The Public Speaking Certificate Program is designed to help MIT graduate students and postdocs become confident, effective, and versatile speakers in a wide range of professional and academic situations. Through workshops, personalized coaching, hands-on practice, and performance-based feedback, this program guides students in developing their oral communication skills in public settings.
Who Can Apply
MIT graduate students and postdocs from all schools and disciplines are welcome. We will accept 20 students/ scholars per cohort, selected based on their need and commitment to this program.
Program Requirements
To complete the certificate, you must:
- Submit an Introductory 3-Minute Video and a Written Self-Reflection
Share a short video presentation (3 minutes) and a written reflection on your goals and current strengths and weaknesses in your public speaking. - Attend Six Core Public Speaking Sessions
Interactive workshops that cover storytelling, structure, delivery, audience engagement, and managing nerves. - Participate in Two Communication Clinics
Choose any 2 out of 8 communication clinics offered throughout June. - Complete One Practice Session in the Oral Communication Studio
Use our Oral Communication Studio to receive real-time feedback on clarity, tone, pace, and filler words. - Schedule One Individual Coaching Session with WCC Lecturers
Receive personalized feedback and guidance tailored to your speaking goals. - Submit a Final Video Presentation and a Written Self-Reflection
Show what you have learned in a final 3–5 minute video. You will also reflect on your growth throughout the program.
The Benefits of Participating in This Program
- Practical strategies for academic and professional presentations
- Personalized coaching and feedback
- A polished 3-minute video can be used for completing in the MIT Research Slam or job portfolios
- A Certificate of Completion, which can be added to your CV/Resumer, Personal Webpage or Linked In accounts.
Key Dates (June 2025)
- Application is open through Friday, May 16th (NOTE: Participants will be selected based on the merits of their response)
- Intro Video & Reflection: due on June 2nd
- Program Important Dates:
- Workshops: June 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 4-5:30pm, E17-136
- Clinics: June 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th (various times)
- Oral communication practice sessions in the studio (any workday in June)
- Coaching sessions with Writing Center Lecturers (any workday in June)
- Final Video Submission and Written Self-Reflection: June 26th
Contact
For questions or more information, please contact writing-center@mit.edu.
Funding for this program comes from MITHIC Program at SHASS:
