Hi, my name is Alexa Bialous, and I attended the VPE Public Speaking Workshop with Bespoke Education on Sunday, April 19, 2026. I absolutely loved this event. It was very interactive, and I learned a lot from it.
Dan Cozzens did an excellent job leading the Zoom session and teaching us how to speak effectively in a virtual setting. He was kind, supportive, and always willing to answer our questions, even when some activities felt a little awkward at first. For example, we were placed into breakout rooms with assigned partners to practice introducing ourselves and asking questions while maintaining eye contact with the camera.
One of my favorite activities was when Dan shared a short paragraph from a baseball player. He first modeled how to read it properly by demonstrating both effective and ineffective techniques. Then, we were placed in breakout rooms again to practice reading the paragraph to a partner and give each other feedback. Afterward, we returned to the main session, where volunteers shared their improved reading. This activity was especially helpful and enjoyable.
Overall, this workshop was a great experience and will definitely be one of my favorites. I look forward to applying these skills in future Zoom meetings and public speaking opportunities. Thank you to Dan Cozzens and Bespoke Education for hosting such a wonderful event—I hope to attend another session soon!
Written by VPE Pilot participant Alexa Bialous (13 years old)
