35th Annual Public Service and Outreach Awards Luncheon
Public Speaking & Impactful Presentations
This session will help transform speakers into confident communicators who can deliver messages that resonate. Presenters will cover essential techniques for structuring a compelling narrative and offer tips on vocal delivery and using body language to foster engagement. Participants will leave with actionable tools to immediately elevate their next presentation, making every minute they speak count.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Structure any presentation using a proven framework (the rule of three: satisfying, effective, and memorable to an audience) to ensure their message is logical, clear, and easy for the audience to follow and remember
- Apply techniques for varying vocal tone, pace, and volume, alongside intentional body language to project confidence and maintain high audience engagement
- Understand principles of effective visual communication and how best to utilize PowerPoint/presentation materials
- Utilize practical strategies for managing performance anxiety and confidently handling challenging questions
Presenters:
Megan Ward, Director of New Media Institute and TEDxUGA, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Megan Ward has been with the New Media Institute (NMI) since 2011 and has served as its director since 2016. In this role, Ward oversees the people and programs within the NMI. Under her leadership, the NMI has expanded significantly and introduced several new programs including the Emerging Media Masters, Spark Awards, NMIXpo and more. Ward is also in charge of leading all organization and curation efforts for the annual TEDxUGA event each spring. To date, the TEDxUGA event has hosted over 150 presenters and achieved a combined viewership of nearly seven million. Additionally, Ward teaches several courses within the NMI, Emerging Media Masters, Office of Student Success and Achievement, and the Graduate School. She holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Isabella Martinez, Events Coordinator, New Media Institute, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
In her role as events coordinator for the New Media Institute (NMI), Isabella Martinez is responsible for the planning, communication and execution of all NMI events, including TEDxUGA and NMIXpo. Additionally, Martinez supports budget management, strategic promotional efforts, and donor engagement. Prior to her current role, Martinez served as a teaching assistant within the NMI. Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s in emerging media from UGA.
View session options
Morning
- PSO: Where Action Meets Impact 1 (Room L)
- Developing Grant Proposals: Tools and Techniques to Help You Secure Funding for Your Programs (Room R)
- An Inside Look at the PSO Scholarship Academy (Room T/U)
- Mentoring for Professional Growth: Building Strong Connections in PSO (Room K)
- Highlights of Look Ahead Georgia (Room Q)
- Cultivating Meaningful Student Engagement in PSO (Room V/W)
- The Lowdown on Dossiers – Tips and Hints for Faculty Promotion (Room F/G)
Afternoon
- PSO: Where Action Meets Impact 2 (Room V/W)
- Teaming Up for Success: How to Effectively Collaborate with Academic Faculty to Secure Large Scale Federal Grants (Room R)
- Public Speaking & Impactful Presentations (Room Q)
- PSO: Integrating AI & GenAI into Work Routines (Room K)
- Managing Your Own Professional Development (Room F/G)
- Using Data Storytelling to Communicate Impact (Room L)
- Showcase Roundtables of PSO Programs for Faculty and Staff (Room Y/Z)