IAA Oral Communication instructor Chelley Molinaro loves to talk—so when I asked her to answer a few questions about herself, she was more than happy to share some personal tidbits. Among other musings, here’s what she has to say about speaking off-the-cuff, the importance of looking at the bright side, and America’s Great Communicator.
1) What's one interesting fun fact you learned about one of your IAA colleagues?
Before the winter break began, I learned that Amy loves to crochet. I was super excited to hear this because I too enjoy crocheting. The fun part is that we are able to share techniques and patterns since our offices are right next to each other.
2) What word or phrase best describes you?
Positive. I am the type of person that only looks at the glass as half full. I always have felt that replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is a better way to live your life.
3) If you could meet one famous rhetorical figure/person, who would it be and why?
Ronald Reagan. Whenever I need that boost of confidence, that feeling that I will conquer all of my goals, and I must keep going, that I must fight for what I believe in, I listen to the “We must fight” portion of his “A Time for Choosing” speech.
4) What's one thing a student of yours taught you? Why was that a teachable moment for you?
In my first semester at UMD I did many impromptu speeches. I have always felt they were important because it gives the students a chance to practice the information I have provided them with. At the end of that semester, in my evaluations, I received a review from a student stating that he/she felt I had too many impromptu speeches in the class.
I was concerned by this and immediately decided to change my tactics. On a Tuesday morning in the following semester, after we had already presented one impromptu speech and discussed how one should deliver an impromptu speech, I was approached by a student before class time. She explained how when she left class the Thursday prior, she ran into a tour group and was asked to say a few words regarding a certain program she was in. She said she was thankful that I had made her do the impromptu speech in the class and learn how to deliver one because it helped her deliver one in this real life circumstance.
This moment taught me to always trust my gut. I know how difficult impromptu speaking can be, but it is one of those occurrences that we are never prepared for and it is important to practice and discuss them for real life events.
5) What's the most exciting part about working at UMD?
The students are amazing and exceptionally intelligent. I am just thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them. I love seeing their progress from the first speech they deliver to their final speech. They are so eager to learn and have an incredible amount of spirit!
6) If life were a series of speeches--the topics of which you got to choose---what topic would you talk about and why?
The importance of evidence. In many different situations throughout everyday life, individuals come in contact with others’ personal values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Whether you have to argue a point for a college paper or during a political discussion with friends, it is important to make sure that before you express your own opinions, you have the appropriate evidence to back up your statements.
7) What's one aspect about the IAA that you'd like to learn more about?
I would love to sit down and pick Ken Ingram’s mind with regards to a specific topic. I have a front yard and slightly larger back yard and for years I have tried to grow grass in these areas with no luck. I have heard that Ken was able to assist another colleague with this and I would be ecstatic to learn certain techniques and products I can use so that I can finally have grass in my yard!
8) What's an interesting fact about you?
As I mentioned before, I spend a lot of my free time crocheting. I mainly crochet small items for friends and family. However, I have considered recently to begin my first blanket! I am quite the handy man in my household and I enjoy working out. A final interesting fact about me is that I have a 160 pound Great Dane.
