Eloquentia Perfecta: Performing Public Speaking to Enhance Scientific Presentation Skills of Pharmacy Students

Abstract

The Jesuits know the importance of words and their delivery, both on the page and orally, which is why they place heavy emphasis on “perfect eloquence,” or eloquentia perfecta . It was in the spirit of the adjustment of words with a sensitivity to patients ’ needs that inspired, Eloquencia Perfecta – Speaking in Public, a public speaking performance class session within the graduate pharmacy curriculum at Regis University. The courses described herein are part of the core curriculum within the School of Pharmacy. They place emphasis on not only understanding the science of what the students are communicating, but how they communicate. Students are taught to focus on their communication soft skills (written, verbal, listening) which are intimately connected to the building of empathy and trust with peers and patients. These communication goals are achieved, in part, because the instructors utilize eloquentia perfecta . This article provides the details of the development process and iterations of changes that led to the current version of the performance class that keeps our students focused on the unique human connections and virtues in their work. The class has been well-received by students and an enhancement to their thought process on how to prepare for presentations in person and virtually.