The Naugle Writing and Communication Center provides a space for international and multilingual students to socialize and practice their conversational, academic, and professional English in a safe and welcoming space. Members of the GT community can always schedule individual sessions to practice and develop their conversational skills.
In addition, we offer a "Conversation Hour" series with monthly meetings for group practice:
Conversation Hour: Talk, Connect, Practice
Graduate school involves many conversations that no one really teaches you how to have: How do you explain your research to someone outside your field? Approach someone at a conference? Make professional small talk? Ask a supervisor for something you need?
Conversation Hour is designed to provide multilingual graduate students with an opportunity to practice conversational English in a supportive, low-stakes environment. Each monthly session focuses on a different academic or professional scenario, with opportunities to learn useful expressions, exchange strategies, and—most importantly—practice talking with others. Whether you want to feel more comfortable speaking English or simply meet and converse with other graduate students, you are welcome!
LOCATION: Naugle Writing and Communication Center
VENUE: Clough Commons, Room 447
TIME: 1:00–2:30 p.m. EST
SEPTEMBER 16
“So, What Do You Work On?”: Talking About Your Research in Everyday Conversation
Practice introducing your research, explaining specialized ideas to people outside your field, responding to follow-up questions, and moving beyond the rehearsed “elevator pitch.”
OCTOBER 14
“Beyond Small Talk”: Navigating Conferences & Professional Events
Practice introducing yourself, joining a conversation, approaching a speaker after a presentation, keeping a conversation going, and making a graceful exit.
NOVEMBER 18
“Could I Ask You Something?”: Making Requests & Navigating Professional Conversations
Practice asking for help or feedback, making requests, communicating with advisors and supervisors, saying no professionally, and handling potentially awkward conversations.
Come to one session or all three. No preparation needed—just come ready to talk!