Get To Know OCC COnsultant Jayne Samborn
April 1, 2026
By Emma DeSantis
Jayne Samborn
Senior, government & politics and communication double major.
Jayne Samborn is one of the knowledgeable, dedicated, and supportive peer consultants at the OCC. She answered some questions for me regarding her role as a mentor in the OCC.
“My name is Jayne Samborn, I’m a senior double majoring in Government & Politics and Communication. I am a mentor and consultant at the OCC.”
Why did you choose to become a part of the OCC?
“I had some friends who loved their experiences here. It seemed like a great way to gain more experience in social media and workshop planning while also getting to help students.”
What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie is The Princess Diaries!”
What would you say is your worst habit when presenting/speaking publicly?
“My worst public speaking habit is upspeaking, which is when your voice gets higher at the end of a sentence. This makes it seem like you are asking a question and takes away from your argument. A previous boss I had often pointed it out to help me stop.”
How do you think an OCC session is more beneficial to a client than practicing on their own?
“Coming to the OCC gives you another perspective on your presentation. When you’re practicing, you’re focusing on what you’re saying or doing rather than how it comes across. In the OCC, we can take note of your presentation overall and can see things you might not notice.”
Practicing in front of other people, especially in front a supportive audience such as consultants at the OCC, helps increase self-confidence, lowers anxiety, more easily highlights areas for improvement, and helps manage unexpected circumstances. Practicing alone is great, but it’s comfortable. The nervousness you may feel when practicing in front of others can actually enhance your performance!
How can a client apply what they learned in an OCC session to future situations?
“Speaking skills are important in all aspects of life. Learning to use the right tone, body language, or argument format can be helpful.”
What would you say to a client who says that they’re embarrassed to practice their presentation or speech with you?
“We’re not here to judge you; we’re here to support you however you want us to.”
What advice do you have for a client who feels like they aren’t prepared for the meeting?
“Where do you want to start today? We can brainstorm ideas, work on the outline, or try presenting. Wherever you’re at is where we can start.”
What would you do to help a client whose presentation is unfinished?
“See what their next step is and go from there. If they need help with their outline or research guidance, we can pick up where they left off.”
What is the tip that you give to almost every client?
“When working on memorization, practice 10 times in 1 day. The first 5 times you should strictly read your script or notes. For the next 3, practice without looking at your notes, but keep them nearby if you need to glance at them. The final 2 times you should try to get through without any notes (even if you’re allowed to have them during the presentation). This helps you slowly build confidence in what you’re saying.”
This is a great tip! By gradually removing reliance on notes, you are building your confidence and improving learning, as Proven by a study published by Cambridge University Press.
As Jayne highlights, OCC peer consultants work hard to create a judgment free zone where you can feel comfortable to improve your communication skills. They will meet you wherever you are.
Book your appointment with the OCC today!