By Laurie Morrissey

“Grasp the subject, the words will follow,” advised the famous Roman orator Cato the Elder.

...Yeah, right.

As anyone knows who has had to speak in public, it’s not quite that simple. Most people would rather do just about anything than stand up in front of a group and give a talk. Which is why, when James Wellock ’06 mentions that he’s taking public speaking and it’s not even a requirement, the response is apt to be, “What, are you crazy?”

Saint Anselm College offers two sections of public speaking per semester and one in the summer—all of which consistently fill. It is a demanding, fast-paced course based on the time-honored “learn by doing” approach. In classes taught by Ray Gamache and Gary Bouchard, for example, each student gives at least six speeches over the course of the semester.

“There is a steep learning curve. Each speech has a set of specific criteria and the students are adding new skills every time,” Gamache says. He meets individually with students before and after their speeches, and evaluates each talk on a point basis. One speech may have as many as 64 criteria relating to content, organization and delivery.

Each student is also videotaped once during the semester. “Students are mortified, pleasantly surprised, and every emotion in between,” says Gamache. “It’s very instructive.

Typically, videotaping makes them realize that they are too static, or they’re not conveying enthusiasm for the topic. We usually see a lot more animation after that.”

Students also are required to evaluate each other’s talks, and presentations by outside speakers.

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