News Release

April 8, 2025
For more information, contact:
Paige Rhody | pnrhody@hawks.huntingdon.edu
Gary Hood III | ghood@huntingdon.hawks.edu
Kaiden Mears | mearsk@hawks.huntingdon.edu
Colby Jones | cejones@hawks.huntingdon.edu

“How to Talk in Any Room” Panel Overflows Smith Recital Hall

Montgomery, AL – The spring semester Small Group Communications class students at Huntingdon College administered a panel on Monday, April 7 on the topic of “How to Talk in Any Room”. The panel drew over 100 students, faculty, and staff to Smith Recital Hall. The student group overseeing the project, Paige Rhody ’25, Colby Jones ’25, Kaiden Mears ’28, and Gary Hood III ’25, collaborated with the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) of Montgomery to teach students how to communicate effectively in all career fields. Panelists included: Communications, Engagements, and Special Projects Coordinator for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Elijah Baker, Marketing Director at River Region United Way Aaleia Freeman, and Public Relations Assistant for the City of Montgomery Keturah Stone.

The objective of the group project was to give students an outside perspective on communication and its importance in the workplace, regardless of profession. The event gave students an opportunity to listen and observe as the panelists answered questions about certain types of communication and how professional communication is effective in the workplace. The panelists were all members of the PRCA, yet each member of the panel had a unique job and perspective. Topics discussed included: the importance of internships, how to leave a lasting impression, and how students can start developing their professional selves now.

Another popular topic of discussion was centered around interview answers. When questions were open to the audience, Huntingdon senior Ariel Dixon asked, “How do you answer, ‘Tell me about yourself’ in an interview?” Panelist Aaleia Freeman, the Marketing Director at River Region United Way, responded with personal insight, stating, “I used to hate that question. But my father taught me to get personal and tell a story about yourself that elaborates on a trait that is in your resume.”

The event was an incredible success with standing room only in the recital hall. The students and the Small Group Communications class, taught by Professor Elizabeth Rogers, look forward to continuing partnering with PRCA for campus events and student memberships in the future.

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