Oral Communication Center FAQ

What resources are available?

The Oral Communication Center includes:

• A computer work-station (with Internet access), for research & organization.
• A computer, overhead projector, and Elmo replicating the environment of the classroom building. This is a great opportunity to rehearse with equipment similar to the environment you will give your presentation.
• Assistance from the Oral Communication Center director and from trained lab consultants.
• Video cameras for taping presentations.
• Presentation room for practicing or for group presentations/seminars*
• Multi-media projector for enhanced presentations
• Work tables for spreading out materials or for group projects
• TV, VCR, overhead projector & screen, visual aide stand and chalk board for visual aids
• The Center can accommodate groups of 24.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Come to your appointment with specific questions or concerns so that we can get right to work. Please provide the Oral Communication Center consultants with a copy of the assignment you are working on. Your instructors have specific requirements we need to be aware to provide the best advice.


Instructors: You can use the Center for your class presentations. The Centers director is willing to help with the assessment of your students' presentations!

How can I make an appointment?

Visit the OCC home page and click the "Make an appointment" button in large red text or follow this link to the scheduler. Then follow the instructions and pick a time that works for you. The OCC Spring hours are: 

Spring 2018 Hours

Monday: 9am-4pm

Tuesday: 9am-4pm

Wednesday: 9-9:50am, 12-4pm

Thursday: 9am-2pm

Friday: 9am-1pm, 2pm-3pm

How can the OCC help graduate students?

We can allow you to practice your thesis proposal and debate by asking follow-up questions after the presentation. We can also make suggestions about parts of the presentation that may not be clear to an audience. We can also make sure that the proposal is organized and structured in a way that makes the most sense to the audience. 

How can the OCC help international students?

We can help you organize your speech or presentation. We can also help you practice in a classroom setting in front of an audience. This practice can help alleviate some fear of speaking in front of a group. We can also supply other tactics to help alleviate speaking fears. We can also help you prepare for class discussions to make you feel more comfortable during normal class participation. With more speaking practice, you can feel more comfortable speaking and increase class participation scores.

What is the O Requirement?

A new requirement for UW students enrolling in fall 2003 is an oral communication class, otherwise known as an O Requirement of the 2003 University Studies. Oral communication is the ability to compose, critically analyze, present, and deliver information through verbal interactions.

Graduates of the University of Wyoming should develop communication abilities throughout their undergraduate experience, including exposure to current technologies used for communication. Oral communication courses will help students achieve competence in composition, critical analysis, interaction, presentation, and delivery.

Students who feel they have extensive successful public speaking experience may apply to take the public speaking exam. Note: no credit will be earned for the exam. Public Speaking Examination for Oral Communication (O) Form (Word document). 

Where can I get more information about speaking topics?

You can contact the director of the OCC, Beau Bingham, at bbingham@uwyo.edu or 766-3815. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see links and articles on communication and speaking.