NEARLY TWO CENTURIES AGO, Hamilton began to distinguish itself as one of the nation's most prestigious and innovative liberal arts colleges by identifying its educational mission as the mastery of "rhetoric and elocution." That mission remains central to the College's educational philosophy today. It is evident not only in the campus-wide commitment to strong writing skills, but in the oral communication program, where students learn the speaking and critical-thinking skills that have produced some of the nation's most eminent diplomats, accomplished professionals, authoritative scholars and effective activists.
The goal of Hamilton's Oral Communications Program is to prepare students for those studies and professional settings in which clear, credible, effective presentations and productive teamwork are crucial.More ...
Academic Program
Conducting research, either through collaboration with a faculty
member or independently, is key to helping you integrate what
you have learned in the classroom.
RESOURCES
Hamilton's
Oral Communication Center
offers a variety of courses, support services, workshops and tutoring options.
The center is dedicated to helping students improve and polish their
public-speaking skills and classroom performance.
The College's annual public speaking competition is a time-honored
campus tradition that represents Hamilton's
commitment to effective, graceful persuasion. The six speaking awards are among
the most prestigious student honors on campus and include $6,000 in prizes.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
Tradition and Innovation
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
A Two-Way Conversation
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
Tradition and Innovation
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
A Two-Way Conversation
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
Speaking and presentation skills are part of many courses at Hamilton, especially through seminar classes and the senior project. Even in courses that do not require formal presentations, small class size and the Hamilton emphasis on student-faculty interaction mean that clear, authoritative speaking is a highly valued part of the learning process.
Tradition and Innovation
The Oral Communication Program covers a spectrum of skills: oral presentation, debate, negotiation, teaching and intercultural communication. Building on resources as old as classical rhetoric and as new as multimedia technology, oral communication courses combine traditional principles and innovative approaches to fit the needs of each student.
A Two-Way Conversation
Effective speaking is always part of a conversation; listening is a crucial part of that conversation, too. The Oral Communication Program focuses not only on the mechanics of speaking well, but on active listening, feedback and understanding. Those skills play a key role as Hamilton students and graduates emerge as leaders.
