Remember the clammy palms, the racing heart, the desperate scramble to remember your next point during a presentation? Many students face this communication anxiety, which can be a barrier to success. But did you know communication skills are the most in-demand skill for today's workforce, according to LinkedIn's Most In-Demand Skills 2024 report?

Yet, communication apprehension is a real issue. A recent survey conducted by the National Communication Association found that over 70% of students experience some level of anxiety when delivering presentations. 

But what if there was a place to transform those stumbles into stellar speeches, to turn research paper woes into writing triumphs?  

For over two decades, Dr. Stacia Campbell, associate professor of English and director of the Wesleyan Honors Program at Texas Wesleyan University, envisioned a space dedicated to empowering students through communication. This dream became a reality with the opening of the Engage Studio in rooms 125 and 126 of the Polytechnic United Methodist Church, thanks to funds from the U.S Department of Education’s Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  

It was her own experiences in college that led to the idea. 

“I did a lot of tutoring, and seeing the way that students received help with communications projects from the staff side, it was always just so structured, almost like a doctor's office visit,” she said. “It was like your writing had a sickness. So, in a lot of ways, those appointments just felt uncomfortable, awkward, clinical.” 

The Engage Studio is more than just a writing center. It's a hub for all things communication-related, offering students a welcoming environment to hone their skills in writing, public speaking, research, presentation design and even website building. Renovations over the summer will expand the studio's offerings, creating a dedicated communications lab and private conference room for speech practice and recording. 

The studio caters to a diverse student body. It's designed to help students who stutter, are neurodivergent or use English as a second language so that they can build confidence in their communication skills. 

The studio's commitment to mentorship shines through its team. Students work with undergraduate and graduate program assistants, all dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support. "I'm lucky to have the right people," says Dr. Campbell. "You'll feel the energy when you're there." 

Since the studio’s opening in January, there have been over 200 official appointments. However, Campbell says there have been even more “unofficial appointments” as students drop in to study, learn and be a part of the community.  

She’s even partnered with the University’s Food Pantry to help students stay fed as they work on their assignments. 

“We did not anticipate how hungry students are,” she said. According to moveforhunger.org, nearly 30% of students at four-year colleges reported food insecurity at some point during their college career. Hunger can affect a student’s ability to concentrate, perform well academically and stay healthy enough to attend college.  

The Engage Studio offers a holistic approach to communication, empowering students not just to overcome presentation jitters but also to build lifelong communication skills for success. By recognizing and addressing the challenges students face, the Engage Studio goes beyond communication skills; it fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive. 

To schedule a meeting with the Engage Studio, visit PUMC 125. Walk-ins are also welcome. It’s even open during the summer!  

Want to get involved or donate? Get in touch with Dr. Stacia Campbell. The studio is looking for snack donations, volunteers, guest speakers and student mentors.