Finding Your Voice at Le Moyne: How Public Speaking Became More Than a Class
When Leslie Streissguth first stepped into a classroom at Le Moyne College, she didn鈥檛 know she鈥檇 be changing lives one speech at a time.
Originally working in television and then as a middle school teacher, Leslie never planned to teach public speaking. But when the opportunity arose, she took a leap. 鈥淚 was building the staircase as I walked up it,鈥� she says with a laugh. And that staircase has led to something powerful: a classroom culture where students feel seen, supported, and safe to speak their truth.
More Than Just a Grade
Leslie鈥檚 public speaking course isn鈥檛 about memorizing lines or perfect delivery. It鈥檚 about helping students step into their confidence. 鈥淚 want my classroom to feel like a community,鈥� she explains. 鈥淎 space where it鈥檚 okay to try, to maybe make some mistakes, and to grow.鈥�
Phones are put away. Students listen鈥攔eally listen鈥攖o each other. Every speech ends with Q&A so classmates can ask questions and show they care. 鈥淚t tells the speaker: your voice matters.鈥�
Why It Matters
You might think you鈥檒l never need public speaking after college, but think again. Whether it鈥檚 a job interview, a pitch, or a team meeting, knowing how to express yourself clearly (and confidently) is a lifelong superpower. Alumni reach out to Leslie regularly sharing how their public speaking skills are being drawn upon in the workplace. One alum even won an award for their presentation at work!
I don鈥檛 need students to love public speaking. But I want them to leave my class thinking, 鈥業 can do this.鈥�
Take a Deeper Dive
Ready to Speak Up?
At Le Moyne, we believe in more than academics. We believe in helping you find your voice鈥攁nd the courage to use it.
