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Photograph of Gillie Haynes

Gillie Haynes Adjunct Instructor SOC Faculty

Degrees
M.A. Public Communication, American University
B.S. Journalism, Jackson State University

Bio
Gillie Haynes is an executive presentation and public speaking coach. She is an accomplished communications expert, professor, author and former journalist with experience in print, broadcast journalism, and public relations. She is a professor of Public Speaking at the American University School of Communication and has taught several courses in the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies at The Catholic University of America. In 2019, Gillie was selected as Outstanding Instructor in an Adjunct Position at American University.
Her professional work includes Speakers Training in a Virtual Environment for Vanguard Communications, Washington, DC, Presentation and Public Speaking Training for Transformative Justice Solutions, the National Women’s Law Center and Leadership Initiatives Academy at Georgetown University, Public Relations Manager for a national program within the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC, and in Business Development for EDS. She has developed, produced, and served as host of two on-air programs in her position as Public Affairs Director for KBLX/KRE Radio in the Bay Area of California. She also worked as an Anchor and Reporter for KTOP-TV 13 in Oakland.
Gillie is passionate about helping people develop strong communication skills, which led her to the creation of her business…Simply Speaking, where she offers innovative public speaking techniques and media training key for delivering impactful communication in interview settings, speeches and presentations.
Making an impact on the global stage, Gillie participated in the 24th International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations in Lisbon Portugal, with her presentation, “The Value and Importance of Communicating Within and Across Cultures with Clear, Respectful, and Intentional Dialogue”. She also attended the 19th International Conference on Knowledge, Culture and Change in Organizations in Vancouver, BC, where she presented on “Image: In the Arena of Presentation and Public Speaking”.  She conducted public speaking workshops at the US Embassy in Guatemala and the American Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She is also a poet and has been featured nationally to diverse audiences across the country. Gillie has written two books of poetry, ‘Cause I Was Feeling Mighty Free (2015) and Sounds Like a Poem to Me (2012). She is currently working on her third book.
Gillie earned a Master of Arts in Communications from American University, Washington, DC, a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, and is currently completing a Graduate Certification in Teaching, Design and Facilitation at American University.
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Fall 2024

  • COMM-310 Public Speaking

Spring 2025

  • COMM-310 Public Speaking