Oral Communication Links:
- Schedule an Appointment with an Oral Communication Tutor
- Oral Communication Courses
- Contact Oral Communication Program
- OCT Bios
- Be an Oral Communication Tutor
Related Links:
- Writing and Rhetoric Requirement (PWR)
- Get Help with a Writing Project
- Find a Tutor in a Specific Course
- Summary of Academic Resources
"My OCT helped a lot. I came in with tons of questions and she was able to give me good answers for all of them. Overall it helped to boost my confidence and I feel a lot better about my presentation now."
- Javier Fernandez, '09, Mechanical Engineering major
On This Page:
Get Help with an Oral Presentation
The Oral Communication Program offers courses, workshops, and appointments that are open to all Stanford students. Oral Communication Tutors (OCTs), who work in Meyer Library Suite 123, can offer valuable feedback and advice to students who are working on the following:
- Designing and delivering oral presentations
- Preparing for job interviews
- Learning to use PowerPoint effectively
- Overcoming speech anxiety
How do I schedule an individual or group appointment?
Where are OCT appointments held?
- OCT appointments are held in Meyer Library Suite 123. Enter Meyer 123 from the exterior of Meyer (do not use the main library entrance). It is on the side of Meyer that faces the clock tower.
What equipment is available during appointments?
- PC laptop
- InFocus projector
- Laptop cables (and Mac laptop adaptors)
- Podium and whiteboard
- TV and VCR
- Videocamera
When are drop-in hours?
- Students who need help at the last minute are welcome to drop by Meyer 123 to see if OCTs have open appointment slots. We strongly encourage students to schedule appointments, however, to ensure that they can receive help at the times they need it.
What is the cancellation policy for appointments?
- Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. We ask that students who miss the cancellation deadline make every effort to come to their appointments and avoid missing them.
- To cancel an appointment, log into the appointment scheduling system, click on your appointment rectangle on the calendar, check the "Cancel this appointment?" box, and save.
- You will receive an email confirmation when you delete an appointment.
- After mutliple missed appointments, students will not be able to schedule appointments for the remainder of the quarter.
What courses, workshops, and other resources are available?
- Oral Communication Program courses. Students can enroll in one- to three-unit courses offered by the Oral Communication Program. These courses focus on topics such as formal and informal speaking, expanding vocal range and stamina, using visual aids effectively, enhancing confidence, and improving articulation.
- Drop-in Vocal Yoga Sessions. These sessions are open to the public and are held every Wednesday during the academic year from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in in Memorial Auditorium, Room 129. Contact thomas@stanford.edu for more information.
- Oral Presentation Support through the Technical Communications Program. The Technical Communications Program in the School of Engineering offers drop-in tutoring and elective courses to help students develop their public speaking skills.