Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies

UF Giving Day

Thank you for supporting the William & Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies at UF as we celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2026! For the past 30 years, the ...

Spring 2026 Dial Center Newsletter

Welcome to a new semester and a very important milestone in Dial Center history: the 30th anniversary of the Dial Center’s founding!

Letter from the Director

Dear students, colleagues, alumni and friends of the Dial Center,    Welcome to a new semester and a very important milestone in Dial Center history! As we kick off 2026, we also ...

Dial at 30: Celebrating 30 years of communication at the Dial Center

By Emma Harrington   This year, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies will mark a major milestone: its 30th anniversary. The celebration, Dial at 30, will commemorate ...

To learn, lead and communicate with impact: Ambassador Leadership Program

By: Victoria Riccobono   “How was your break?!”   Walking into class, you see the familiar faces of your peers and friends, the same people you have learned and grown with for the past ...

Persuasion and Social Influence with Dennis McCarty

A new communication course for the spring semester By: Morgan Kelley   In an era defined by information overload, the power of effective persuasion has never been greater, yet its impact has steadily ...

From Vision to Action: Leadership lessons with Dr. Robert Shettler

By: Elizabeth Keijl   This fall, students in the Ambassador Leadership Program welcomed Dr. Robert Shettler, founder of the Florida Leadership Center. He shared insights on leadership and its role in personal ...

Event planning course returns!

Hands-on learning with Amy Martinelli By: Veronica Ramirez   This Spring, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies reintroduces a course: Event Planning. The class, taught by Professor Amy ...

Different Journeys – Shared Experience 

Alumni reflect on the program that shaped their journey By: Layah Singh   UF’s William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies encourages its students to embrace their passions and use ...

Fall 2025 Dial Center Newsletter

Welcome back to a new school year! As you can see in our fall newsletter, we have been busy here in the Dial Center since the spring newsletter came out.

Letter From the Director

Dear students, colleagues, alumni and friends of the Dial Center, Welcome back to a new school year! As you can see in our fall newsletter, we have been busy here in ...

What does the future hold for the Dial Center? Rolfs Hall renovations

By: Morgan Kelley Rolfs Hall is home to the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies. The historic building includes a multitude of spaces: classrooms, offices, a communication ...

Directing the new wave of leaders: Anisah Ari, Ph.D., starts as new director of ALP

By: Victoria Riccobono The William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies welcomes Anisah Ari, Ph.D., as the new director of the Ambassador Leadership Program. With experience in communication ...

Impromptu inspirations through public “Hope Speeches”

By: Layah Singh An average weekday for a student on campus means walking past student organization recruiters in Turlington and the noise of religious converters in the heart of the Plaza ...

Opening the door to dialogue: Benjamin Gaddis, Ph.D., joins the Dial Center with a mission to make conversations count

By: Emma Harrington This fall, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies welcomes Benjamin Gaddis, Ph.D., as a new assistant instructional professor. Specializing in interpersonal conflict communication, ...

Dial Center speech & debate director and alumnus win big at American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST)

By: Veronica Ramirez The William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies offers congratulations to Amy Martinelli, Ph.D., and alumnus Eric White. Their outstanding achievements were recognized during the ...

Veteran coach and rhetorician, Jordan Johnson, Ph.D., joins the Dial Center as the new assistant director of speech & debate

By: Elizabeth Keijl This fall, the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communications Studies welcomes Jordan Johnson, Ph.D., as the new assistant director for the Speech and Debate Society. ...

Finding your voice: An alumna spotlight with Pooja Manjakandy

By: Layah Singh Finding your voice in a new environment can be difficult. At the University of Florida, it can feel even harder with the many opportunities available and the uncertainties ...

Apply to be part of the TEDxUF team!

Apply by Monday, Sept. 15 to be part of the TEDxUF student team. Led by a director, the team will make the Spring 2026 TEDxUF a reality with a range of options for participation, from Creative to Social Media to Production. Apply to be part of the TEDxUF team today!

Communications’ evolution: how CLAS programs are leading the charge

Students are reclaiming the lost art of communication – one Hope Speech, heartfelt essay, and civil debate at a time.

Dial Center Director Featured on NPR/WUFT “Tell Me About It” Podcast

Dial Center Director Dr. Emily Rine Butler shares how the center equips individuals with the communication tools needed to take on tasks involving conflict management, networking, group decision making, interviewing, consultation, persuasion, and communicating with and through technology.

