Are you afraid of public speaking? If so, you are not alone. Public speaking is listed as a number-one fear according to the Chapman University Survey on American Fears. A fear worse than death!

This semester students can take advantage of a new club on campus; the Communication Club. Communication professor Shelley Giacalone and a group of her students established the Communication Club late last semester to offer students supportive learning workshops and empower members to gain greater self-confidence while developing their leadership skills.

The club “aims to provide a friendly environment, promote leadership, friendship, and understanding through communication and share great opportunities to communicate in a social, professional and educational environment.” Communication club president Sang To said.

The members are a diverse mix of students who have taken a variety of communication courses and are ready to put their skills and knowledge into practice.

“We are a dynamic, student-led social and service club that provides communication training, networking and fundraising opportunities for club members.” Giacalone said.

With only three meetings to date this goal oriented, enthusiastic group already have an ambitious agenda for this semester; planning peer led workshops–designed to help students with their speech outline, visual and speech preparation—a leadership seminar and are looking into local restaurants to raise scholarship funds.

The club will post workshop signup sheets for students interested in attending. Students can also come to the club meetings.

Club meetings are held on Thursdays from 4:35-5:55 p.m. in room T-314. Next scheduled meetings will be Sept. 22 and Oct. 6.

The Communications Club is always looking to recruit new members. All students are welcome and are encouraged to join.

“It’s not only a club but also a place where we nurture great minds,” To said, “for those who want to learn, share and make new friends.”