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Patrick Barry
This course will teach you how to build persuasive surprises into your presentations, the kind of surprises that will change how your audience sees a particular situation or proposal and then gets them talking—in a good way. It will also identify several techniques you can use to start (and maintain) your own conversations, whether with a big group, a small group, or even just one-on-one.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/f94kkb/speaking
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1 | Unexpected: Vocabulary
“Be surprising, in a convincing way.” You’ll encounter those words a lot during this course. To discover who said them and how you can put them to work, check out the materials in Week 1!
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1 | Unexpected: Vocabulary
“Be surprising, in a convincing way.” You’ll encounter those words a lot during this course. To discover who said them and how you can put them to work, check out the materials in Week 1!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on developing skills in delivering persuasive presentations, which is beneficial for various professional settings
Taught by Patrick Barry, recognized for their expertise in communication
Provides practical techniques for initiating and maintaining impactful conversations, useful for networking and collaboration
Emphasizes avoiding intellectual posturing and focusing on delivering valuable content to the audience, fostering a genuine connection
Course materials include a mix of readings, videos, and exercises, providing a diverse learning experience
Encourages participants to consider unique perspectives and find surprising angles in their presentations, enhancing creativity
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Reviews summary
Effective communication for impact
According to learners, this course is a highly practical guide to effective communication, focusing on making presentations and conversations more impactful. Students highlight its emphasis on crafting "persuasive surprises" that genuinely engage audiences and shift perspectives. The course is praised for teaching strategies to initiate and sustain conversations, whether in large groups or one-on-one settings. It uniquely encourages a communication style rooted in helpfulness over intellectual display, offering innovative concepts like "information gaps" to ensure messages are remembered. While the structure with weekly modules is clear, some might find that mastering the techniques requires consistent real-world practice beyond the course material.
Covers both presentations and one-on-one communication.
"It covers a good range, from big presentations to daily conversations, which is useful."
"I enjoyed the variety, but I might seek more specialized content for very complex presenting needs."
"The course introduces many concepts, making me want to explore some topics further."
Encourages genuine, helpful communication.
"The advice to 'not try to impress' resonated deeply and made me more confident."
"I feel like my words are now a gift I genuinely want to share after taking this."
"It teaches a valuable lesson about focusing on being helpful rather than showing off."
Offers fresh, unconventional communication insights.
"The concept of 'information gaps' really changed how I think about delivering a message."
"I was surprised by how much I learned about making even mundane topics interesting."
"It's not about sounding smart; it's about being helpful, which is a powerful shift."
Provides immediately applicable strategies for engagement.
"I found the techniques for creating persuasive surprises incredibly useful for engaging my audience."
"The course truly helped me learn how to start and maintain conversations effectively."
"I appreciate how it focuses on getting people talking in a good way, which is key for presentations."
Application requires consistent real-world practice.
"While the ideas are great, I know I need to actively practice these skills in my daily life."
"I found the concepts enlightening, but true mastery will come with continuous effort and application."
"This course provides the tools, but it's up to me to apply them in diverse 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 and Presenting: Conversation Starters with these
activities:
Read 'Made to Stick'
Show steps
Learn science-backed techniques for creating memorable presentations.
View
Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Identify key takeaways from the book.
-
Apply the principles to your own presentations.
Take an online course on body language
Show steps
Learn effective body language techniques to enhance your presentations.
Browse courses on
Body Language
Show steps
-
Enroll in an online body language course.
-
Complete the course modules.
-
Practice the techniques you've learned.
Join a toastmasters club
Show steps
Gain experience giving presentations and receive feedback from peers.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
-
Find a toastmasters club near you.
-
Join the club and attend meetings regularly.
-
Prepare and deliver speeches.
-
Seek feedback from your fellow members.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Focus on information gaps
Show steps
Use unexpected information to create memorable presentations.
Show steps
-
Identify an unexpected angle for your presentation.
-
Craft a clear and concise message.
-
Use visuals and examples to illustrate your points.
Record yourself giving a presentation
Show steps
Analyze your body language and presentation skills to improve your delivery.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
-
Choose a topic and prepare a short presentation.
-
Record yourself giving the presentation.
-
Watch the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Participate in a public speaking competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and receive feedback from experienced judges.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
-
Find a public speaking competition.
-
Prepare a speech and practice it thoroughly.
-
Deliver your speech and receive feedback.
Mentor new presenters
Show steps
Reinforce your own knowledge and skills by helping others.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Volunteer to mentor new presenters.
-
Provide guidance and support.
