Welcome to the

Applied Communication Studies Skill Center!

We offer the university community quality consulting on oral presentations, improving public speaking skills for both academic and professional development! We are insightful, enthusiastic and love to see others succeed whether it is in class or in your profession. We are committed to creating confident, successful public speakers in not only your academic life, but also in your professional life. We provide an active-learning environment where students and staff are engaged in the process of speech research, speech-writing skills, and delivery. We are open to all undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and provide support to faculty through in-class workshops on speech-related topics.

The ACS Skill Center goes beyond public speaking assistance for class assignment preparation, and includes advance planning for these communication-related topics:  


We offer one-on-one guided sessions, group sessions, or in-class workshops to aid students, faculty, and staff on these topics and more!

  • how to present at a conference 

  • how to improve public speaking skills and all things encircling public speaking such as topic selection, outlines, presentational aids, and delivery

  • how to manage speaking anxiety

  • how to increase confidence with speaking

  • how to defend your senior thesis or capstone course project

  • how to present report findings by faculty and student researchers 

  • how to promote for your upcoming broadcast appearance such as guest appearances on podcasts

  • how to look better on camera

  • how to create or enhance social media content and presence

  • how to work effectively in a group 

  • how to handle and address conflict

  • how to present polished, professional, clear, and effective emails or texts or other digital conversations

  • how to confront others about performance issues, interpersonal issueshow to have a difficult conversation

  • how to improve conversational skills during interviews, negotiations, and health issues

  • how to be a better listener

  • how to resolve interpersonal conflict 

  • how to deal with difficult people

  • how to advocate for your own needs

  • how to set limits and boundaries

  • how to speak courageously

  • how to have a healthy conversation around race, gender, and equity

Enhancing your skills around these topics will go beyond the class assignment preparation to help you:

  • increase student achievement outside academia

  • enhance your work relationships

  • strengthen your interpersonal relationships

  • build and maintain close relationships and intimacy

  • reduce the risk of feeling uncomfortable causing procrastination

  • become engaging

  • make a difference

Mili Pinski
B.S. in Applied Communication Studies
Graduate School Areas of Study: Public Relations & Interpersonal Communication

Quote to live by… “Treat people with kindness.” – Harry Styles

Areas of specialty… I love a good intro and outro, and I love teaching the importance of them!”


If you’re interested in working with us or would like more info, please fill out the form below! We will be in touch!

contact info

Email: ACS_SkillCenter@siue.edu

Location: 3rd floor of Alumni Hall, Room 3101

We’re always looking for talented people with a heart to help!

If you’re interested in becoming a Skill Center Coach email, cskelly@siue.edu.