Over the course of three guest lecture sessions, students in the IBBA program at National Sun Yat-sen University had the privilege of learning from Dr. Jean Chow, an accomplished educator and communication specialist with extensive expertise in public speaking, persuasion, and performance-based communication. Through a carefully structured series of talks, Dr. Chow guided students through the essential elements of effective speech delivery, focusing on non- verbal expression, Monroe’s strategies for gaining attention, and visualization as a persuasive tool.

Dr. Chow began by introducing the importance of non-verbal expressions, emphasizing that powerful communication extends far beyond words alone. Drawing on examples from professional speeches and performance training, she highlighted how stage use, body movement, and vocal variety shape audience perception. Referencing the idea that “words mean more than what is set down on paper,” Dr. Chow demonstrated how pitch, tone, volume, and voice inflection (through stress, stretch, and pause) can infuse language with deeper meaning. To reinforce these concepts, she designed several interactive exercises that allowed students to practice vocal variation and stage presence in real time, making the learning experience both engaging and practical..

In her second session, Dr. Chow introduced Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, a classic yet highly effective framework for persuasive speaking. She focused specifically on the first step, Attention and explained that a speech’s opening moments are critical in determining whether an audience remains engaged. Through guided activities and short speaking drills, students experimented with rhetorical questions, vivid imagery, and impactful openings. These exercises encouraged active participation and helped students better understand how strategic speech openings can immediately capture audience interest.

Building on this foundation, Dr. Chow’s third lecture explored Visualization, the fourth step in Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. She explained that once a problem and solution are clearly presented, effective speakers must help audiences see the future outcomes of action or inaction. Through descriptive language and sensory imagery, speakers can intensify desire by illustrating benefits, improvements, and positive change. Dr. Chow supported this session with hands-on visualization exercises, enabling students to practice crafting vivid narratives that emotionally connect with listeners.

Across all three sessions, Dr. Chow consistently highlighted the ethical responsibility that accompanies persuasive communication. She encouraged students to reflect on whether their messages are truthful, promote positive change, and consider the well-being of their audience and community. Persuasion, she emphasized, should not manipulate, but rather inspire informed and responsible decision-making.

Dr. Jean Chow’s lectures offered students not only theoretical frameworks, but also practical, experience-based learning opportunities that strengthened their confidence in public speaking. Her interactive teaching style and thoughtfully designed exercises fostered strong engagement, allowing students to immediately apply concepts in a supportive environment.

The IBBA program sincerely thanks Dr. Jean Chow for her insightful and inspiring contributions. Her sessions empowered students to become more confident, expressive, and persuasive communicators, equipping them with skills that will remain invaluable throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Written by Chelsea Kendra Lemmuela