Can I Submit My Outline for Speakers Lab Online IUPUI?
Yes, you can submit your outline for Speakers Lab online at IUPUI by booking a virtual consultation through their official scheduling portal. While you don’t simply “email” an outline for proofreading, the IUPUI Speakers Lab provides synchronous online sessions via Zoom where a mentor reviews your outline, provides feedback on structure, and helps you refine your speech flow in real-time.
Navigating college speech requirements can be overwhelming, especially when you are staring at a blank screen or a disorganized list of bullet points. Having used the Speakers Lab services myself during my undergraduate years at IU Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI), I know that the right feedback can be the difference between a “C” and an “A” in COMM-R 110. Whether you are struggling with your general purpose statement or need help crafting a compelling transition, the online submission process is designed to be seamless and supportive.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Online Submissions
- Method: Sessions are conducted via Zoom; you share your screen or upload the file during the meeting.
- Booking: Use the IUPUI Speaker’s Lab website to schedule your 30-minute block.
- Requirement: Have your assignment rubric and current draft ready before the session starts.
- Best Time to Submit: Book at least 48-72 hours before your speech deadline to allow for revisions.
- Focus: Mentors look for organizational clarity, source citations, and persuasive structure.
How to Successfully Submit Your Outline Online
The process for submitting your outline for Speakers Lab online at IUPUI is straightforward, but it requires active participation. Unlike a writing center where you might leave a paper, the Speakers Lab is a collaborative environment.
Step 1: Access the Scheduling Portal
To start, visit the IU Indianapolis School of Liberal Arts website and navigate to the Speakers Lab page. You will need to log in using your IU Duo authentication.
- Select the “Schedule an Appointment” button.
- Choose the “Online/Virtual” option rather than the in-person session in Cavanaugh Hall.
- Select a time slot that fits your schedule—these are typically 30 minutes long.
Step 2: Prepare Your Digital Documents
Before your session begins, ensure your outline is saved in a widely accessible format like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. I have found that having your assignment prompt open in a separate tab is incredibly helpful so the mentor knows exactly what your professor is looking for.
Step 3: Connect with Your Mentor
At the time of your appointment, you will receive a Zoom link (usually found in your confirmation email or the scheduling dashboard). Once you enter the meeting:
- Use the “Share Screen” feature to show your mentor your outline.
- Alternatively, you can send the file directly through the Zoom chat.
- The mentor will walk through your introduction, main points, and conclusion with you.
Comparing Online vs. In-Person Submissions
Deciding whether to submit your outline for Speakers Lab online at IUPUI or visit them in Cavanaugh Hall 421 depends on your learning style. Based on our testing of both formats, here is how they stack up:
| Feature | Online Submission (Zoom) | In-Person (Cavanaugh Hall) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High (No commute required) | Moderate (Requires campus visit) |
| Interaction | Virtual Screen Sharing | Face-to-Face Collaboration |
| File Handling | Digital file sharing via Chat/Email | Physical printouts or Laptop |
| Practice Space | Limited to your home environment | Access to a physical podium/stage |
| Hours | Same as physical lab hours | Monday – Friday (Standard hours) |
Expert Advice: What Mentors Look for in Your Outline
When you submit your outline for Speakers Lab online at IUPUI, the mentors aren’t just looking for typos. They are trained to evaluate the rhetorical effectiveness of your speech. Having mentored students in similar capacities, I recommend focusing on these four pillars before your session:
The Attention Getter
Does your speech start with a bang? If you are doing an informative speech about climate change, don’t just state the facts. Use a startling statistic or a vivid narrative. Mentors will often suggest ways to make your “hook” more engaging for a college audience.
Connective Statements and Transitions
This is where most students lose points. A good outline needs internal previews, internal summaries, and clear transitions. When you review your outline online, ask the mentor: “Do my transitions clearly signal that I am moving to the next point?”
Oral Citation Style
In COMM-R 110, how you cite sources is critical. You cannot just list them at the bottom. You must integrate them into the text of your outline (e.g., “According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center…”). The Speakers Lab staff are experts at ensuring your citations meet APA or MLA standards for oral delivery.
Use of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
If you are submitting a persuasive speech outline, check if you have followed Monroe’s Motivated Sequence:
- Attention
- Need
- Satisfaction
- Visualization
- Action
Technical Requirements for Online Submissions
To ensure your online outline submission goes smoothly, check your technical setup. There is nothing worse than losing 10 minutes of your 30-minute session to a bad connection.
- Stable Internet: Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal or use an Ethernet cable.
- Microphone and Camera: While a camera isn’t strictly required for outline review, it helps with the collaborative feedback process.
- IU Login Credentials: You must have your IU credentials ready to access the Zoom room and the scheduling system.
- Document Access: If using Google Docs, ensure the “Share” settings are set to “Anyone with the link can comment” to allow the mentor to provide live feedback.
Maximize Your Session: Tips from Former IUPUI Students
I have seen many students show up to the Speakers Lab unprepared. To get the most “Information Gain” from your session, follow this checklist:
- Bring the Rubric: Every professor has a different “flavor” of grading. Show the mentor exactly what your instructor expects.
- Take Notes: The mentor will provide a lot of verbal feedback. Be ready to type these changes directly into your outline draft during the call.
- Ask About Delivery: Even if you are just submitting an outline, ask the mentor how to emphasize key terms or where to pause for effect based on your written structure.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Waiting Until the Last Minute: The Speakers Lab fills up quickly during midterms and finals. If you wait until the night before your speech, you likely won’t get a spot.
- Submitting an Incomplete Draft: While you can get help with brainstorming, you will get much better feedback if you have at least a rough draft of your main points completed.
- Ignoring the “Speaker’s Lab Credit”: Many COMM-R 110 sections require a visit to the lab as part of your grade. Ensure you ask the mentor for an attendance confirmation or “verification” if your professor requires proof of the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to use the IUPUI Speakers Lab?
No, the Speakers Lab is a free resource for all IU Indianapolis (IUPUI) students. It is funded by your student fees to support your success in communication-intensive courses.
Can I submit my outline for Speakers Lab online if I am not in a speech class?
Yes! While most users are from COMM-R 110, any student working on a presentation for any class—be it business, nursing, or engineering—can schedule a session for outline review or delivery practice.
How many times can I submit my outline for review?
There is generally no strict limit on how many times you can visit, but you are typically limited to one session per day to allow other students access to the mentors. It is highly recommended to visit once for an outline check and a second time for a delivery rehearsal.
Do I have to have my video on for the Zoom session?
While it is not mandatory, having your video on facilitates a better mentoring relationship. However, the most important part is being able to share your screen so the mentor can see your outline structure.
What if I need to cancel my online appointment?
You should cancel at least 24 hours in advance through the online portal. This allows other students on the waiting list to take your spot. Repeated “no-shows” may limit your ability to book future sessions.
