Fiction Writer, Poet, Playwright, Educator, Memoir Writer and Literary Critic

Janet Ruth Heller's advice to college students about public speaking is now published on the website of Accredited Schools Online. The link to the article is  https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/student-public-speaking-guide/ Someone else wrote the introductory material, but Heller's section comes later, starting with the subtitle "From the Expert: What Makes a Great Presentation."  Here is some of her advice. Question: In your opinion, what's the best way to learn how to speak publicly with grace, clarity, and panache? Heller: Students need to practice public speaking as often as possible. They should participate in class discussions, do oral reports, and take courses on public speaking. Students should join clubs or nonprofit organizations that require public speaking events. Students should also try to speak up and give presentations during meetings at their place of work. The more people practice speaking to audiences, the easier this process becomes. Janet Ruth Heller speaking at the Kalamazoo Public Library; photo by Hedy Habra