Professional presentations with intentional highbrow humour

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

· learn how to structure a presentation and use signposting phrases· learn how to achieve the goal of a presentation using: visuals, persuasive techniques, humour and body language· learn to present oneself strongly· learn how to deal with difficult situations, particularly during a discussion · learn how to control stress

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

Syllabus

Week 1: Proposed presentation model. The idea of humour. Week 2: Presenter’s needs analysis. Creativity. Week 3: Linguistic humour in presentations. Week 4: Presentation structure. The Introduction. Week 5: Presentation structure. Delivering the message.Week 6: Storytelling. Presentation ‘Bang’ ending.Week 7: Communication with the audience. The discussion. Week 8: The LEVER model. Week 9: Bringing a presentation alive. Week 10: The power of body language. Week 11: Oral and visual delivery of the message. Week 12: Boundaries of humour in presentations. Week 13: Student presentations. Week 14: Student presentations. Week 15: Powerpoint as a means of communication. Course review.

Reading list

Berk, Ronald A. (1998) Professors are from Mars and Students are from Snickers. How to Write and Deliver Humor in Classroom and in Professional Presentations, Mendota Press, Madison. Hughes J., Mallett A. (2012) Successful Presentations. For Professionals who Use English at Work. Video Course, Oxford University Press. Grussendorf Marion (2007) English for Presentations, Oxford University Press. Nilsen D., Nilsen A. Linguistic Humor and Language Play. Power Point presentation. Powell, Mark (2012) Dynamic Presentations, Cambridge Business Skills, DVD, Cambridge University Press.