It all began with a speech about the VW Beetle. Winning that first-place trophy in expository speaking launched my 40-year journey in communication education.

Although I am now retired from my role as a continuing lecturer in the Department of Communication at UCLA, my teaching career also spanned positions at Loyola Marymount University, California State University Los Angeles, California State University Northridge, and Pasadena City College, where I taught various communication courses. Additionally, I coached and directed the debate program at Marlborough School in Hancock Park.

To enhance my instruction of COMM 1: Principles of Oral Communication, I authored a specialized handbook focused on effective speechmaking. Over time, student feedback has shown that this resource is not only helpful in the classroom but also beneficial for presentations in other academic courses, internships, and professional environments. The handbook provides practical advice and straightforward guidance on delivering compelling speeches, including techniques for writing strong introductions and conclusions, as well as templates for organizing talks according to various contexts and purposes.

In addition to COMM 1, my teaching portfolio spans a diverse array of courses, such as Argumentation, Interpersonal Communication, Business and Professional Communication, and Public Speaking for Non-native Speakers.

Alongside my teaching duties, I served as the faculty advisor for the UCLA Advertising and Marketing Team for ten years. Each year, the American Advertising Federation (AAF), in partnership with a corporate sponsor, organizes a national competition where college teams develop a full media campaign. I was honored to guide UCLA’s team to a first-place victory at the AAF National Student Advertising Competition with their campaign and presentation for the Toyota Echo.

My professional memberships include the National Communication Association, The Western States Communication Association, and the AFTRA/Screen Actors Guild.