Decolonizing Public Speaking

Carlos de Cuba; Cheyenne Seymour; Poppy Seymour

doi:10.29173/isotl886

Authors

Carlos de Cuba Kingsborough Community College https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3497-137X
Cheyenne Seymour Bronx Community College https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0106-8182
Poppy Seymour LaGuardia Community College https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5012-8114

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/isotl886

Keywords:

decolonizing pedagogy, linguistic justice, speaker authenticity, public speaking assessment

Abstract

This paper takes a critical approach towards public speaking assignments and courses that perpetuate colonial perspectives and values. We explore how standard language ideology creates disadvantages for students from marginalized language backgrounds while privileging Western communication norms. In this context, we investigate the tension between speaker authenticity and audience adaptation, particularly for diverse student populations navigating academic and professional contexts. The paper proposes concrete alternatives to behaviour-based assessment through outcomes-based rubrics and reflective self-assessment practices that honour linguistic and cultural diversity while maintaining academic rigor. By reimagining public speaking pedagogy through a decolonial lens, educators can create more equitable learning environments that value diverse communication styles without sacrificing effectiveness.

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Author Biographies

Carlos de Cuba, Kingsborough Community College

Dr. Carlos de Cuba, has a PhD in Linguistics and an MA in TESOL. He is an Associate Professor of Speech Communication at Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York. His research focus is in applied and theoretical linguistics, including a focus on linguistic justice.

Cheyenne Seymour, Bronx Community College

Dr. Cheyenne Seymour, EdD, is an Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at Bronx Community College of the City University of New York. Her research focuses on public speaking, rhetoric, and social media.

Poppy Seymour, LaGuardia Community College

Dr. Poppy Slocum, has a PhD in Linguistics from Stony Brook University and is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at LaGuardia Community College, CUNY. She is committed to integrating sociolinguistic insights into communication pedagogy.

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