Personal Improvement

Breaking the Ice—Public Speaking for Teenagers

Instructor Nathan Garcia has developed a course in public speaking just for teenagers. Nathan is an articulate, friendly, bilingual and musically gifted ENMU student who hopes to empower young people in our community with the basics of public speaking. Students will learn to find their comfort zone, articulate clearly, remain calm while in front of peers and have fun while doing it.

Nathan claims “I used to be the quiet kid in class,” while wanting to make new friends and interact socially. He has definitely found the way to do just that. Nathan studied speech and debate for four years and has sharpened those skills in teen court and leadership courses and seminars. He has debate experience from teen court, has successfully interviewed for jobs and college, and currently works the help desk in the reception area at Distance Education and Outreach.

Skills taught and practiced in this class will apply to many real-life situations and prove invaluable when teens find themselves wanting to audition for a part in the school play, present an oral report at school, interview for a job or college admission, coach sports, campaign for student office, work as a camp counselor or scout troop leader, raise funds for charity or make new friends at a party. Take advantage of this opportunity to overcome your fears about public speaking in this nonjudgmental, noncredit course. Join in the fun and move away from social anxiety. A parental consent form is required.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., June 3–July 24, 2008
Where: College of Business, Room 137
Fee: $80 (includes 16 classes, one hour each)
Register by: Friday, May 30
Materials: paper, gum, water and map pencils (colored pencils)
Enrollment: minimum five, maximum 16