For most students at ETSU, oral communication is the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about graduation. “It is essential to have strong communication skills,” said Bill Kirkwood, associate dean for Special Programs.
Years of acquired data on how employers perceive ETSU students’ oral communication skills show those skills are “highly important in any competitive field,” Kirkwood said.
“People interview and form impressions based on your communication skills,” Kirkwood said. “They decide if your oral grammar is appropriate, articulate and how well you listen to other people.”
Based on feedback from various internships and ETSU faculty, Kirkwood found that ETSU students rank high in listening skills, self-expression, presentation skills and teamwork.
However, one out of five employers and faculty members were not satisfied with ETSU students’ oral grammar and language skills.
Recently, the Tennessee Board of Regents stepped in to help students improve their oral communication skills.
All students entering TBR institutions in fall 2004 must take a course in oral communication as part of their general education requirements. This requirement also applies to students who switch from an earlier catalog to the 2004-05 catalog. ETSU has hired seven new faculty that will start in fall 2004.
“Before, ETSU’s general education program didn’t require a speech class,” Kirkwood said. “Starting this fall, general education requirements will include a specific class in oral communication.”
Students will be able to pick from three oral communication classes general speech (SPCH 1300), public speaking (SPCH 2300) or argumentation and debate (SPCH 2320).
“In addition to the general education speech requirement, ETSU students will continue to take two oral communication-intensive (OCI) courses, one of which must be in the major,” Kirkwood said.
“These ‘across-the-curriculum’ courses reinforce the skills students learn in the core speech course.”
In response to the new core requirements, ETSU’s communication department has initiated a Professional Communication Project.
“The Professional Communication Project was designed to make additional help available to students who want to improve oral communication,” Kirkwood said.
On the fourth floor of Warf-Pickel Hall, ETSU’s existing Writing and Communication Center will be available to help students perfect speeches and professional communication skills.
Director Rob Russell is in charge of the WCC which assists students with their writing and oral communication skills. Last year, the WCC tutored 1,159 students.
Russell’s tasks are many. He not only supervises the center but he also trains the staff of 17 undergraduates and seven graduates and is also responsible for coordinating instructional support, making 60 to 80 classroom visits a semester.
In addition, he coordinates faculty development workshops to help aid faculty in teaching oral communication skills to students.
“In terms of getting a job, I think oral communication is one of the most important things,” Russell said.
“You have to be able to present yourself in a professional manner.”
The WCC offers one-on-one assistance to help with improvements in writing or speeches.
In addition, students getting ready to graduate and find internships or jobs can take advantage of “taped interviewing.”
This is an opportunity to engage in a private interview session and the WCC will provide tips on how to improve.
“It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are or how good your test scores are if you aren’t professional,” Russell said. “You are a more successful student if you present yourself in a professional manner.”
For ETSU seniors, graduation is only a month away. That means that they will be writing rsums, filling out job applications and going on job interviews.
“People form impressions on you and your employer based on your oral communication skills,” Kirkwood said. “Good oral communication skills give you the tools to do your work.”
Most of the students that take advantage of the WCC are students enrolled in English or writing classes.
With the new requirements and the new courses being offered at ETSU, the WCC should become a more popular place on campus.
“If you don’t have time for a sit down session, worksheets are available upon request,” Russell said. “We know there are students who need our help.”
For more information, contact the WCC at 439-8202.

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