Oratory in Action
Oratory in Action How do humans use speech to make change? How can we connect more meaningfully with others through speaking and writing? In this entry-level course we will practice oratory first as speakers, then as peer coaches, and ultimately as partners collaborating with Vermont organizations that make an impact in our community. Group work is a core component of this course, giving students regular opportunity to apply and develop oratory skills. We will use practices developed at Middlebury in Oratory Now’s coach training program, the physical education course, OratoryX, and the Remote Oratory Coaching service for live and recorded presentations. Short readings and viewings support this immersive, engaged learning project. Students with 19+ credits may register with instructor approval.
Oratory in Action How do humans use speech to make change? How can we connect more meaningfully with others through speaking and writing? In this entry-level course we will practice oratory first as speakers, then as peer coaches, and ultimately as partners collaborating with Vermont organizations that make an impact in our community. Group work is a core component of this course, giving students regular opportunity to apply and develop oratory skills. We will use practices developed at Middlebury in Oratory Now’s coach training program, the physical education course, OratoryX, and the Remote …Read more
Even though this was a low-level INTD course, it was one of the most useful courses I have taken at Middlebury. We did lots of presentations in the course, which improved my skills, and Ben made the process engaging, easy, not nerve-wracking, and fun. We also worked with community partners, and it was a great experience to put these skills into action with local organizations
This class helps you work on public speaking skills as every week you present in front of the class on a variety of subjects. You work together with a small group of classmates throughout the semester on a project that is later presented, and something Ben is really excited about. This class is a good opportunity to work on public speaking skills and I loved both Ben's and our TA's enthusiasm towards the class. Would recommend!
This class helps you work on public speaking skills as every week you present in front of the class on a variety of subjects. You work together with a small group of classmates throughout the semester on a project that is later presented, and something Ben is really excited about. This class is a good opportunity to work on public sp …Read more
This course is a great filler class that somehow knocks out an art and pe credit. I didn't really learn that much but it was nice to be able to practice public speaking every week through oral presentations.
Ben is really nice and this class was super chill. To be honest, we didn't really do all that much, other than practice public speaking which was in itself pretty useful. I definitely feel like a better public speaker after having taken this class. There was also a project in which we had to help people from the community. That felt a little bit less useful, but it was still fun and felt good to help.
Ben is really nice and this class was super chill. To be honest, we didn't really do all that much, other than practice public speaking which was in itself pretty useful. I definitely feel like a better public speaker after having taken this class. There was also a project in which we had to help people from the community. That felt …Read more
I loved this class! It was extremely helpful for developing public speaking skills. We had at least one presentation a week, but all of the prompts were very interesting and easy to create a speech about. We also worked in groups throughout the whole semester paired with an organization in town which I really enjoyed. Definitely recommend!
Ben powers is great. This course is extremely well-designed in helping anyone with a fear or vulnerability towards public seeking to ease towards it in a healthy way and improve tenfold. 4 short presentations with a lot of support, and one final presentation, which by the time it comes, your conifidence has definitely gone up from the class.
Ben is great, and I really enjoyed taking this class. As someone who didn't have any background in public speaking, I found OIA to be especially valuable. Classwork consisted of 7-8 formal presentations, speaking and coaching workshops, a community partner project, and class bonding. Over the course of the semester, OIA got me comfortable being on my feet in front of an audience, tailoring my presentation to the dynamics of the room, and even having fun giving speeches. 10/10 would recommend this course.
Ben is great, and I really enjoyed taking this class. As someone who didn't have any background in public speaking, I found OIA to be especially valuable. Classwork consisted of 7-8 formal presentations, speaking and coaching workshops, a community partner project, and class bonding. Over the course of the semester, OIA got me comfor …Read more
This class was awesome. Super laid back, and not much work at all. You will get an A if you do everything on time, and show up to class. It is a public speaking course, but learning about how to do it was pretty dumb because after 2 classes of information there was nothing else to learn.
First of all, this class counts as both an Art and PE distribution requirement, which is why I was initially interested in it. I wasn't expecting much from this class, but I ended up really enjoying it. The explicit advice provided in this class is pretty self-evident, but practicing public speaking bi-weekly is quite helpful, and I feel like I grew a lot in this class.
I enjoyed this class because it enabled me to become more confident with my presentation skills, and enabled me to develop a toolbox, necessary for future jobs. Ben was very accommodating and relaxed with his teaching style.
Most of the stuff we learned could be taught to fourth graders in a week. It is not worth your money. It was fun and has a lot of potential but unfortunately it just doesn't give all that much advice that is actually useful.