Meagan Falcon / Reporter
Having the courage to speak in front of a large crowd takes a lot of strength and, above all else, skills. Not everyone can make a crowd silent with their words, but with the help provided by the Communications Lab, students at Del Mar College can have that chance to make a lasting impression.
The Communications Lab, also known as the REC Center, is open to the whole community and offers help in speech assignments and outlines for presentations, and even helps students on how to present themselves for an interview. The lab’s primary design is for history, journalism and English; however, because speech is important for everything the lab is open to all students of different majors.
The technology provided for students goes beyond expectations for a speech lab. There are 24 computers located in the lab as well as wall-mounted cameras and multiple other cameras. The lab also offers a full office suite and three practice rooms with full technology. Students can practice with PowerPoint on a large monitor and are provided a full library of videos for anxiety or other communication concepts. The lab even offers mediated communication for Skype interviews as well as interviewing workshops.
“My goal is to work with other departments and build relationships off campus for speech needs,” said Dale Anderson, instructor of speech and REC Center director. “I have a big drive to build those relationships and update the lab (for everyone). I want to see students come together like a fist!”
If there is one piece of advice Anderson would give to students it would be this: “Come to Speech Lab!” Aside from the obvious sarcasm, Anderson said: “Students should utilize the services available on campus … the college provides a lot of support for all classes such as the Stone Writing Center and the Math Lab. There is support available you just have to look for it.”
If students are looking for help to strengthen their speech skills then the Communications Lab can offer a variety of service help and will help create the speakers of tomorrow promising them that their dreams will be delivered.
The speech lab is located at Memorial Classroom in Room 211. The lab has five staff members to help students in need. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-noon Friday. The lab can be reached at 698-1581 or crc@delmar.edu. Starting Jan. 1, 2015, the REC Center will officially be renamed the Communication Resource Center, or CRC.
