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Public Speaking

Image of Student Speaking to group

Public Speaking is an integral skill, especially for a university student. Oftentimes, you have to present a project and speak in front of your lecture or tutorial. This is extremely nerve-wracking, and can even induce anxiety. However, public speaking is another form of communication meaning it is another skill that can be acquired, and strengthened. These stories, tips and advice provide you with actionable steps and relatable stories that will help you calm your nerves, and speak to the public with ease (or at least, a little easier than before). 
 

Co-op students standing outside around a sign that says "SFU"
Blog
Event Planning 101: 3 Tips for Planning an Event even Gen-Z’s will Enjoy

Coming into this Co-op position as an Outreach, Promotion, and Engagement Coordinator for SFU’s School of Communication, I was not expecting to gain any sort of event planning experience. Creating an event for our incoming students for Fall 2023, was a brand-new concept that flourished this semester.

Eden sitting at a table with papers
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Finding Your Voice: Solutions on How to Public Speak with Confidence

Public Speaking is challenging, and I applaud anyone who can speak in front of a crowd because it takes a lot of courage. These tips will help when speaking to audiences to sell yourself as a speaker and increase your comfort level and confidence.

  

7 people sitting around a table in a meeting
Blog
7 Ways to Have a Successful Meeting With Your Supervisor or Team

A big meeting is coming up at work and you have no idea how you will contribute in a way that is meaningful. Jacky went from anxious to ambitious during his co-op work term as a Student Researcher, learning the ins and outs of leadership and proactive participation in team meetings. Here are his 7 tips for preparing for your upcoming work gathering.

Fort Langley Landscape
Blog
A Survival Guide to Living in the 1800s

Surviving in a trading fort in the wild west now known as British Columbia was tough in the 1800s. A time when 9 out of 10 of your meals would have been salmon and potatoes and grocery shopping would mean bringing a musket into the woods. Alexis, shares what she learned about surviving the 1800s. 

The author and colleagues
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Welcome Sessions, Onboarding, and the Handling of Snacks

Linh shares her experience working in the HR department of a biotech firm.

Image of the Author
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The Introvert’s Struggle: Conveying Your Ideas

You have ideas to share, but you can’t bring yourself to interject. Sound familiar? It might be a confidence issue, fear of being wrong, or an unwillingness to seem impolite. Even though conveying your ideas can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Read about Chantel's journey with public speaking in this article. 

Carlie
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Connections, Connections, Connections: The Keys to Getting the Most Out of Your Co-op

Thinking about doing a co-op? Read about Carlie's co-op journey and how this experience has taught them the value of connections. 

Nick in Barcelona
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Teaching English Abroad: Skill Improvements for Any Career

Have you ever wanted to live and work abroad but could “never” find something career related? Well, in my opinion, what you “could not find” might actually be right in front of your eyes. There are countless opportunities for students to live abroad while teaching English. You just might be surprised at what occupational skills you might be able to extract from such a position. Have a read of my article to find out.

A photo of the author
Blog
5 Tips on Preparing Your Communication Plan

When I had the opportunity to attend the International Association of Business Communicators’ (IABC/BC’s) Communication Planning 101 Workshop, I jumped at the chance to learn a little more about strategic communication and writing a communication plan.

Books about Toastmasters
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Toastmasters: Speak Up for Your Career!

Do you want to become a better communicator and leader? Do you want to gain confidence in public speaking? You may want to consider SFU’s own Burnaby Mountain Toastmasters Club, an opportunity for the general public to gather together and prepare for interview settings, job and career development, and general group environments. 

Commmunity members
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Metis Nation of British Columbia Annual General Meeting

On the 28th of September 2013, myself, Laura Forsythe and Loryn Blower all attended the Metis Nation of British Columbia Annual General Meeting in Richmond BC. It was a beautiful venue, small and intimate for the important proceedings and cultural connections that were taking place within.

Two friends talking
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The Art of Conversation

Interacting with others happens on a daily basis, whether it is at a business meeting, presentation, or an informal conversation with a friend or co-worker.  Mastering this skill can lead to better relationships between co-workers, friends and clients.

Glenda during her lecture
Blog
From Speech Impairment To Motivational Speaker

While sitting at the airport gate last July, waiting to board the plane to Portland and then onto San Jose where I was scheduled to deliver two presentations on web accessibility, I wondered, "How did I, an individual with a significant speech impairment and a physical disability, get here?"

Person peeking behind a book
Blog
An Introvert Career Peer? WHY NOT?

Do you think that most introverts are very quiet, shy, and not comfortable speaking in front of people? Do you believe that extroverts are more outgoing and talkative? Let’s take a look at some common beliefs about introverts and see if they are true or not. You might be surprised to learn that an introvert can also be a Career Peer Educator!

Aleks
Blog
Communicating With Culture in Mind

A co-op placement at VACFSS allowed Aleks Besan to learn about the progress being made within the world of child welfare, family preservation, and social work. She reflects on this rewarding experience and her work in Communications.

picture of the community hall
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Citizenship, Business and First Nations: Finding a Way Forward

Net Impact as part of their mission statement as emerging business leaders is to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact in the Vancouver community by advocating responsible and sustainable business practices.

Protect our ancestors sign
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Musqueam Marks 100 Days with March to Protest Burials Under Threat

Open letter to my friends, relatives, colleagues and supporters of  c̓əsnaʔəm. Calling to Action.

Cecilia smiles next to a graphic that reads, "Career Peer Spotlight: Cecilia Embuido".
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Being a Career Peer: A Well-Made Decision

In this informative article, Cecilia shares the valuable benefits of being a Career Peer.

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Overcoming your Fear of Public Speaking

Hate giving in-class presentations? Looking for ways to improve your public speaking skills? Here are 3 easy steps to ace your next presentation!

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