Valley Star

Issue date: 10/12/05 Section: Valley Life

Media Credit: Daniel Villaseñor Speech Instructor Duane Smith

Walk late into one of Duane Smith's Speech 101 classes on the first day and you'll be stopped at the door and told to stand in front of the class. Nervous and perhaps a bit confused, you'll then be asked to answer a few questions.

"Tell us about your last romantic experience," Smith will say with a large smile on his face. "Or how about your most memorable one?" Chuckles will spread across the classroom, accompanying a look of shock and embarrassment on your face. For some reason, you answer anyway.

"Welcome to Speech 101, have a seat," Smith says.

How's that for an ice breaker? A requirement of the General Education program at Valley College, Speech 101 is not just another class you feel forced to take. Public speaking - the number one fear in America according to Readers Digest- is something the speech program helps students conquer.

"I went from having a phobia of public speaking to winning medals at national tournaments," said Carolyn Bates, a member of Valley's speech team, which won nine medals at April's national tournament. "It's an amazing opportunity for students here, it's life-changing and helped me become much more confident."

Smith, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 7 and failed courses at three colleges, overcame those obstacles and became a professor. "I had failed at everything, and one day I took a speech class with Betty Ballew here at Valley," said Smith. "She told me I had a 'strong presence' and asked me to join the speech team. She gave me confidence, and the rest is history."

Smith chose to teach speech classes because of the importance of speaking skills in the real world.

"School is here to help you learn, and the number one thing employers look for is good communication skills," said Smith. "The speech program can teach you how to be an excellent communicator."

Smith coaches the speech team with colleague Josh Miller, and both are favorites among their students.

"The coaches are amazing," said Rachel Resnick, a former student in Smith's 101 class and a current member of the speech team. "Duane is an awesome teacher who's devoted to what he does, a lot of students are shy at first but he really opens up about his own life to make you feel comfortable."

With speeches about culture and history, personal experiences and even one that requires students to go out and have dinner together, the class creates a fun and close-knit environment, easing students into overcoming their fear. The experience of both the classes and speech team leaves a lasting effect on many students.

"I always get e-mails from students letting me know how much the program helped their lives and careers," said Smith.

The speech program has 20 courses available this fall semester. Students who join the team are offered scholarships and the chance to participate in tournaments in order to win awards.

Students interested in the program can visit the speech team office in bungalow 24. All students are welcome. As Smith put it, "Anyone with a voice and a heartbeat can do well in speech."

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