles in the book and the advice of your teacher. Everyone is nervous the first day of class, but you may be surprised how much you enjoy the class--and how much you learn from it--by the end of the semester. Also, keep in mind that different people learn at different rates. Even if you do not get the highest possible grade in the course, try to continue to develop your speaking skills thereafter. Public speaking is a lifetime activity, and some people who have difficulty with the course in college become very successful speakers in the long run. Fallon Sweeney can be contacted at entertainment@mvccglacier.com.