“TIGERTALK” Experience 2017 at Edward Waters College
by Prof William Jackson, Educational Technology, Social Media and STEM

@wmjackson Twitter

“Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent.”
Dionysius of Halicarnassus

The experience to speak in front of large groups should always be provided to students in higher education, providing the opportunity to practice skills that will be
needed in business, corporate environments, educational settings, the medical profession and even in military experiences and service. The skill of speaking is very important to success in any career field.

Public speaking, corporate presentations, business collaborations and even scientific conferences and discussions rely on a certain level of intellectual
thought and engagement.
Higher education students, especially those attending HBCUs, need to have the exposure of sharing their knowledge and experiences to others. There needs to be a platform that they can express themselves in several areas: the first where they came from, the second where they think they are going, and third their destination. Each is important because they are each learning experiences. HBCU students need to understand that they will be
judged, measured, graded, scrutinized on their professional successes and even the journey, their articulation, and maybe based on how well they speak and carry or present themselves.

“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience.” Alexander Gregg

The disadvantage comes where many HBCU students from their past have not had the opportunity to be taught how to speak and share content in an environment
of structure and academics. Exposure to educational, social, and networking opportunities may have been limited or not available.

HBCUs should have platforms of learning that engage students in their skills of public speaking. TEDX, TEDTALKS  and HBCUs like Edward Waters College “TIGERTALKS” Experiences where students are provided opportunities to speak and share content. Students at the time may not appreciate or understand the importance of these events, but they need to be prepared and ready for the engagement.

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Carl W. Buechner

Contained in this blog are the links to students attending the Educational Technology, Social Media, and STEM course at Edward Waters College and links to their “TIGERTALKS” Experience.  To date, several semesters of students have participated and students have shared their hopes, dreams, aspirations and plans for the PRESENT and the future. Because of these experiences now those that continue will be prepared to provide professional presentations at diverse venues.

Professor William Jackson and research specialist Emma Kent of the Library Services Department of EWC strives to create in each student a well-balanced and practiced student with diverse skills they will use in the real world of employment. The need for articulation, timing, passion, confidence, and even research skills are vital to build in students a foundation that will build future success and achievement.

HBCUs will continue to face challenges no matter what administration is in office, that is a fact, so the best way to face any challenge is head-on and with a plan that hard work, collaboration, teamwork, faith, dedication, and prayer will help continue to build a legacy
of success.

HBCU institutions must continue to do more with less and build the leaders this nation needs for the future to be competitive and globally relevant.

Resources:
HBCU Leaders Meet With Trump And Pence
https://youtu.be/fcc00jNV8m8

EdCamp Branford April 22, 2017
http://edcampbranford.weebly.com/
WordCamp Jacksonville 2017
https://2017.jacksonville.wordcamp.org/speak/

“TIGERTALKS Experience 2017” Participants

Eric Odom “Anime:
https://youtu.be/RTb62nTUxiU

George Ford “Pangea” Land Mass
https://youtu.be/qv2jT0dyGGk

Tyler Mahla “Family Time”
https://youtu.be/wHdCxdDrsuI

Christopher Thomas “Sharing his Family”
https://youtu.be/-gE_49RcEPc

Teryn Ellis “Passion of V/blogging”
https://youtu.be/OimvIg-aYFs

Shemithia Fitzpatrick “Free Spirit Fashion”
https://youtu.be/W8YmDnYRs1k

Jon Gregory speaking at TEDxFSCJ 2016
https://youtu.be/JvvISTI0V2Q

Asha McPhaul
https://youtu.be/yuttN2VNhyA

Hurtis L. Wyche Jr.
https://youtu.be/Ox5W014ERqA