Bobcat Podium
Step Up to the Bobcat Podium
Bobcat Podium provides a supportive setting for faculty and staff to explore communication techniques, practice presentations, and build connections across campus.
Participation is open to all OHIO faculty and staff, regardless of role or experience.
Why join Bobcat Podium?
- Build comfort and confidence speaking in front of others
- Learn practical tips for presentation design
- Strengthen communication skills and techniques
- Create supportive connections across the university
What to Expect at Each Meeting
Bobcat Podium launches in Spring 2026 and will be offered in two formats: in-person and remote. Meetings will take place once a month.
- In-person: Second Tuesday of each month
- Remote: Second Thursday of each month
Meeting times will be announced in Spring.
Each session begins with a group discussion or skill-building activity focused on tips and strategies to help you improve your speaking skills. You will receive materials ahead of time to guide the conversation and help you reflect on how the themes connect to your experience.
After the discussion, participants can volunteer to practice public speaking in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Each meeting includes topic suggestions that align with the featured public speaking style—but feel free to speak on any topic that inspires you!
Public Speaking Styles
Share knowledge or explain a concept clearly. The goal is to inform your audience.
Key skills: organizing facts and making complex ideas simple.
Speaking Topic Suggestions:
- How does my department support student success?
- How does my role contribute to the bigger picture at OHIO?
- What do you do (what is your job)?
- How did you start working in higher education?
- What was your first job experience?
Convince the audience to adopt a viewpoint or take action.
Key skills: building logical arguments, appealing to emotions, and using evidence.
Speaking Topic Suggestions:
- What is the most important skill in any job?
- What is the key to success in any department?
- Why does professional development matter?
Show how to do something step-by-step while integrating effective presentation design into public speaking.
Key skills: clear instructions, visual aids, and audience engagement.
Speaking Topic Suggestions:
- Share your best productivity tip.
- Teach how you stay organized.
- Share how you prepare for a successful meeting.
- Share how you manage email overload effectively.
Engage and amuse the audience while delivering a message.
Key skills: Storytelling, timing, and connecting with the audience.
Speaking Topic Suggestions:
- A memorable student interaction.
- A challenge that shaped your career.
- A surprising lesson you learned on the job.
Energize, uplift, and encourage the audience.
Key skills: authenticity, emotional connection, and call to action.
Speaking Topic Suggestions:
- A mentor who changed your career path.
- Why do you believe in lifelong learning?
- How a challenge at work taught you resilience.
- What keeps you motivated during busy times?