DRAM 1020

This class was plenty of fun, not difficult, engaging, and also pretty helpful in learning the skills needed to succeed in public speaking. Could have benefited from more formal setting type of speaking assignments, but at the end of the day, it's in the drama department not commerce. If you want a fun class that won't hurt your grade, take this. And by the way-- Tovah was great... gave constructive criticism where necessary but fostered a fun and inclusive classroom. All in all, If you dig in to the material and do your due diligence, you'll get a lot out of this class! #tCFS24

Over the course of the semester, we did one short introduction speech (weighted the least), one speech on resilience, one poem performance, and one personal storytelling speech (weighted the most). We submitted a compilation of 10 speaking tips in place of the final. From what I can tell, this format may change for future semesters! Now on paper this is all fine, but as an experienced non-drama major who actually wanted to improve their public speaking skills, my time in the course had serious flaws, and I'll explain how below.

To start, the syllabus promised that we would spend time on business presentations, but after the drop deadline Tovah deceptively substituted this with a unit on poetry. From this arises two implications - first, the switch to poetry means we were judged on our interpretation/delivery of someone else's work, which is more acting than speaking in public; second, the syllabus changes on her whim (which is a red flag in itself), and these changes then reflect a theatrical lean, not formal/diplomatic/business.

Besides logistics, the course also does not explicitly cover extemporaneous speech, long-form oration, or scholarly/corporate presentation skills as a public speaking course might. We also never had anything to do with practicing Q&A, though she makes it obvious that her previous semester's classes did. Depending on what you want, this could be a good thing. Next, everyone obviously begins at a different proficiency, and Tovah handles this by not grading absolutely. What I mean is that someone who is new to public speaking can be graded much more leniently than someone who already has some prior experience. If you are experienced, you'll be held to an arbitrarily higher standard and face meaningless deductions without explanation.

Finally, Tovah gives the impression of maintaining a bubbly persona before everyone, which is great, but this dissipates fast in a one-on-one setting. In my experience, she was cold, condescending, and parochially dogmatic; if you do not yield to her suggestions, you will be penalized, and if you ask about the penalties, you will be ignored. Here, it is worth noting that she has a strong background in performance theater/film but no credentials as a bona fide public speaker. She is a performer, not an orator, and she will penalize as such. The bottom line is, if you're thinking about slotting an easy 3 credits, this course is great; don't let my criticism discourage you. The awesome sense of family is built predominantly by the students after all, and the activities we do in class aren't unenjoyable. Also, plenty of students drop in the first two weeks of the semester, so stay on the waitlist and you might get in! But if you're looking to actually improve your public speaking, try 2070 Public Speaking or look elsewhere.

Love love love this class. Tovah is amazing and incredibly helpful. Everyone should take Speaking in Public while at UVA!

You will love Tovah! She is super bubbly and fun. Not a lot of work outside of class, and grading is pretty generous. 95 to get an A but I still got one without having to work super hard. You have three speeches and some other small projects. You play a lot of fun drama games and hopefully bond with your classmates! I was able to have a great time even when it was fully online, so I assume it's only better in person.
#tCFspring2021

I loved this class! A great way to bond with other 4th-years and was helpful for all of us entering the professional world once the public speaking turned to presentations via Zoom. The class is really fun and allows you to grow outside of your comfort zone with the way Tovah incorporates games, flash talks, and what would otherwise be considered 'embarrassing' moments. Tovah is hilarious, sweet, and gives great feedback. I highly recommend you take for a fun class that you can let yourself go in and grow while crafting speeches and presentations along the way.