West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU student-athletes to speak about life experiences as part of 'Jock Talk'
West Virginia University student-athletes will have a chance to brush up on their speaking skills and offer sage advice to the community as part of “Students Athletes Speak Out” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6. The talks will be in the Jerry West Lounge of the WVU Coliseum, and the public is invited to attend.
The presentation is a part of Professor Carolyn Atkins’ “Speech Pathology and Audiology 170: Speaking to Communities” class, or "Jock Talk," as it has been nicknamed. It’s a popular course with WVU athletes who are often the subject of media interviews. It also prepares them for job interviews and other professional presentations.
“Student athletes who are comfortable in the sports arena are often, like others, fearful of speaking in public,” Atkins said. “Although they have confidence in their athletic abilities, they may lack confidence when being interviewed or speaking before groups.”
The speeches are based on student-athletes' life experiences. Common themes have focused on family relationships and responsibilities, peer pressure and life-changing or inspirational events, Atkins said. In addition to the Thursday event, the students have been visiting local schools to share their motivational speeches.
This year’s student presentations will be made by football players Tory Johnson, “A Long Road;” Lindsey Preston, “It’s Not Too Late;” Justin Beresford, “It’s Where You Are Going;” Dwayne Thompson, “A Negative Force;” Jubal Thomas, “Live for Today, Pray for Tomorrow;” Vincent Beamer, “Love Conquers All;” and Desious Alston, “Pray for the One You Have.”
Office: (304) 293-6997