Modules in development
The Oral Communication Instruction certificate is in development. The structure below shows the planned design. We will add each workbook as its module is completed.
What this certificate will address
Teaching oral communication asks more of you than assigning a presentation. You need to know how speaking conventions differ across disciplines and how communication apprehension affects performance and learning. You also need ways to assess oral work that help students grow as communicators.
The Oral Communication Instruction certificate will give faculty frameworks for designing scaffolded speaking assignments, rubrics that distinguish skill development from nervousness, and strategies for teaching disciplinary oral communication, from STEM presentations to clinical interviews to leading a seminar discussion.
Planned structure
Core modules (in development)
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1
Principles of Public Speaking Instruction
Classical rhetoric, effective speech structure, communication apprehension reduction, and scaffolded speaking assignments. How to teach improvisation and build speaker confidence across a semester.
Weeks 1–2 · Workbook in development
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2
Oral Communication Across Disciplines
How speaking conventions differ across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, and across formal and informal contexts. Code-switching, field-specific presentation models, and designing speaking assignments that engage authentic disciplinary practice.
Weeks 3–4 · Workbook in development
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3
Assessing Oral Communication
Rubric design for oral performance, peer evaluation models, and strategies for cutting grading time while keeping feedback strong. How to distinguish communication skill from performance anxiety in assessment.
Weeks 5–6 · Workbook in development
Planned electives
Choose two of four (when available)
Interpersonal and Group Communication Strategies
Facilitating discussion, building group dynamics, conflict resolution, and designing activities that develop interpersonal communication skills.
Visual and Media Aids in Oral Presentations
Slide design principles, effective media integration, avoiding cognitive overload, and how to teach students to speak from visual support without reading it aloud.
Creating Engaging Speaking Assignments
Designing assignments that build creativity, engagement, and authentic audience awareness. Peer review of student speaking assignment designs.
Multilingual Considerations in Oral Communication
Speech challenges for L2 learners, cultural speaking norms, accessibility, and strategies for inclusive speaking instruction.
Get notified
Be the first to know when modules are available
Apply now to join the Oral Communication certificate waitlist. We will email you when the first module workbook is ready. Early enrollees give feedback that shapes the final curriculum.
Apply and join the waitlist