UConn
Pharmacy Leaders Tract-Public Speaking Course
The UConn Pharmacy Leaders Tract is
composed of pharmacy students from all years P1-P4. There are currently 15
tract students as we enter our second year as a program. Dr. Schlesselman is
the faculty advisor and oversees our individual tract projects.
This past semester was the first
time we incorporated a public speaking class as requirement of the tract. The public speaking course was an idea that
was brought up by Paul Ahearn, who is also a returning tract member. This
public speaking course became Paul’s leadership project. Dr. S and Paul worked
together to form a syllabus and conduct the class each week.To be completely honest, the idea
of an additional class was stressful to me. As pharmacy students we all have
other commitments. Whether it be the full class load, IPPE hours, professional
organizations, or work there is always something you need to be doing. So
another class was the last thing I wanted to think about. However as the
semester comes to a close I have grown to really appreciate this class and
actually look forward to it each week. This class has forced me out of my
comfort zone and made me a more effective public speaker.
Paul created three different speech
assignments. The first assignment was an elevator speech, which to me, proved
to be the most difficult speech. For this assignment I had to physically be
riding up and down in an elevator while giving my speech. I found it very
difficult to keep my tone and train of thought as people came on and off the
elevator.The second assignment was an
instructional speech. I tried my best to think of something that would be both
entertaining and useful for college students. I decided on teaching my fellow
tract members how to iron a dress shirt. The funny thing is I had to first teach
myself how to properly iron. Before this assignment, I had never ironed an article
of clothing in my life. I brought in a mini ironing board along with an iron
and physically demonstrated proper ironing technique. The speech went well and
I received praise for my use of props during my presentation.
The last assignment was a presentation
on a topic of our choice. I chose to present on why you should purchase UConn
basketball season tickets. This is a topic that I am very involved and
interested in. I have purchased season tickets for the past 4 years! To start
off my presentation I took off my sweatshirt and sweat pants to reveal my
complete UConn basketball uniform. This got my fellow tract members laughing
and it was a great way to start my presentation.
Over the course of the semester, Dr. S helped me recognize and work on my weaknesses and at the same time taught me to play up my strengths. For example, I do a good job of proper posture and gestures while I give presentations but I struggle with getting my audience involved. Dr. S offered constructive criticism after my presentations that allowed me to engage my audience while presenting.
This semester has flown by but I
can proudly say I have developed new skills and have become an effective public
speaker! Dr. S and Paul’s hard work have really paid off and I look forward to
seeing the direction of this curriculum as the years go on!
