Presenting to the Public

Course Description

Want to make amazing presentations and influence people? Learn the tips, tricks, tactics, and tools of giving effective public presentations. This course will introduce you to fundamental methods of public speaking and designing effective graphic presentations.

Public presentation skills are central to success in any academic or professional career. This course will provide an introduction to the key elements of planning, designing, and giving effective public presentations. Students will explore and study historical and contemporary public speeches; analyze examples of presentations for style and technique; learn the skills required to prepare and make their own presentations; and create and deliver their own public presentation at the conclusion of the course. Topics covered will include: planning, outlining, and writing oral presentations; techniques for rehearsing and preparing for a presentation; designing clear and effective PowerPoint presentations; oratorical techniques and methods; ways of coping with anxiety; strategies for engaging audiences and handling disruptions; and common problems and challenges encountered in public speaking.

By the end of the course, students will:
• Analyze and critique public speeches and graphic presentations
• Plan, outline, and write public presentations
• Design clear, focused and effective PowerPoint presentations
• Prepare for, rehearse, and deliver public presentations

Prerequisites: Students should have a minimal familiarity with the experience of public speaking and be aware of or prepared for any anxieties or impediments. Students should also be familiar with the basic techniques of making Microsoft PowerPoint slides. Student must have a professional standard of written and spoken English.