OPD Public Speaking Cohort

Students talking, seated at desks

Want to grow more confident in public speaking?

Looking to shake off some of the nerves that come with standing in front of a room and sharing your ideas? Join this in-person opportunity designed for PhD students to build your public speaking skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Over three weeks, you'll be introduced to simple strategies that make public speaking a little less daunting – and then you’ll get to do the most important thing: practice. Each session includes time to speak in front of your peers, receive feedback, and grow more comfortable sharing your work aloud. (Lunch will be provided during each meeting.)

Schedule

  • Friday August, 8th - 12:00pm-1:30pm: Public Speaking - The Good and the Bad!
  • Friday August, 15th - 12:00pm-1:30pm: Communicating Quickly
  • Friday August, 22nd - 12:00pm-2:00pm: Practicing for Different Audiences!

All sessions will take place in the Goodell Building (no virtual option is available). If you’re looking for online workshops, please check the OPD workshop schedule.

Apply now!
If you're ready to grow professionally as a speaker, we invite you to apply to join this small, in-person doctoral student cohort! Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by July 30, 2025. Participation is free, but space is limited, and attendees are selected through a competitive application process.

Apply to the OPD Public Speaking course!

The application deadline is July 30th