Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides from Coursera

In the professional realm, most speeches and presentations we give are informative in scope. A scientist needs to explain her recent research findings. A financial officer needs to report on quarterly earnings to his company’s board. A technology professional needs to educate a consumer about a new product. Any time you need to convey ideas or demonstrate a process, you’re dealing with informative speaking.

Informative speaking is a fun puzzle. You need to think from the perspective of your audience to identify what they need to hear in order to understand the key ideas. How much does the audience already know? What are the most important elements to convey? How should one convey these ideas with appropriate breadth and depth given the time constraints of the speech? This demands a strategic approach to speech design that we’ll undertake in this class.

By the end of the course, you should be able to explain complex ideas vividly and accessibly, design clear and compelling presentation slides, convey your passion for a topic while maintaining your professional credibility, and speak dynamically from notes and/or a manuscript. Learners will record speeches, providing and receiving peer feedback.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Targeting your presentation

Welcome. This is a big week. Here’s what we’ll be doing. We’ll start with an overview of the course. This course is about developing interesting and informative speeches. The way we’ll work on these skills is through the informative speech assignment. Next, we’ll focus on the key challenge in informative speaking. remaining audience-oriented. This requires us to assess what the audience knows and how our speech can be of the most value. We need to design our goals for the speech. Too often, speakers simply just dump their information on the audience. We need to be precise about what we want our speech to accomplish to protect against being boring. After we think about audience and our goals, we can start planning out our speech. A good outline is the foundation for a good talk. We want to adhere to the principles of simplicity, balance, and order. In this module, we'll work through a case study of a TED talk. Once we have a sense for informative speaking, you’ll perform a short introductory speech. It’s a fun and easy speech that allows you to get to know some of your classmates.

Week 2: Designing informative speeches

Last week, we worked on developing the basic outline for of our speech. This week, we’ll take that structure and build a speech around it. We'll begin with discussing ideas clearly. This is the big challenge in informative speaking. With the body of the speech taken care of, we can now turn our attention to writing a full draft. This means thinking about the iterative process of good speech preparation. We also look at how to open and close the speech. Each speech will be arranged differently, but there are some broad genres. We'll talk about the various goals and arrangement models that might work for different types of informative speaking. Having discussed invention and arrangement, we'll watch and evaluate a sample speech. You’ll watch a speech, write up some feedback, and read how others analyzed the speech.

Week 3: Clarity through support and slides

This week is all about slides! They can make or break a speech. We’ll talk about how to design slides so that they support you as a speaker (not replace you). By the end of the week, you should have skills and experience explaining ideas richly and designing and using clear presentation slides.

Week 4: Delivering informative speeches

Now for some delivery work. We start with the concept of ethos. It is that performance of credibility that all great informative speakers have. We'll dive deep into how you can refine your ethos as a speaker. We’ll finish this course by focusing on the unique delivery demands of informative speaking: using notes, mics, and podiums effectively. Interacting with the audience well. By the end of the week, you’ll have some strategies for speaking more smoothly and with greater credibility. Having discussed invention and arrangement, we'll watch and evaluate a sample speech. You’ll watch a speech, write up some feedback, and read how others analyzed the speech.

Week 5: Review and assessment

Thank you for time in this course! I hope that the material has proven helpful to you. We concluded our discussion of the speech last week. This week, I would like to spend a bit of time reflecting on the course and talking about other exercises and activities that you can use to continue improving your public speaking abilities. We will end this week with your final informative speech.

Week 5: Review and assessment: Lesson Choices

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores informative speaking, which is standard practice for scientists, financial officers, and technology professionals

Taught by Dr. Matt McGarrity, who has established himself as an expert in informative speaking

Develops audience-oriented speaking, clear speech design, and dynamic delivery techniques, which are core skills for effective informative presentations

Involves peer feedback, which helps learners improve their informative speaking skills

Includes exercises and activities for ongoing improvement

Requires learners to come in with basic public speaking knowledge

Reviews summary

Highly praised public speaking course

Learners say this largely positive course on public speaking is excellent and well-structured. Students describe the videos as engaging and remark that the instructor, Dr. Matt McGarrity, is passionate and professional. They report that the skills they learned and assignments provided were practical.

Learners remark that the assignments are helpful and structured in a way that fosters improvement.

"It was good to engage in all the assignments as it really does help build confidence "

"Very interesting and well structured course for building confident in public speaking and exercises are very interesting to keep learner on track."

Learners believe the skills they learned are practical and will be helpful in the future.

