WHO: West Virginia University student-athletes enrolled in Carolyn Peluso Atkins’ Speaking to Communities class

WHAT: Student Athletes Speak Out
Student-athletes have been honing their public speaking skills throughout the semester and taking their speeches on the road to area schools. Next week they will give talks before coaches, advisers, teammates and the general public.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 23, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Jerry West Mountaineer Room in the WVU Coliseum

BACKGROUND: Atkins, a speech pathology professor in the WVU College of Human Resources and Education, got the idea for the Speaking to Communities course in 1989 when the Mountaineers were preparing to play in the Fiesta Bowl. She thought that offering a course for athletes focused on public speaking would be helpful since they are interviewed a lot as representatives of the school. The first class was offered in the spring of 1990.

In addition to preparing student-athletes to speak in public, this class also offers the public a chance to learn from the athletes. The motivational speeches often focus on personal experiences.

During the second half of each semester, the class visits local classrooms to talk to students. The group also visits various elementary schools in the area to participate in the Read Aloud program.
The final presentation – in front of a community audience – tests their presentation skills and demonstrates the comfort and confidence they have developed through the semester.

This semester’s speakers and topics are:
• Tavon Austin, running back – “Light a Lamp”
• Branko Busick, linebacker – “The Undelivered Gift”
• Jamal Nelson, linebacker – “Only Wise Men”
• Geno Smith, quarterback – “Family Matters”
• Bryan Thompson, rugby player – “Seven Seconds”

-WVU-

jc/3/22/10

CONTACT: Janey Cink, College of Human Resources and Education
304-293-0224, janey.cink@mail.wvu.edu