Professor Ruggerio instructs her Advanced Public Speaking (COMM 310) class to prepare persuasive speeches for local charitable organizations. Looks like a typical assignment, especially for a communication major, but looks can be deceiving.

Each year since first assigning this project, Ruggerio has raised the stakes by having each student contribute five dollars, all of which is then donated to the organization represented in the winning speech. While students would still try hard without this incentive, Ruggerio believes “it shows everybody has a stake in everyone’s speech because they get to decide where their money goes.” The assignment not only teaches her students techniques for persuasive speeches but shows them “their skills really can make a difference.” Continue reading →