SPAs (Speaking Associates)

Teacher presenting to a student

Speaking Associates are Writing Associates (WAs) who are trained to help students with their presentations. SPAs work with students on the structure of their ideas and arguments, their oral delivery, and their visual aids in a variety of capacities, including preparing final presentations, leading seminar discussions, presenting research in progress, or pitching a grant proposal. SPAs have worked with students to present their research at Senior Showcase, SWAT Tank, and class presentations. To get more information on the Program, please contact the Writing Program Director,  Professor Alba Newmann Holmes at aholmes2@swarthmore.edu. 

Fall 2026 SPA Appointment Hours:

  • Sundays 6:30pm to 10:30pm
  • Mondays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and 6:30pm to 10:30pm
  • Tuesdays 6:30pm to 9:30pm
  • Wednesdays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and 6:30pm to 10:30pm
  • Thursdays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Icon for appointment link button Direct link to our scheduling platform (WCOnline): swarthmore.mywconline.com

Speaking Associates are available for conferences in the Writing Center or by special request. To make an appointment via the Writing Center, go to swarthmore.mywconline.com, or go to “MySwat” > “Student Information” tab > “Schedule an Appointment with the Writing Program”.

Once on the scheduling platform “WCOnline”- click the link for Speaking Associates (SPAs). Click on an open pair of white boxes (each pair is an appointment slot) and complete the appointment form. A confirmation email will be sent once the appointment form is submitted. 

Introductions and Conclusions
Oral Delivery Drills
Transitions