-
Share your experiences and insights.
Contribute to open source projects
Show steps
Gain experience working on real-world projects and make a contribution to the community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find a project on GitHub or another platform.
-
Review the project's documentation.
-
Report bugs or contribute code.
Read 'Made to Stick'
Show steps
Learn science-backed techniques for creating memorable presentations.
View
Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key takeaways from the book.
- Apply the principles to your own presentations.
Take an online course on body language
Show steps
Learn effective body language techniques to enhance your presentations.
Browse courses on
Body Language
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Enroll in an online body language course.
- Complete the course modules.
- Practice the techniques you've learned.
Join a toastmasters club
Show steps
Gain experience giving presentations and receive feedback from peers.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a toastmasters club near you.
- Join the club and attend meetings regularly.
- Prepare and deliver speeches.
- Seek feedback from your fellow members.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Focus on information gaps
Show steps
Use unexpected information to create memorable presentations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an unexpected angle for your presentation.
- Craft a clear and concise message.
- Use visuals and examples to illustrate your points.
Record yourself giving a presentation
Show steps
Analyze your body language and presentation skills to improve your delivery.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic and prepare a short presentation.
- Record yourself giving the presentation.
- Watch the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Participate in a public speaking competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and receive feedback from experienced judges.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a public speaking competition.
- Prepare a speech and practice it thoroughly.
- Deliver your speech and receive feedback.
Mentor new presenters
Show steps
Reinforce your own knowledge and skills by helping others.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Volunteer to mentor new presenters.
- Provide guidance and support.
- Share your experiences and insights.
Contribute to open source projects
Show steps
Gain experience working on real-world projects and make a contribution to the community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a project on GitHub or another platform.
- Review the project's documentation.
- Report bugs or contribute code.
Career center
Learners who complete Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Copywriter
Copywriter
Copywriters may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for advertising and marketing campaigns that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a copywriter.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for press releases and other communications materials that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a public relations specialist.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for news articles and other written pieces that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a journalist.
Media Relations Manager
Media Relations Manager
Media relations managers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for press releases and other communications materials that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a media relations manager.
Speech Writer
Speech Writer
Speech writers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for speeches that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a speech writer.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager
Social media managers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for social media posts and other communications materials that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a social media manager.
Television Producer
Television Producer
Television producers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for television shows and other video content that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a television producer.
Radio Producer
Radio Producer
Radio producers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for radio shows and other audio content that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a radio producer.
Podcast Producer
Podcast Producer
Podcast producers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for podcasts and other audio content that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a podcast producer.
Video Game Writer
Video Game Writer
Video game writers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for video games and other interactive entertainment that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a video game writer.
Fiction Writer
Fiction Writer
Fiction writers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for novels, short stories, and other works of fiction that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a fiction writer.
Nonfiction Writer
Nonfiction Writer
Nonfiction writers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for books, articles, and other works of nonfiction that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a nonfiction writer.
Screenwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for movies and television shows that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a screenwriter.
Playwright
Playwright
Playwrights may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for plays that can help persuade audiences or motivate them to take action. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a playwright.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers may find that the techniques taught in this course will be helpful for coming up with content for lesson plans and other teaching materials that can help persuade students or motivate them to learn. The information provided in the syllabus about "information gaps" and "speaking studies" may be particularly useful for individuals interested in a career as a teacher.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f94kkb/speaking
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: Conversation Starters.
Save
Explores the science of what makes ideas sticky and memorable. It provides practical advice on how to create presentations and messages that are more likely to be remembered and acted upon.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of interpersonal communication. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of public speaking. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
This handbook provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of presentation skills, from planning and preparation to delivery and follow-up. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills.
Provides practical advice on how to start and maintain conversations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively.
Save
Provides practical advice on how to talk to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively.
Save
Challenges the conventional wisdom about charisma and argues that it skill that can be learned. It provides practical tips on how to develop charisma and use it to build relationships, influence others, and achieve success.
Save
Provides a simple framework for delivering effective presentations and communication. It offers many practical exercises that can help with improving speaking and presenting skills.
Save
Explores the psychological factors that influence communication. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how to communicate more effectively.
Analyzes the techniques used by the world's top TED speakers and provides practical advice on how to use them to improve your own public speaking skills. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to become a more effective and engaging speaker.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f94kkb/speaking
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Level
Introductory
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Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Patrick Barry
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting. It's comprised of four courses:
- Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion
- Speaking and Presenting: Poise
- Speaking and Presenting: Tact
- Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters (viewing)
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