Guest Speaker Program

Students in business and technical majors often believe they will not have to write once they graduate from college. As a result, they may not be motivated to learn writing skills. Hearing about the importance of workplace writing from a working professional can help convince them that writing skills will be useful in their careers.

The Guest Speaker Program matches interested business and technical writing teachers with business and technical professionals who would like to share their first-hand experiences with writing in the workplace. Guest speakers agree to visit one or more writing classes (each about an hour) and talk with the students about writing in the workplace.

Since 2001, the Guest Speaker Program has matched speakers with more than 175 classes.  That means that more than 4,000 students have heard a guest speaker talk about writing in the workplace.  More than 40 speakers have been involved in the program.

The speaker's visit is designed to:

• motivate the students to learn writing skills,
• emphasize the relevance of the writing class,
• provide concrete examples of writing in the workplace.

If you choose to participate as a teacher or a speaker, we will do everything possible to ensure that your experience with the program is rewarding and hassle-free.  Request a speaker or volunteer as a speaker today!  If you would like more information, please contact Summer Taylor, AWP Director.