Public Relations

SPEECH COMMUNICATION REVIEW

The following is a list of links to articles about the speech communications program at UCC. Use the article index link to return to this list.

• Speech Communication Studies: More Than Public Speaking
• Communication Skills Important For Future Workplace Success
• Small Group Communication: Teamwork, Community Service
• Who Said Public Speaking Isn't Fun?
• Communication and College Success
• Students Studying Persuasion Hone Critical Thinking Skills
• Career Opportunities For Speech Communication Grads
• Study Reveals Gap In Oral Communication Preparation
• Interpersonal Communication: Practical Tools For Life
• Public Relations Students Take Action, Apply Learning

Speech Communication Studies: More Than Public Speaking

The Spring 2005 Public Relations class surveyed nearly 100 UCC students about their knowledge and beliefs of the speech communication field. The majority of these students (71%) were full-timers. Fifty-one percent (51%) were male and 49% were female. Nearly half had completed at least one year of study. Though 59% of those surveyed had taken a speech communication course, only 37% could name at least three speech communication-related courses taught at UCC.

Speech communication-related courses currently taught at UCC include: Public Speaking, Small Group Communication, Mass Communication Interpersonal Communication, Persuasion, and Public Relations. Special topics / projects (e.g., advanced speaking projects, special areas of study such as listening, gender studies, etc.) are also available by arrangement.

Communication Skills Important For Future Workplace Success

Two national studies focusing on employability skills included the following as fundamental for workplace success: interpersonal competencies, effective listening and speaking, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, an ability to understand organizational culture, and leadership, among others. These essential skills are part of what students learn throughout their studies in speech communication.

Small Group Communication: Teamwork, Community Service

The ability to communicate effectively within group settings has become increasingly more important in the workplace and in our society.

Students enrolled in Sp 219 learn and apply strategies for decision-making and conflict management while developing cohesive teams with shared leadership responsibilities. Groups engage in a variety of team-building activities, including some friendly inter-group activities such as the Communication Challenge Game Show. While a lot of fun, this activity also helps illustrate the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation.

Student teams also work together for several weeks developing a community service project that they implement.Some of the projects have included cleaning up Amacher Park, reading projects in local grade schools, and clothing or food drives for charity.

For more information, contact
Paula Usrey
Phone: (541)440-4647
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