The Public Speaking Resource Center (PRSC) is a multi-faceted support service offering a variety of accessible and engaging resources designed to meet diverse learning styles and needs across the university community.
The PSRC fosters a culture of continuous improvement in communication skills. We are dedicated to providing a supportive, non-judgemental environment where all university members (students, faculty, and staff) can develop their potential through frequent, consistent engagement.
We view mastery in communication not merely as a beneficial skill but as a foundational necessity for both profound academic achievement and professional success in any field. Through this effort, we equip every member of the university community to become a confident, effective, and ethical communicator, ready to lead and contribute meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our Services
Personalized Support: One-on-one sessions with expert peer consultants offer tailored feedback on specific projects and communication goals.
Group Workshops: Interactive sessions that build foundational knowledge and practical skills in areas like research presentation design, nonverbal communication, academic integrity (citation styles), and advanced rhetoric.
Research Assistance: A hub connecting communication skills with academic inquiry, including specialized graduate student support for theses and dissertations. research poster design support, and graduate consultations.
Areas of Focus
Our consultants are trained across five core communication disciplines to provide targeted, effective support.
Nonverbal Communication: Understanding and utilizing body language, vocalics (tone, pace, volume), and appearance to enhance message delivery and build rapport.
Communication Anxiety: Practical strategies and techniques to reduce performance anxiety and transform nervousness into productive, confident energy.
Visual Aid Design and Delivery: Principles of design and delivery for creating visual support materials that clarify, reinforce, and engage your audience.
Impactful Presentations: Refining delivery from structuring compelling openings and closings to maintaining audience connection and handling Q&A sessions confidently.
Interpersonal and Group Communication: Developing skills for effective listening, conflict resolution, team collaboration, and navigating professional and social interactions with clarity and diplomacy.
Workshops and Seminars
A comprehensive series of structured sessions designed to bridge communication theory with tangible, practical application – facilitating collaborative learning and immediately usable skills.
Interactive & Collaborative Learning: Sessions cultivate a supportive environment where participants analyze case studies, engage in role-playing, and practice through hands-on exercises designed to internalize new communication skills.
Theory meets Practice: Our core philosophy is to seamlessly integrate critical communication theories with tangible, practical application techniques, ensuring that participants gain both a deep conceptual understanding and immediately usable skills.
Expert-Facilitated with Real-Time Feedback: All sessions are led by our expert guides who provide personalized coaching and advanced insights, ensuring that every participant receives the support needed to confidently master the material.
Simulations & Real-World Scenarios: Participants engage in simulations replicating authentic professional and academic speaking situations, from conference presentations to team meetings and public forums.
Dannis B. Eaton Speech Competition
The Dannis B. Eaton Speech Competition is an annual event held by the Fundamentals of Speech Program in the College of Communication and Media. Each fall, the campus community comes together to speak, listen, and engage. The 2025 topic was My Home.
2025 Speech Competition Winners:
1st Place – Ayden Lalanne
2nd Place – Gabriella Caracappa
3rd Place – Yara Jamhour and Elisa Cintron
Contact Us
The PSRC will operate from Monday February 2, 2026 – Friday April 24, 2026
Coordinator of the Fundamentals of Speech Prof. Meghan Gill: gillme@montclair.edu
Speech Consultant Prof. Gai Grannon: grannong@montclair.edu
Speech Consultant Amanda Saintina (Wednesday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): saintinaa1@montclair.edu
Amanda Saintina is a digital content producer at ABC7NY and a freelance producer at News 12NJ. She graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies and is now pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Communications and Media. During her early career, Amanda has published articles, shot and edited feature stories, and interviewed celebrities at various red carpet events. She won first place in the School of Communication Media and Journalism’s Speech contest and is excited to bring her knowledge to students and help them fight anxiety in public settings. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and when she is not working or creating content, you can find her at the gym or bonding with her sisters.
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