Oral Communication Class Revamp Prepares Students for Success

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Oral Communication Class Revamp Prepares Students for Success

January 29, 2025  

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences   

The Oral Communication (OC) course in the Department of Communication at the University of Louisville has undergone a significant transformation, providing students with updated tools, resources, and opportunities for success in and out of the classroom.   

With the introduction of the Oral Comm Student Success Guide, a new electronic textbook and integrated digital platform, students now have easier access to essential resources, enhancing their learning experience and supporting their academic journey.  

Modernizing for Accessibility and Inclusivity  

The shift to the Student Success Guide represents a thoughtful response to students' evolving needs. "We know that the students are online, and having the online tool they can search through to find information, reference back, and always know where it is—that is really important," said Elyssa Smith, a faculty member in the OC program. The move to inclusive access ensures all students can immediately use the materials without financial barriers. "We didn’t want students waiting for refunds and being set back," Smith explained.  

Beyond its practicality, the guide includes a comprehensive range of university resources. "If students need help, those resources are in there. It ensures no one is at a disadvantage," Smith added.  

Tools for a Professional Speaking Experience  

The revamped course emphasizes practical skills students can carry into their professional lives. Katherine Taylor, Director of the OC Basic Course in the department and OC faculty member, highlighted innovations like incorporating music stands for speaking notes, phone holders for in-class speech video recordings, and the potential for interactive tools like slide advancers.   

"We want students to have as professional an experience as possible. They’re not hidden behind a desk or podium—they’re out there interacting," she said. This approach not only simulates real-world communication scenarios but also helps students overcome the nerves often associated with public speaking. Taylor emphasized that this change provides a more immersive experience: "It takes the nerves down a lot. Using a music stand instead of a podium allows students to focus on their delivery and connection with the audience."  

Unified but Flexible Curriculum  

The Student Success Guide serves as a unifying framework for the OC program and faculty, creating consistency while allowing instructors flexibility in their teaching. "It gives instructors the freedom to decide speech topics and what to focus on while still following the same templates," Smith explained.  

This uniformity benefits students by offering structured support. "The guide gives students a foundation, especially when they might not have the strongest structure in other areas of their college life," Taylor said.  

Innovative Learning Tools  

The integration with Blackboard Ultra has revolutionized how students interact with course materials. Assignments, grades, and resources sync seamlessly within the platform. Students also benefit from features like instructor, self, and peer reviews with timestamped video comments, enabling specific, actionable feedback.  

Smith has seen the impact firsthand. "With our new tools, students can review recorded speeches, give detailed feedback, and learn from their peers. It’s modern, inclusive, and addresses diverse needs, including cultural and neurodiversity considerations," she said.  

Looking Ahead  

As the OC program continues to innovate, the Student Success Guide has become a central resource for both students and instructors. Taylor envisions its adoption across more campus programs. "This guide is our program’s bible—it’s what students need. We’re refreshing it continually to stay up to date," she said. Whether it's learning how to craft a compelling argument, practice effective speech delivery, or integrate feedback, students in the OC program are equipped with skills that will serve them in any career. For communication students, this revamp represents a modern, inclusive approach to learning that meets them where they are while preparing them for where they want to go.