Winter Intensive

2026 OCC Winter Intensive

Dates: January 14-18, 2026

Workshops 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday

Individually scheduled tutoring sessions Friday-Sunday

This free winter intensive program will guide students step by step through the speech creation process. Students with all levels of public speaking experience can gain new insights into the speech-making process and leave the Intensive with a complete speech that fits the requirements for the Public Speaking Competition. Students who do not intend to enter the Competition are still welcome to join us to develop fundamental speaking skills.

This 5-day workshop includes guidance from Hamilton alumni, faculty, and peer tutors, including the OCC Director Dr. Amy Gaffney.

Students who take part in the Intensive can expect personalized attention, one-on-one support, and group activities to develop speaking skills that can transfer into a variety of contexts. See the tentative schedule below for more details.

All Hamilton students who will be on-campus in Spring 2026 are eligible to participate in the OCC’s Winter Intensive. The OCC will register participants for an early arrival back on campus; Community Living will confirm exact details of your return to campus. All meals will be covered by the OCC.

Interested?

Applications are open now through Monday, November 3 at 12 noon and can be found here.

Students who may have increased costs associated with traveling to campus early are eligible for a travel stipend. More information about the travel stipend and the expectations associated with receiving a stipend can be found on the application form. 

Questions? There will be open office hours in the OCC (KJ 222) at the following dates and times: October 14 from 3:30-5 pm, October 24 from 11 am- 1 pm, October 27 from 11 am- 1 pm, and October 30 from 3:30-5 pm. You may also email oralcomm@hamilton.edu any time with questions!

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the Intensive no later than November 7. 

Tentative Schedule

January 14

On the first day, you will engage with the fundamentals of developing effective persuasive speaking topics, learn about how to adapt to your audience, and analyze what makes a speech persuasive. You will work with other participants and OCC tutors to analyze speeches and begin to develop your own topic.

January 15

On the second day, you will begin to draft your individual speech. Small groups will serve as sounding boards to discuss which strategies you want to employ in your speech. You will begin rehearsing delivery as your content comes together.

January 16-18

Now that you’ve developed material, you will work with your program tutor and small group to rehearse and refine your speech. You will meet with your tutor at least twice over this period and take part in a group consultation with the OCC Director. If you wish to enter the Public Speaking Competition, you can also use the OCC’s facilities to record your preliminary round entry.