School of Liberal Arts
Department of Communication Studies
425 University Blvd.
CA 309
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-0566 Tel.
(317) 278-1025 Fax.
Mike Polites, Co-Director, Public Speaking
Mike Polites is a Lecturer and Co-Director for the R110 Public Speaking classes. He taught at Ball State University before coming to IUPUI in 2004. As a member of the Department of Communication Studies, he has worked on the faculty search committee and will be working on the Moore Symposium committee in the coming months.
When Mike is no busy teaching, he and his wife, Holly, a 6th grade teacher enjoy traveling together. In fact, Mike proposed to Holly in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This summer Mike plan to spend his time teaching, facilitating corporate training, riding road bikes, and performing standup comedy. Fun fact: While visiting Las Vegas for the Basic Course Directors Conference in January, Mike was the opening act for . . . Elvis!
"Science Speak 101"
"Researchers sometimes need help explaining complex work in simple terms."
By John Russell (IndyStar.com; Business; January 29, 2007)
R110 Speaks Out--
Not all scientists are skilled at explaining a complicated technology in simple terms. Bio Crossroads, the Indiana University Research and Technology Group and Purdue University are stressing the need for scientists to keep their messages simple The Indianapolis Star article, "Science Speak 101," is quoted as saying. This article goes right to the heart of the issue.
"Dr. Richard Wagner spends his days thinking about how to develop vaccine in algae to prevent the spread of disease in animals. But when talking with investors and other outsiders about his start up, Phycotransgenics, he drops the scientific talk and speaks plain English." the article states.
Steve LeBeau, Co-Director, for R110,
the Communication Studies Public Speaking class, contacted William F. Bosron, Ph.D., Interim Dean, School of Science at IUPUI, letting him know the School of Liberal Arts and Communication Studies specifically are aware of the "Science Speak" issue. LeBeau offers a solution in the R110 Public Speaking class, pointing out that the Center for the Advancement of Health, Geo Times suggests five tips for effective public speaking and R110 covers each of these same areas: proper use of jargon, using language vividly, audience adaptation, proper use of statistics, and organization of ideas. LeBeau extended an invitation to the science students to visit the Speaker's Lab to receive individual help with science class presentations.
Dr. Bosron responded, "we spend a lot of time working with students on research/literature seminars in one-hour
format, but little time on effective communication for the general audience. This is a deficiency, and I applaud your efforts in R110."
Communication Studies is as diverse as need be. Our courses range from life science communication to theatre and many opportunities in between. (Visit the Communication Careers link for more details on how a Communication Studies degree can be used.)
