S3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through Communication

Public speaking is one of the most common fears people have — but is it something you’re born good at, or something anyone can learn?In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Jaclyn Marsh, Assistant Teaching Professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University.Dr. Marsh oversees the university’s public speaking program, helping hundreds of students each year develop the skills and confidence to communicate effectively. We talk about what makes a speech memorable, how instructors support students who are terrified of speaking in front of others, and what it takes to coordinate a large team of teaching assistants across multiple sections of the course.We also explore how communication is changing in the digital age and discuss Dr. Marsh’s exciting new project using virtual reality technology to help students practice and improve their public speaking skills in immersive environments.Whether you’re giving class presentations, teaching public speaking, or simply trying to communicate your ideas more clearly, this episode offers insights into how anyone can become a more confident speaker.