"I think I have learned skills that will be very useful in future. "

"It's an awesome course on the public speaking topic. I would recommend everyone to take this course. I have learned a lot from this course. "

"The Course is quiet informative and helps a lot in moulding confidence, sharpening public speaking skills: speech and written, and professionalism in the content we share with audiences. I have gained a lot to my expectation."

Dr. McGarrity is a valued instructor who is knowledgeable and engaging.

"Dr. Matt is an excellent teacher, love the lessons and assignments!"

"Dr. Matt McGarrity is an excellent lecturer and this course is a must have regardless of your field of study/expertise. "

Students are very satisfied with this course and recommend it.

"Excellent."

"I enjoyed the course and learned a lot of information."

"I really loved this course. Thank you so much. "

"Great course: highly instructive, well-structured, it shares a lot of advice for various situations."

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 to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides with these activities:

Review: Speech Writing Secrets by David Ogilvy

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Provides a strong foundation in crafting compelling and persuasive speeches.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Identify key takeaways and principles that resonate with your speechwriting style.
Practice applying the techniques outlined in the book to enhance the structure and delivery of your speeches.

Develop a 5-Minute Informative Speech Outline

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Helps students apply the principles of informative speaking and strengthens their speech organization skills.

Browse courses on Informative Speaking

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in.
Research the topic thoroughly to gather relevant information.
Create an outline that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Practice delivering your speech using the outline.
Seek feedback from peers or a speech coach to refine your outline.

Practice Speech Delivery Techniques

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Improves students' confidence and delivery skills, essential for effective informative speaking.

Browse courses on Speech Delivery

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Record yourself delivering a short speech.
Analyze your recording and identify areas for improvement.
Practice specific techniques, such as eye contact, gestures, and vocal variety.

Five other activities

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Watch and Analyze Informative Speeches by Experts

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Exposes students to exemplary informative speeches, allowing them to observe and learn from experts.

Browse courses on Public Speaking

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Select informative speeches delivered by renowned speakers.
Watch and analyze the speeches, paying attention to structure, delivery, and audience engagement.
Identify best practices and techniques used by the speakers.

Design and Deliver an Informative Speech

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Provides students with a platform to showcase their informative speaking skills and receive constructive feedback.

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Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic.
Develop a well-structured outline and prepare your speech content.
Design engaging slides (if applicable) to support your presentation.
Practice delivering your speech multiple times.
Present your speech to an audience and incorporate feedback to refine your skills.

Peer Review and Feedback Sessions

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Fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and the exchange of diverse perspectives to enhance speech development.

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Form small peer groups.
Share and present speeches within the group.
Provide constructive feedback on structure, delivery, and content.

Contribute to Open-Source Speech Analysis Tools

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Engages students in practical application of speech analysis techniques while contributing to the open-source community.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open-source speech analysis tools.
Review the codebase and identify areas for improvement or contribution.
Make code contributions or propose enhancements to the tool.

Mentor Junior Speakers

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Provides an opportunity for students to reinforce their skills by sharing knowledge and guiding aspiring speakers.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Volunteer as a mentor for a speech club or organization.
Provide guidance to junior speakers on speech preparation, delivery, and confidence building.
Offer constructive feedback and support to help mentees improve their speaking abilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

Teachers educate and instruct students at all levels. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Teacher because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex information to students. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Teacher.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Consultant because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex ideas to clients. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Consultant.

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College Professor

College Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current College Professor because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex ideas to students. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a College Professor.

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Health Educator

Health Educators promote health and wellness to communities and individuals. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Health Educator because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex health information to the public. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Health Educator.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Policy Analyst because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex policy information to policymakers and the public. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Policy Analyst.

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Scientist

Scientists conduct research and develop new knowledge. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Scientist because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex scientific information to colleagues, peers, and the public. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Scientist.

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Public relations manager

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news and current events. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Journalist because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex news and information to the public. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Journalist.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Lawyer because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex legal information to clients, judges, and juries. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Lawyer.

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Marketer

Marketers develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Marketer because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex marketing information to clients and customers. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Marketer.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers plan and execute sales strategies. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Sales Manager because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex sales information to clients and customers. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Sales Manager.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Project Manager because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex project information to stakeholders. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Project Manager.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Data Analyst because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex data and insights to stakeholders. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Data Analyst.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Financial Analyst because it can help one to develop the skills needed to effectively communicate complex financial information to clients and investors. The course can help to build a foundation in public speaking, which is essential for a Financial Analyst.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and structures. A course on "Speaking to Inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides" may be useful for an aspiring or current Architect because it can help one to clearly explain complex design ideas to clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. The course can help to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively and persuasively, which is essential for an Architect.

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