The course
is designed for people with little or no experience in public speaking, and includes six modules on the following topics:
Platform Presence - overcoming
nervousness; tips on how to dress (image); avoiding common distractions
Body Language & Gestures - mastering facial and body gestures; reading the audience
Vocal Effectiveness -
controlling pace, pauses, pitch and projection
Speech Construction - how to
design and build a speech
Technical/Visual Aids - using
microphones, PowerPoint, overhead slides, etc
Putting it All Together - each
person gives a 5 minute speech on a topic of his/her choice.
There is no homework except between sections 5 & 6, preparing your speech. However, if you pick your topic early -
a hobby, your childhood, your job, whatever would interest you and your audience - you can work on it as the classes progress.
During the first 5 sessions, we have some short exercises, some in groups and a few solo. They
are meant to be fun, to give you a chance to practice in a supportive atmosphere.
