get to Know OCC Director Raphael
By Farrah Reza, Abi Jones, Zoe Oh
BACKGROUND:
What made you want to lead the OCC?
Raph didn’t originally want to do it; they handed it to him in 2019 to minimize overall team turnover. As the oral communication program and curriculum changed, the team figured it would be easiest to keep it in-house rather than bring in someone new who would have to learn two jobs at once.
What is your favorite part of the OCC?
Raph’s favorite part is consultant development and growth over the course of the semester. He feels that it doesn't matter where each individual starts; the growth is by far the most rewarding.
STUDENT GUIDE:
In what ways do you think a student can benefit from the OCC the most?
He thinks that communication skills require constant work. It isn't like riding a bike; we grow as humans, so anything we did in the past is in the past. Understanding that progression, and that there is not one correct way to do it, is the benefit. He thinks that trial and error is the best teacher.
What is your biggest public speaking tip?
He shared that being prepared shows the highest return on investment.
If a student is new to the OCC, what would you tell them to expect? Is there one part of the OCC or resource in the OCC that you wish more students knew about?
Raph thinks that students should expect to first feel doubt and uncertainty, but then a positive emotional response because they get to see how their work improves. It is a process that is tangible and felt throughout.
What is a common misconception in the communications discipline that often comes up in your classes?
Raph shares that it is not necessarily a misconception, but in his mind, practical application is just as important as theoretical implications.
How do you think AI is changing communications or the way students communicate?
Raph feels that it is changing critical thinking in a way that cannot be ignored. He believes it is too easy to get AN answer, so we never interrogate whether it is the RIGHT answer.
What is one thing every student should do before giving a presentation?
He says that everyone gets nervous. It is important to understand why you do, and you can turn a negative into a positive outcome.
What is one thing every non-communication student should know?
Raph says that: “Studying communication does not mean you are good at communicating, and vice versa.”
Do you think anyone and everyone should visit the OCC and can benefit from it?
He absolutely encourages this, as everyone can benefit from the work. Insert some metaphor about tending to a garden or watering a plant. He compares growth to tending to a garden; you have to keep watering what you want to bloom, meaning it takes time to see progress.
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