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 discussion, 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.

Spring 2025 SPA Schedule in the Writing Center

  • Sundays 7:00pm to 9:30pm
  • Mondays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and 6:30pm to 10:30pm
  • Tuesdays 7:00pm to 10:30pm
  • Wednesdays 6:30pm to 9:30pm
  • Thursdays 1:30pm to 4:00pm, and 6:30pm to 10:30pm

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 white boxes (each pair is an appointment slot) and complete the appointment form. A confirmation email will be sent once appointment form is submitted. 

To get more information on the Program, please contact the Writing Program Director,  Professor Alba Newmann Holmes at aholmes2@swarthmore.edu. 

Introductions and Conclusions
Oral Delivery Drills
Transitions