Public speaking is topic of Emersonian’s new film

The art and practice of public speaking is at the very foundation of Emerson College. So it’s not surprising that filmmaker Brian Weidling ’96 has made a new documentary on the topic.

Weidling will come to campus Monday, October 22, to screen Speak at 7:00 pm in the Bright Family Screening Room. Students can meet Weidling at a reception prior to the screening, which will take place in the lobby of the Screening Room at 5:45 pm. Weidling will also attend the film screening and participate in a Q & A moderated by Communication Studies Assistant Professor Angela Hosek.

Following the screening, Emerson CPLA (Communications, Politics, & Law Association) and the Communication Studies Department will co-host the last debate watch of the political season in the Little Building Dining Hall at 9:00 pm.

Special guest Dennis Becker ’64, who specializes in speech improvement, will join students for the debate watch. He will share “score cards” with debate watch participants to rate the candidates throughout the debate based on 10 factors, including body language, connection with the audience, and vocal variety. After the debate, scores will be calculated and discussed. The conversation will be recorded live. To listen to past post-debate discussions, visit The Speech Improvement Company, Inc.

The Journalism Department is also hosting a debate watch in the Campus Center Lobby in Piano Row.