ALP Application Deadline Reminder

The deadline for applications for our Ambassador Leadership Program is this Sunday, April 6th! Please consider applying!! Please follow this link to apply! Read more "ALP Application Deadline Reminder"

Spring 2025 Dial Center Newsletter

Check out the Spring 2025 Dial Center Newsletter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events! Spring 2025 Newsletter Read more "Spring 2025 Dial Center Newsletter"

Fall 2024 Dial Center Newsletter

Check out the Fall 2024 Dial Center News Letter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events! Read more "Fall 2024 Dial Center Newsletter"

Dial Center will be virtual on Fridays for the summer

Trying to find us on a Friday? No worries! We are working from a distance. The Dial Center will be open virtually on Friday’s until the end of the summer. Please ...

“Advisor of the Year” Finalist

Congratulations to Dial Center faculty member and Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Pasha Agoes, for being names a 2024 Finalist for “Advisor of the Year” by the Department of Student Activities and Involvement!

Hope Speeches – April 10 2-4 pm. at the Plaza of the Americas

What is the good being done in the world? And what can you tell your peers? At the University of Florida, different majors and student organizations are constantly making innovative progress in medicine, environmental technology, civil rights, etc. We shouldn’t keep this to ourselves!

TEDxUF’s 15th Annual Conference, April 6

Join us at the TEDxUF annual conference! TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Thanks for having Dial Center as the faculty speaker mentors!

A Legacy Woven in Words: Dial Center Receives a New Name

In 2024, the Dial Center’s continued evolution has been recognized by being renamed the William & Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies. Whether known for “Written & Oral Communication” or “Speech and Communication Studies”, the Dial Center continues to honor the Dial legacy.

Accepting Applications for the Ambassador Leadership Program now through April 7!

The Dial Center Ambassador Leadership Program is a two-year program designed to provide our students with a hands-on leadership and service experience. Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application and interview process.

Spring 2024 Dial Center News Letter

Check out the Spring 2024 Dial Center News Letter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events! Read more "Spring 2024 Dial Center News Letter"

Dial Center Summer & Fall 2024 Pre-Registration Event

At the Dial Center's Registration Event on March 21, you will be able to register early for Summer & Fall 2024 Communication Studies classes, and more!

Public Debate on the Solution for Global Food Insecurity

UF’s Office of Public Policy Events in partnership with the William and Grace Dial Center for Speech and Communication Studies and with support the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is pleased to welcome the public to this free event on February 5.

Spring 2024 Pre-Registration Event, October 19, Thursday 3-4PM, Rolfs 207

Spring 2024 Pre-Registration Event, October 19, Thursday 3-4PM, Rolfs 207 At the Dial Center’s Pre-Registration event, you will be able to: Register early for Spring 2024 Communication Studies classes. Meet the faculty & ...

Kellie Roberts awarded the Lloyd Rohler Career Teaching Award

Kellie Roberts is being honored with the Lloyd Rohler Career Teaching Award from the Carolinas Communication Association. The Carolinas Communication Association promotes the study of communication in the Carolinas and across the region.

Faculty honored with “Top Paper” Awards at NCA

Dennis McCarty & Gil Carter received "Top Paper" awards at the upcoming National Communication Association (NCA) annual conference. Dr. Dennis McCarty is being Awarded in the “Communication & Social Cognition” division. Dr. Gil Carter is being awarded 2 “Top Student Paper” Awards in 2 different divisions, "Public Address” and “Political Communication”.

Fall 2023 Dial Center News Letter

Check out the Fall 2023 Dial Center News Letter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events! Read more "Fall 2023 Dial Center News Letter"

Student Activities and Involvement Advisor of the Year

The Dial Center's Kellie Roberts has been named Advisor of the Year, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of a student organization advisor to a student organization. Congratulations, Kellie!

Dial Center Summer/Fall 2023 Pre-Registration is March 23!

Register early for Summer & Fall 2023 Communication Studies classes, meet the faculty & ask questions about their spring courses, and get the inside scoop from students.

Deadline for Ambassador Leadership Program Applications is March 27!

The Dial Center Ambassador Leadership Program is a two-year program designed to provide our students with a hands-on leadership and service experience. Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application and interview process.

Kellie Roberts Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Speech and Debate

The Dial Center's Director of Forensics and Instructional Professor Kellie Roberts has been named the 2022 recipient of the Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha Lifetime Achievement Award.

