Cultivating Confidence: PCCC's New Public Speaking Lab

Located in Memorial Hall #242, Professor Risher's public speaking lab is a campus space you won’t want to miss.

In the U.S., public speaking is high on the list of biggest fears amongst Americans, often ranking higher than death itself. Professor Risher is looking to change that. The public speaking lab offers services that prepare and support PCCC community members for the art of public speaking.

When asked about why she was inspired to open up the public speaking lab, Professor Risher stated, “My students inspired me because I knew they needed outside help to hone their public speaking skills. I didn’t have space in my office, so I wanted to create a designated space for all students.”

For those enrolled in the Introduction to Public Speaking course, there is very little class time to practice their speeches. When a student is dealing with a lot of anxiety regarding public speaking, sometimes simply practicing isn’t enough. The public speaking lab offers a designated space for students to do the abovementioned and receive the support they need to succeed in their speeches.

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In addition, Professor Risher hopes that the extra time provided through practice in the public speaking lab will ultimately help the curriculum, too. Just like students, professors are also very busy people. With Professor Risher in the public speaking lab, feedback is immediate and in person, allowing for a more personalized experience for each student and allowing for a better, more well-rounded public speaking education and experience for all.

The hours for the public speaking lab are posted on the door of the lab.

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Professor Risher Celebrating her 20th year at PCCC.

About Professor Risher:

Caffie J. Risher is an associate professor and coordinator of the public speaking program at PCCC. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BA in communications and an MA in Corporate and Public Communications from Seton Hall University.   

Conducting workshops, seminars, and webinars to help coaches, speakers, entrepreneurs, and the clergy with their public speaking skills, she has taught more than 10000 students and graded over 40000 speech presentations.

Comments/Questions? Email Professor Risher: crisher@pccc.edu