Talk by Dr. Joe Valenzano : A Time of Needing: Communication, the Basic Course and Society Today
September 9, 2019
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Abstract: The basic course is the lifeblood, the bread and butter, the front porch of our discipline. The most common form of the basic course is public speaking, which accounts for roughly 60% of basic courses around the country. Additionally, communication skills are often cited as the first or second most important skill sought by employers today. Despite it's widespread nature and its importance to professional fields, the course is not universally required like math, history, or philosophy. That said, our society is at a critical point where training in communication by communication professionals is needed more than ever. With rapidly developing technologies that change the nature, style, delivery and even identities of those who use it communicate with each other, foundational principles of communication, which can be taught through the public speaking basic course, are needed now more than ever. This talk will address the core need for communication and public speaking instruction across society today, and how when done properly it can positively impact our relationships with one another, our communities and our democracy.
Speaker Profile: Joe Valenzano is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Dayton. He formerly was the Basic Course Director there, leading the program to the NCA Basic Course Division Textbook of Distinction Award and the Program of Excellence Award. Previously, he was Basic Course Director at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for five years where he and his team also won the NCA Program of Excellence of Excellence Award. To date, he is the only person to ever win the award for two different universities. He is a former editor of the Basic Communication Course Annual, and oversaw its move from a pay print journal to an online free peer reviewed publication. He has authored three textbooks, two research monographs, one edited book and over 20 articles and book chapters. He is dedicated to improving the basic course nationally by helping students today understand important communication skills, including ethical persuasion, civil discourse and dialogue. He is also a tireless advocate for instructors and Basic Course Directors so that they can see the potential of their position to help improve the world around them one student and one class at a time.
Date posted
Aug 1, 2019
Date updated
Sep 6, 2019
Speakers
