Public speaking in practice

Timetable

Courses will be held in "blocks" of 4 class hours (4 x 45 min)

Module aim (aims)

Course objectives: The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the basics of good public speaking and practicing these speeches, through exercises and providing feedback on their strengths. During the course, areas requiring improvement will also be identified. Thanks to this, participants learn to observe the behavior of others and become aware of their own behavior. Grading the difficulty of the exercises builds the participants' confidence in their competences and strengthens their self-esteem. Group integration provides support and immediate feedback.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Fluent English language skills are necessary

Syllabus

Course topics: the proposed course is a response to the growing social demand for improving the quality of self-presentation in public speaking, as well as improving these speeches so that they are effective and convincing. The course is an offer both for people whose professional activity requires the ability to speak in public, and for those who simply want to increase their awareness of non-verbal communication. The introduction of theoretical elements at the beggining will be followed by practical classes of public presentations by participants. Themes and types of presentations will be given from class to class to participants increasing difficulty level. Classes will cover:

 

Introduction to non-verbal communication

 

Basic rules of public speaking

 

Preparing a presentation

 

Communication as a process of interpretation

 

Preparing a presentation

 

Rules for providing feedback

 

Practical exercises, at later point including video recorded speeches and constant feedback from the group and from the teacher

Reading list

Philipe Zimbardo Psychology and life, various editions: chapters on:

nonverbal communication

manipulation and persuasion

conformity