Anthony Danna
Communication Studies Instructor at College of the Desert
2025 Transfer Advocate Award Winner
Teaching COMM-C1000: Introduction to Public Speaking
Public speaking demands vulnerability. As a public speaking instructor, I create environments where risk-taking is encouraged, experimentation is valued and vulnerability can be embraced without fear. I practice culturally sustaining pedagogy and integrate technology into my course design so students feel both empowered and engaged with the process of speech-making and rhetorical analysis. Having two decades of experience in managerial and executive roles in the entertainment industry means that I connect what we’re doing in the classroom to my own professional experience and to the demands of a rapidly changing labor market.
What I Do at College of the Desert
More about the Cal-GETC and COD degree-qualifying/required course I teach: COMM-C1000
In Introduction to Public Speaking, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches.
Digital Arts & Media Program and AI Hub Development
Subject Matter Expert consulting on COD’s $405M Palm Springs campus project (physical space, equipment and programming). Leading strategic development of a Digital Arts & Media program and a regional AI Hub.
“This isn’t just about AI. It’s about shaping a local economy where students, small businesses, and industries grow together.”COD Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia
Leadership and Management Communication Training
Developing and delivering custom leadership and communication workshops (contract education) for the Partnership and Community Education (PaCE) program.
My Background
From Global Media Executive to Educator
Before joining College of the Desert, I spent over two decades at Disney and Sony, shaping content strategy for linear television and streaming platforms worldwide. My work took me from Los Angeles to every corner of the world and included expatriate assignments in Mumbai, Singapore, and Sydney. I ultimately led international and US-based teams responsible for programming strategy, media planning, and audience research. From launching the Disney XD brand to reshaping Sony’s Latin American programming strategy, I navigated complex, cross-cultural environments daily. I bring these real-world human communication and business management experiences into the classroom, helping students understand how effective communication skills drive success in any field anywhere in the world.
My Education
Contact
Get in Touch
Phone: 760-346-8041 x5664
Email: [email protected]
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