|
Hauth
Center videotaping improves interviewing
skills
By
Nai Saephan
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
The Hauth Center for communication skills at Cal State Long Beach helps students
conquer fears of interviews and learn the secrets of becoming a better communicator.
The Center has a variety of resources available to aid undergraduate students
in overcoming fears of job interviews. One technique employed is videotaping.
As described by Tim Plax, the new administrative director of the Center, students
are recorded as they interact with an interviewer. At the end of the session,
the student and interviewer sit down together to watch the video. During this
process, students learn about their strengths and weakness.
From there, they can learn what to do to improve on their communication skills.
“
Public speaking is and can be an unnerving event…even as a communications
major, I sometimes still find myself nervous before delivering a speech,” Christina
Kelada, a senior communication major said.
She also said she noticed a difference between practicing at home and practicing
with a professional.
“
After [videotaping] not only was I able to see my own mistakes and nervous
habit,” Kelada said. “Now, I believe it is one thing to practice
in front of a mirror and another in front of a person who can tell you what
you really need to hear.”
Miguel Jimenez, a sophomore business administration major, also said the process
improves a person’s ability to communicate.
“
As a business major, you have to know how to communicate effectively and the
Hauth Center helps you to do just that,” he said. “They sit down
with you after the videotaping and they go over with you about how you moved
too much, [if] your speech was too fast or if you stumbled on your words.”
The idea for the Center originated over 5 years ago. Passionate about education
and their ability to continue to provide assistance long after they were gone,
Luster Hauth, 92, a retired professor from CSULB, and his wife, Audrey, donated
$1 million to the College of Liberal Arts to create the center, Plax said.
For the last 5.5 years, the Center has been funded by the College of Liberal
Arts. The Hauth Center has sustained and continues to maintain its presence,
primarily assisting undergraduate students with their communication skills.
“
We see what they are and what it could be. The goal now is to expand the Center
in providing support for faculty members, staff, administrators and even to
the local community,” Plax said. “… My dream and vision is
to leave behind a legacy beyond my years, to create a foundation for the future,
a development of better communicators through the Hauth Center.”
The Hauth Center is located LAB-200, adjacent to the McIintosh building. For
more information or to schedule an appointment, call (562) 985-7142 Monday
through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to noon.
|
