Overview

This group was created as a community for individuals living with neurogenic communication disorders to build and improve upon their public speaking and leadership skills.

Introductory video. Click on “CC” for closed captions.

Example of short speech and evaluation. This is to give an idea of what this looks like during a session.

Click “CC” for closed captions.

 

Who?

Neurogenic communication disorders include aphasia (acquired or progressive), apraxia of speech, dysarthria, and cognitive-communicative disorders resulting from injuries like a stroke or traumatic brain injury. People over the age of 18 are welcome to join. We welcome individuals from all walks of life! Loved ones are also welcome to join.

What?

This club is specifically for individuals who want to:

  • improve their communication,

  • improve their leadership skills,

  • contribute to a welcoming community,

  • commit to learning new communication skills

How?

  • Every meeting will begin with group introductions and that day's facilitator will introduce a topic, such as: strategies to deal with speech fillers like “uh”.

  • Designated speakers will give a short, prepared “speech” on a topic of their choosing. Other designated members will serve as co-facilitators. Co-facilitators, and other members, offer constructive feedback and encouragement to the speaker.

  • At closing, next meeting's speakers and co-facilitators are chosen.

When and where?

  • Each group will meet once per month beginning in September 2022. We will likely have more than one group to make sure group sizes are small. We have many interested members for 2022 meetings and we will reopen meetings in 2023 to new members.

  • Every meeting lasts for approximately 60 minutes and is held virtually. Facilitators will stay on after the meeting ends to answer questions.

  • Meetings will be held at 7PM Eastern (USA) on the second Thursday of each month. They will start on time so feel free to join before 7pm.

You may come to every meeting, or just one! To gain the most from the experience, come to as many meetings as possible, as you will build new skills each time.

The goal of our community is to create a welcoming environment in every meeting. Meeting roles switch every meeting, so you’ll experience a variety of leadership and public speaking scenarios. Consistency is key to improvement, so we encourage coming to each meeting!

 

Basic Rules

This is a safe, friendly communjty. By coming to this group, you agree to keep the contents of the meeting confidential and to not share about attendees or any of the topics discussed. Additionally, we are guided by the following commitments:

  1. Respect: We expect everyone to do their best. Our criticism is always constructive and positive. We respect all where they are.

  2. Preparation: We commit to prepare ahead of time, such as practicing outside of the meeting. We communicate with organizers.

  3. Patience: We practice patience with all members and with the process of learning.

  4. Plan for Success: Turn off your phone, get rid of distractions, commit to the full hour meeting. Give others your full attention.

  5. Learn & Strive for Progress: We are all here to learn. The learning mindset will help us make progress. There's no endpoint to our learning.

 
 

Facilitators / Organizers

Dr. Brielle Stark runs the NEURAL Research Lab (more about her here). She loves public speaking, and especially loves facilitating communication and aiding others in achieving their communication goals. She has won a Trustees Teaching Award from Indiana University, evidencing her commitment to communication in her educational practices. She has studied post-stroke aphasia since 2012, publishing on a variety of topics, and was a recipient of the 2021 Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Aphasia Scholar USA. She is also the proud daughter of the group’s co-facilitator!

Debbie Stark recently retired as Dean of Technical and Professional Programs at Marion Technical College.  Beginning with her undergraduate studies in medical communications, Debbie continues to pursue her passion in teaching communications as a Toastmaster. She is a continuing 15-year member of Toastmasters International, having served in every officer role, notably as Toastmasters District 10 Area Director and presently as Treasurer of Marion Ohio Toastmaster's Club. She is also a Club Coach. Additionally, Debbie travels inside the local prisons where she facilitates, advises and coaches clubs and individuals in speaking and leadership and was instrumental in introducing public speaking to the local youth through the Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio.  She is excited to expand and work with those who have neurogenic communication disorders, which is also an opportunity she gets to share with her daughter and co-facilitator!

PSLC Member and Author Simon Barton joins Dr. Stark’s undergraduate class to demonstrate his excellent public speaking skills!

 


Join us!

To receive more information or to join a meeting, please fill out the form, below!

We have many interested members for 2022 so we will reopen for new members in 2023. Feel free to email us to be on this list, though!