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Public Speaking

Keith B. Jenkins

When asked, many people cite public speaking as one of their biggest fears. In fact, many renowned public speakers admit that they were once extremely anxious about speaking in front of groups.

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When asked, many people cite public speaking as one of their biggest fears. In fact, many renowned public speakers admit that they were once extremely anxious about speaking in front of groups.

Good public speaking is more than a performance. It is the result of:

  • Critical thinking
  • Well-organized narrative
  • Reasoning
  • Research
  • Preparation

In this course, part of the Communication Skills Professional Certificate program, you will study methods that help to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and customize a process that will result in successful speaking experiences.

This course is designed to equip you with knowledge of the principles necessary for formal public speaking with an emphasis on organization, evidence, language use, strategy, delivery, ethics, and effective use of media aids.

What you'll learn

  • How to apply the basic elements of the speech communication process
  • Tools and methods for controlling public speaking anxiety
  • How to craft a clear and impactful speech
  • How to critique other communicators using the principles of this course
  • How to identify main and supporting ideas

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to apply the basic elements of the speech communication process
  • Tools and methods for controlling public speaking anxiety
  • How to craft a clear and impactful speech
  • How to critique other communicators using the principles of this course
  • How to identify main and supporting ideas

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Audience includes professionals giving speeches or presentations
Context and instructional design allow working professionals to engage with the material when they have time
Helps students turn complex and detailed information into clear and effective speeches
Explores core principles in public speaking
Instructor has extensive experience in communication and rhetoric
Develops fundamental skills in preparing and delivering speeches

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Public Speaking. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Public Speaking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Public relations manager
As a Public Relations Manager, you will be crafting persuasive messages, speeches, and presentations that shape public perception. This course will help equip you with the skills to develop clear, impactful, and well-organized speeches. You will also learn how to control public speaking anxiety, which can be a major barrier to success in this field.
Account Manager
Account Managers need to be able to clearly and concisely communicate with clients, both verbally and in writing. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and build strong relationships with clients.
Event Planner
As an Event Planner, you will be responsible for planning and executing a variety of events, from small meetings to large conferences. This course will help you develop the communication and organizational skills you need to succeed in this field. You will learn how to plan and deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and work with a variety of vendors and clients.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that reach target audiences and achieve business goals. This course will help you develop the communication and analytical skills you need to succeed in this field. You will learn how to plan and deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and conduct market research.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams to achieve sales goals. This course will help you develop the communication and leadership skills you need to succeed in this field. You will learn how to plan and deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and build strong relationships with clients.
Teacher
Teachers need to be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and create a positive learning environment.
Lawyer
Lawyers need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, judges, and juries. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and conduct legal research.
Politician
Politicians need to be able to communicate effectively with constituents, the media, and other stakeholders. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective speeches, manage your time effectively, and build strong relationships with voters.
Journalist
Journalists need to be able to communicate effectively with sources, editors, and readers. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear, concise, and accurate news stories and articles.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers need to be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients to understand requirements and design and develop software. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and work with a variety of stakeholders.
Web Developer
Web Developers need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues to understand requirements and design and develop websites. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and work with a variety of stakeholders.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives need to be able to communicate effectively with customers to resolve issues and provide support. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and build strong relationships with customers.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers need to be able to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues to present financial data and analysis. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and work with a variety of stakeholders.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts need to be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders to present findings and insights. This course will help you develop the skills you need to deliver effective presentations, manage your time effectively, and work with a variety of stakeholders.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Public Speaking.
This classic work on persuasion provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of rhetoric. Aristotle discusses the different types of speeches, the elements of a persuasive argument, and the techniques of delivery. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their persuasive speaking skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, how to use visual aids, and how to handle questions from the audience. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills.
Collection of essays on writing and speaking effectively. Zinsser provides practical advice on how to write clearly and concisely, and he offers tips on how to deliver speeches that are both informative and engaging.
Provides a step-by-step guide to developing and delivering effective presentations. Weissman covers everything from how to choose a topic to how to use visual aids and handle questions from the audience.
Provides practical advice on how to communicate effectively as a leader. Wing covers everything from how to build relationships with your team to how to deliver presentations and speeches that inspire and motivate.
Analyzes the public speaking techniques of some of the world's most successful TED speakers. Gallo identifies nine key secrets that these speakers use to engage their audiences and deliver memorable speeches.
Provides a step-by-step guide to overcoming your fear of public speaking. Gabor offers practical exercises and techniques that can help you build confidence and deliver effective speeches.

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