Written & Oral Communication Support

Our Macklin staff is ready to support you with your academic papers and oral presentations! We want you to be a successful communicator in your classes, which will also build your skills and confidence for your career. Make an appointment or drop by Building 4 Suite 1322 to see if one of our staff is available.

Written Assignments

Bring your assignment guidelines so we can talk them through and/or bring a draft to discuss. We will lead you step by step through the draft revision process. We’ll ask you questions and discuss your concerns about what to write, and how to expand or refine your ideas. We can also work together to include domain-specific vocabulary and formatting. Students are also welcome to make regular appointments to refine their writing skills over the semester.

Presentations

We are also ready to support your oral presentation needs, both in the classroom and in your everyday life. Students seeking more confidence speaking up in class can meet with us to learn public speaking techniques. We can also support students individually or by workgroup in turning your paper into a presentation; pulling out and highlighting key points; and engaging your audience. Whether you need to speak for five minutes or 20, we can help you prepare your presentation and practice your delivery.

Macklin Public Speaking Program 

Are you nervous speaking in front of others? Do you want to improve your public speaking skills? The Macklin Public Speaking Program helps USG undergraduate and graduate student participants develop their oral communication abilities and leadership skills in an encouraging and supportive environment. This specialized program takes place each semester (spring and fall) at the USG campus and is a wonderful opportunity for USG students to improve their public speaking skills. Our Spring 2025 registration / application form is now open! Please submit by February 7, 2025.

Written & Oral Communication Fellows

Our Communication Fellows are trained peer writing and public speaking tutors assigned to work with students in a specific writing or presentation intensive classes. These students, who are usually in the same discipline and have taken the class before, serve as a second set of eyes and ears who will read your writing, listen to your presentations, and make constructive suggestions for revision. Fellows do not grade, correct, or judge papers/presentations.