Communication Center Invites Students to T Hunt
Miniature versions of Tech’s infamous “T” will be hidden around campus this week, and students are encouraged to be on the lookout.
Organizers of the Communication Center Scavenger Hunt will place the T's around campus and provide clues on the Center’s Twitter and Facebook pages, and website. Those who find the T’s can turn them in to the Communication Center to claim a small prize and then be entered into a $100 grand prize drawing. T’s must be turned in at Suite 447, Clough Commons, by Friday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m.
The hunt gives students a reason to visit the Communication Center and learn about its many resources, which contribute to enhanced communication skills — skills that are in high demand in today’s world of work.
As students look toward entering the workforce, they should consider that companies recruit students who not only excel in academics, but also are great communicators. Luckily, Tech offers various forms of assistance to students who hope to learn effective communication strategies, even outside of traditional coursework.
The Communication Center is open weekdays year-round and provides one-on-one help from professional and peer tutors for class presentations and projects, resumes, cover letters, graduate school applications, and lab reports. Students are encouraged to book an appointment, but appointments are not required. The Center also offers rehearsal rooms for reservation. Learn more about the Communication Center’s free resources at www.communicationcenter.gatech.edu.
Other Resources
The Communication Center is just one of many support options Tech students have with regard to communication skills. In fact, one faculty member, Judith Norback, recently published a book entitled Oral Communication Excellence for Engineers and Scientists. Norback is the director of workplace and academic communication at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering. Her book shares the perspectives of dozens of executives from various companies that employ scientists and engineers. Through input from these executives, Norback’s book educates readers on excelling in phone communications, oral communication mediums, and effectively answering questions. Her book can be downloaded for free here.
The School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) is another communications support option for students, offering a variety of minors and certificates in LMC programs for those interested in registering for communications classes. The Library also offers communications classes; these free classes can be found at the Library website.
Aside from campus-run resources, there are a few student-led organizations that can develop communication skills.
The Georgia Tech Public Speaking Club focuses on perfecting the style and delivery of speeches, helping students overcome their worry of public speaking in a casual and positive environment. Students are encouraged to practice class presentations or give impromptu speeches, depending on the particular area needing improvement. The club believes practice makes perfect when it comes to public speaking, so students at any level of public speaking experience are welcome. For more information, visit www.psc.gtorg.gatech.edu.
The Georgia Tech Debate Team, also able to assist with building strong public speaking skills, meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. They currently practice parliamentary debate and policy debate. Interested students can visit www.debate.gtorg.gatech.edu/about or sign up on the team’s listserv at lists.gatech.edu.