Easily the best class I've ever taken at UVA. It is so much more than just learning to be a good public speaker. Through it, I became a better writer, and also learned a lot about myself. The class is based on specs grading, so if you meet all the minimum requirements for an A, you should be good. I really like the way the class was set up. We had to give 3 speeches throughout the course of the semester. The first one was swapping an essay that you write with a partner (you have to read the speech your partner wrote), that is delivered over video and played during class, which was a good way to ease into public speaking. The next speech involves telling a story to the class. There was a bit of a break after this, where we did a lot of writing and had the chance to complete our "experiments in public speaking", which are self-designed tasks that challenge you to work on some aspect of public speaking, but outside the classroom. Then, the final speech can be whatever you want it to be: our class had students present letters to their future selves, do a magic show, or tell some stories - you can do whatever you want, as long as you push yourself to work on something that you struggle with. At the end of the semester, a final portfolio is due, made up of a 1-2 page long forward, 3 essays (that, by the end of the semester, you have already written), and a collection of short writing assignments and experiments in public speaking (that, similarly, will have already been completed by the time you put the portfolio together). Overall, the workload for the class is super manageable, and the specs grading gives you the chance to stretch your abilities and try new things, without fear of getting a bad grade if you mess up.

I would recommend really putting effort in and leaning into all the opportunities that Professor Donovan provides. A lot of the time, it was scary to open up, be vulnerable with the class, and push myself in ways I haven't before. But, everyone is in the same boat. Professor Donovan creates an environment where EVERYONE is supportive, and that made a world of a difference. We did a lot of collaborative work throughout the semester, so you get to know your classmates well and create a learning community where you feel free to express yourself.

Through this class, I can confidently say that I am a better public speaker. You do a deep dive on your views of public speaking (for me, this was figuring out why I fear it so much) and basically everything related to public speaking, like the importance of your audience. This totally changed my outlook on public speaking, which makes it so much more approachable now. Professor Donovan is the best and I couldn't recommend taking this class with him more!

My first and only time writing a course review. I just feel like I have to write about it. I would recommend everyone to take this class, whether you are good at public speaking, indifferent to public speaking, or intimidated by public speaking. This course is not just about public speaking. It talks about the reasons and motives behind it, your authenticity, and your creativity. Professor Donovan has built a super safe and comfortable environment since day one, and everyone started to open up and embrace their vulnerabilities and each other's shining points. It is joyful to take this class, talking about my truest self and talking to other lovely classmates. I just feel like the social and interpersonal norms in daily life only represent part of me, and this class provided me an opportunity to be myself without the constraints. Having English as my second language, this class helped me to be more comfortable in English social situations, whether in formal networking/interview situations or casual friend conversations. Very acceptable amount of readings, some little tasks/assignments that require some planning, and 3 portfolios with very few limitations. Highly recommend it!

Easily my favorite class I have taken at UVA so far. Professor Donovan is such a kind man who you can tell genuinely cares about his students and wants them to learn. The work is fairly easy but it is meaningful and you definitely leave the class better than when you joined. Because of the small class size and Professor Donovan's teaching style you cultivate a really unique and supportive community within your class. As long as you show effort and willingness to take risks and step outside your comfort zone it is a great class to take.

This is probably one of the most helpful classes you can take at UVA. There are three portfolios in the class that make up your grade. First portfolio is made out of partner activity and reading each other's speeches. While the second and third can completely be whatever you choose. Then at the end of each portfolio there is reflection papers. If you can get into this class get it!!!!!!!

He is arguably the best professor at the university. Never have I taken a course and learned more transferable skills than in ENWR 2800 with professor Donovan. I highly recommend taking the course if you want to become a better speaker. All of my classmates agree with these statements.

I cannot rave about this professor enough. I had previously taken my first writing requirement with Devin and loved his teaching style so I thought I would take this class with him too as it satisfies the second writing requirement. Devin really makes his classes about his students and wants them to grow from the assignments in class. I never found myself dreading assignments or feeling like they were overwhelming because I had so much passion for the work since I felt like it was for me. There were three performances: the first was writing a speech and giving it to someone else to perform (and you performed someone else's speech); the second was a "party piece" and you could do anything you wanted; and the third was the final and you could do anything you wanted. I sang songs for the second and third piece so you truly have a lot of freedom in this class. I also appreciated the learning community that was developed over the semester, I felt like the class was such a safe space to express myself and create.

#tCFspring2021