Course Offerings

Confidence in Public Speaking

Whether it is a business presentation or an impromptu speech for coworkers, speaking in front of an audience at work can make some people anxious. Improve your ability to communicate with this course, which introduces basic principles of speech communication. Develop confidence and avoid negative self-talk. Acquire skills that can be used now or in a future career. Learn in a non-threatening environment how to organize your talk, create an outline for speaking and communicate your message appropriately and effectively.

Course Objectives

Understand basic principles of oral communication and listening

Learn to select and adapt topics to meet the needs and interests of particular audiences, remembering diversity among listeners

Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze and use information and data to develop and adapt messages for different purposes and settings

Organize ideas and supporting materials in a coherent and captivating message

Use appropriate language and graphics for a business setting

Develop delivery skills by using voice, body, gestures and visuals effectively in presenting speeches

Develop the ability to speak competently and confidently at work and in public communication situations

Outline of Instruction

Class expectations, ethics of public speaking, types of speeches, thesis statements and topics. Meaning of confidence.

Doing ethical research, using different media for information, develop an outline. Brainstorm ideas about speeches.

Compose and deliver an "elevator speech." Deliver informative speech about work. Handle a question-and-answer session at work, communicating clearly.

Discuss persuasive speaking and developing speeches for different audiences

Deliver a persuasive speech. Practice leading a small-group discussion for work. List ways of communicating in a small group.

Deliver a commemorative speech and practice participation in a panel discussion as a representative of your field. Evaluate speeches.