Emily Rine Butler Weighs in on Baby Naming

What are this year's most popular baby names, and why? Hear from our center's director in the popular parenting magazine, "Romper". Emily teaches an entire course on naming practices.

Amy Martinelli Awarded Grant to Create Open Source Materials for Public Speaking

With support from the UF Center for Teaching Excellence and the George A. Smathers Libraries, The Affordable UF Initiative announces recipients of Affordable Access for Student Success Course Transformation Grant.

Alarmed by A.I. Chatbots, Universities Start Revamping How They Teach

Sid Dobrin, chair of the English department, offers his perspective as the rise of a popular new chatbot shakes up teaching and learning. (Photo courtesy of the New York Times)

PRE-REGISTRATION EVENT

Please join us on October 20th @ 3:00PM Rolfs 207 for our Spring 2023 Preregistration event. Read more "PRE-REGISTRATION EVENT"

Fall 2022 Dial Center News Letter

Check out the Fall 2022 Dial Center News Letter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events. Read more "Fall 2022 Dial Center News Letter"

Dial Center Spring Social

Come join us this Saturday, April 9th from 4-5PM for our  Spring Social event (and the final event for the Communication Challenge) at Lake Wauburg (North Shore entrance). Join us ...

Summer/Fall 2022 Pre Registration

Join the Dial Center for our Pre Registration event! March 17 3-4PM. Sign up for Summer and Fall 2022 Communication courses! Meet the professors and ambassadors to get the inside scoop ...

Open House Game Night

Come Join us (Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 4-5PM) for the kick-off event of the 2022 Comm challenge! Meet your peers and enjoy a night of fun and games. Plus, you ...

Spring 2022 Dial Center Newsletter

Check out the Spring 2022 Dial Center Newsletter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center and learn about our upcoming events. Read more "Spring 2022 Dial Center Newsletter"

Ambassadors Food Drive Fall 2021

Ambassadors Food Drive Fall 2021 Read more "Ambassadors Food Drive Fall 2021"

Fall 2021 Dial Center Newsletter

Check out the Fall 2021 Issue of the Dial Center’s Newsletter. See what’s happening in the Dial Center, learn about our upcoming events, meet our new director and associate director, see ...

In Loving Memory of Dr. Stephanie Webster

Read more "In Loving Memory of Dr. Stephanie Webster"

2021 Speakers Forum

Join us for the The Dial Center 2021 Speakers Forum Sunday, March 21st at 2:00 pm via Zoom:  https://ufl.zoom.us/j/94576787350  … This event, run by the Dial Center Ambassadors and co-sponsored by the Dial Center ...

Spring 2021 Dial Center Newsletter

See all of our upcoming events and get an inside look on some of the courses we offer from our Faculty!

Summer/Fall 2021 Pre-Registration

UF Communication Studies Pre-Registration WHEN: Tuesday, March 16th at 4:30 pm  WHERE: Zoom (link will be available on the following website) Pre-Register for courses here: https://dialcenter.clas.ufl.edu/courses/pre-registration/ Not sure which classes to take? No problem! At the event, ...

Ambassador Information Session

Make the most of your UF experience…become a Dial Center Ambassador! Join us on Tuesday, November 17 to learn more about the Ambassador Leadership Program and find out how YOU can ...

Grad Night 2020: Alumni Panel

On November 4 at 7:00 pm, a panel of UF alumni will share tips and insights on applying to graduate school and landing the job of your dreams.

Read more "Grad Night 2020: Alumni Panel"

Register Early for Spring 2021

Register EARLY for your Spring 2021 Communication Studies courses! 

Join us at the Communication Studies Pre-Registration Event. 

Read more "Register Early for Spring 2021"

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Fear of Public Speaking

Research shows that the fear of public speaking is ranked number six of all the fears late adolescents face.

The Dial Center offers UF students several tools for overcoming these fears. 

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Public Speaking Lab

The Public Speaking lab offers assistance to those seeking to develop effective speaking skills across academic disciplines.

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Dial Center History

Well-known Orlando lawyer and SunBank founder William Dial and his family made CLAS a $500,000 gift to endow the Center for Written and Oral Communication (CWOC). Copyright Alumni CLASNotes, 1998. Born ...

Library-Internet Research Course

LIS2001 offers to teach students skills they can use in every class they take at UF.   Get to know your way around information at UF vital to your courses and ...

Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication

The William and Grace Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication assists in preparing University of Florida students to speak and write effectively using the major conventions governing the presentation of knowledge in their chosen disciplines.

Read more "Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication"