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Patrick Barry

Poise is not some elusive or innate characteristic. It’s a series of choices, all of which can help you better connect with your intended audience. This course will help you identify those choices and teach you how to make them in a way that consistently enhances the clarity of your message and the effectiveness of your delivery.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 | Poise: Vocabulary
Poise is not some elusive or innate characteristic. It’s a series of choices, all of which can help you better connect with your intended audience. This course will help you identify those choices and teach you how to consistently make them.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores patterns of professional speech and creates actionable steps to improve them
Develops poise and rhythm, which are core skills for public speaking and presentations
Taught by Patrick Barry, who is recognized for their work in public speaking
Examines various speaking techniques and provides exercises to practice them

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Reviews summary

Mastering poise and rhythm in public speaking

According to learners, "Speaking and Presenting: Poise" is a highly practical and transformative course that significantly enhances public speaking abilities. Students frequently highlight the instructor's exceptional clarity and engaging delivery, making complex concepts accessible. The course provides concrete, actionable techniques for developing poise, effectively managing anxiety, and improving overall delivery. Many find the modules on rhetorical devices and rhythm particularly useful for crafting impactful messages. While universally praised for its foundational strength, some learners with prior experience note that parts may feel somewhat basic or slow-paced, though still valuable as a refresher. The course is widely recommended for professionals and anyone seeking a major confidence boost in presentations.
The section on rhythm and rhetorical devices is highly valuable.
"The section on rhythm was an eye-opener, making my presentations far more engaging."
"I found the 'Rule of Three' and anaphora particularly useful for structuring my arguments."
"The module on rhetorical devices was particularly strong and gave me new tools for crafting impactful messages."
Provides strategies to manage anxiety and enhance perceived confidence.
"The techniques on poise genuinely helped me manage my anxiety and appear more confident."
"I feel much more equipped to deliver presentations now."
"I felt more confident after practicing the exercises."
Instructor's expertise and passion make the content clear and engaging.
"The instructor's delivery is excellent and makes the content easy to follow."
"The instructor is phenomenal, clear, and engaging."
"The instructor's passion for the subject shines through every lesson."
Delivers actionable methods for immediate use in real-world scenarios.
"The lessons on 'poise' weren't just abstract; they gave me concrete, actionable techniques."
"It felt very practical and immediately applicable to my work."
"I've already applied what I learned in several team meetings, and I've noticed a significant improvement."
Some learners desired more direct or peer feedback opportunities.
"I wished there were more opportunities for direct feedback."
"I would have liked more peer review opportunities."
Excellent for beginners, potentially slow or basic for experienced learners.
"My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit basic, and I would have appreciated more advanced strategies."
"The pace was a bit slow at times... good for absolute beginners, but might not offer enough for those with some prior experience."
"For intermediate speakers, it might be more of a refresher than entirely new material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Speaking and Presenting: Poise with these activities:
Review vocabulary related to poise
Strengthen your understanding of the fundamental concepts of poise, which will aid in comprehension throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of key terms and definitions related to poise.
  • Create flashcards or use a spaced repetition software to practice memorizing the terms.
Attend a public speaking event
Experience the dynamics of public speaking firsthand, observing the poise and techniques of others and expanding your network.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Find a local public speaking event or workshop and attend.
  • Pay attention to the speakers' poise, delivery, and use of language.
Analyze speeches of public figures
Improve your ability to identify and understand techniques used by skilled speakers, enhancing your own poise and delivery.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Select speeches by renowned public figures known for their poise and charisma.
  • Observe and analyze their use of body language, tone, and language.
  • Identify specific techniques they employ to convey confidence and connect with the audience.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Record and critique your own speeches
Develop your ability to self-assess and identify areas for improvement in your poise and delivery.
Browse courses on Self-Reflection
Show steps
  • Prepare a short speech on a topic of your choice.
  • Record yourself delivering the speech.
  • Review the recording and critique your poise, body language, and vocal delivery.
  • Identify areas where you can make improvements.
Create a video blog or podcast on poise
Solidify your understanding of poise by creating educational content that requires you to synthesize and explain concepts.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of poise to focus on.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Create a video or audio recording explaining the concept in a clear and engaging way.
Volunteer as a speaker or facilitator
Practice poise in real-world settings by volunteering to speak or lead discussions.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Contact local organizations or community groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities as a speaker or facilitator.
  • Prepare and deliver speeches or lead discussions on topics related to poise and communication.

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking and Presenting: Poise will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists create and implement communication strategies to build and maintain a positive image for their organizations. They may work for a variety of organizations, including corporations, non-profits, and government agencies. The ability to speak and present with poise is essential for Public Relations Specialists, as they often need to give speeches, conduct media interviews, and interact with the public. This course can help Public Relations Specialists develop the skills they need to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with their audiences.
Speechwriter
Speechwriters are responsible for writing speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They need to be able to write speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. This course can help Speechwriters develop the skills they need to write effective speeches that connect with their audiences. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to structure a speech, and how to deliver a speech confidently.
Broadcaster
Broadcasters communicate information to the public through television, radio, and other media. They need to be able to speak clearly and concisely, and they need to be able to engage their audiences. This course can help Broadcasters develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with their audiences. It can help them learn how to use their voices effectively, how to structure a broadcast, and how to deliver a broadcast confidently.
Politician
Politicians are elected officials who represent the interests of their constituents. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their constituents, and they need to be able to persuade people to vote for them. This course can help Politicians develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with their constituents. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to structure a speech, and how to deliver a speech confidently.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their clients, and they need to be able to persuade judges and juries. This course can help Lawyers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with their clients and with the courts. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to structure an argument, and how to deliver an argument confidently.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their students, and they need to be able to create a positive learning environment. This course can help Teachers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with their students. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to structure a lesson, and how to deliver a lesson confidently.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, and they need to be able to resolve customer issues. This course can help Customer Service Representatives develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with customers. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to handle difficult customers, and how to resolve customer issues efficiently.
Salesperson
Salespeople sell products or services to customers. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, and they need to be able to persuade customers to buy their products or services. This course can help Salespeople develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with customers. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to build relationships with customers, and how to close a sale.
Marketer
Marketers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, and they need to be able to persuade customers to buy their products or services. This course can help Marketers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with customers. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to create marketing campaigns, and how to track the results of their campaigns.
Event Planner
Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as weddings, conferences, and parties. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and vendors, and they need to be able to manage logistics. This course can help Event Planners develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with clients and vendors. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to plan an event, and how to manage an event budget.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training employees. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with employees and managers. This course can help Human Resources Managers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with employees and managers. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to conduct interviews, and how to resolve employee issues.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide financial advice to clients. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, and they need to be able to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and concise way. This course can help Financial Advisors develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with clients. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to explain financial concepts, and how to build relationships with clients.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents sell insurance policies to clients. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, and they need to be able to explain complex insurance policies in a clear and concise way. This course can help Insurance Agents develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with clients. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to explain insurance policies, and how to build relationships with clients.
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents help clients buy and sell homes. They need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, and they need to be able to explain complex real estate contracts in a clear and concise way. This course can help Real Estate Agents develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with clients. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to explain real estate contracts, and how to build relationships with clients.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers help customers get the most out of their products or services. They need to be able to communicate effectively with customers, and they need to be able to resolve customer issues. This course can help Customer Success Managers develop the skills they need to communicate effectively with customers. It can help them learn how to use language effectively, how to handle difficult customers, and how to resolve customer issues efficiently.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Speaking and Presenting: Poise.
Delves into nonverbal communication and how to read and understand body language. By developing your awareness of nonverbal cues, it can enhance your overall communication skills.
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Drawing from research in social psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, this book provides a practical framework for being more persuasive and influential in any situation.
Analyzes the techniques used by successful TED speakers and provides practical advice on how to deliver engaging and memorable presentations.
Explores the science behind charisma and provides practical techniques for developing this essential skill. It can help you build your confidence and make a lasting impression on others.
Celebrates the strengths of introverts and provides insights into how they can use their unique qualities to communicate effectively.
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Explores the psychology of persuasion and provides practical techniques for influencing others. It can help you understand how people make decisions and use that knowledge to your advantage.
Explores the relationship between visual language and communication. It provides insights into how visual elements can convey meaning and how to use them effectively in presentations.

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