Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion from Coursera

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Syllabus

Week 1 | Optimism: Vocabulary

What do the British writer George Orwell and the American designer Charles Eames have in common? We’ll find out in this first week of “Pitches and Persuasion,” the second course in the four-part series “Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting.”

Week 2 | Optimism: Speaking Studies and Speaking Exercises

We’ll take a deeper look at the quality of optimism this week, with a little help from a 19th-century neurologist, a 20th century graduate of Harvard Law School, and a set of 21st-century experiments. It’s going to be a fun week.

Week 3 | Dynamic: Vocabulary

We’ll start by taking a new look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” at the March on Washington in 1963. But we won’t be focusing on his rhythmic cadence or strategic uses of pauses. Instead, we’ll turn our attention to the persuasive power he generates with his head, his arms, and even his heels. Body language, we’ll see, can be some of the most effective languages around.

Week 4 | Dynamic: Studies & Exercises

The first American woman to become a Supreme Court justice. The first German Chancellor to commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. And a brave political activist who decided the best way to make a statement would be to climb up a flagpole. We learned about each of those figures last week and are now ready to take a look at some helpful research about the quality each of them shared: they communicated with more than just their mouths.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to the concept of optimism in persuasive communication, which is commonly employed by leaders to inspire and motivate others

Emphasizes the use of research, data, and expertise to ensure persuasive arguments are well-supported and evidence-based

Leverages famous speeches and historical figures to illustrate the impact of body language, nonverbal communication, and dynamic speaking techniques

Tailored for individuals seeking to hone their persuasive skills in various professional, academic, or personal settings

Incorporates a diverse range of learning materials, including videos, readings, discussions, and interactive exercises

Taught by Patrick Barry, an experienced instructor with expertise in communication and persuasion

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: Pitches and Persuasion with these activities:

Review Public Speaking Concepts

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Public speaking is a key part of this course. Brush up on the major concepts and enhance your understanding of the material.

Browse courses on Public Speaking

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Review the major concepts of public speaking, such as structure, delivery, and audience engagement.
Read articles or watch videos on public speaking techniques.
Practice delivering a short speech to yourself or a friend.

Join a Study Group

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Connect with other students taking this course to discuss the material, ask questions, and support each other's learning.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Set regular meeting times to discuss the course material.
Take turns presenting different concepts to the group.

Practice Pitching Your Ideas

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Enhance your confidence and delivery skills by practicing pitching your ideas to an audience.

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Choose a topic you're passionate about.
Develop a clear and concise pitch.
Practice delivering your pitch to family, friends, or colleagues.

Two other activities

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Develop a Persuasive Presentation

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Apply the concepts learned in this course to create a compelling and persuasive presentation.

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Choose a topic that aligns with the course material.
Research your topic and gather supporting evidence.
Organize your presentation using a logical structure.
Design engaging slides and visuals.
Practice delivering your presentation and gather feedback.

Create a Public Speaking Portfolio

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Showcase your public speaking skills by compiling a portfolio of your presentations, speeches, and other relevant materials.

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Gather recordings or transcripts of your presentations.
Develop a personal website or social media profile to display your portfolio.
Include testimonials or feedback from audiences.
Continuously update your portfolio with new presentations and materials.

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking and Presenting: Pitches and Persuasion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Communications Manager

A Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies for an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to create and deliver persuasive presentations. You'll learn how to structure your arguments, use evidence effectively, and engage your audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Speechwriter

A Speechwriter is responsible for writing speeches for public figures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to research topics, structure arguments, and write persuasive speeches. You'll also learn how to use storytelling techniques to engage your audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and implementing social media strategies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to create engaging content, build a community, and measure the results of your campaigns. You'll also learn how to use social media to promote your brand and drive traffic to your website.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and motivating a sales team. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to build relationships, negotiate deals, and close sales. You'll also learn how to use data to track your progress and improve your results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing the public image of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to build relationships with the media, write press releases, and manage crisis situations. You'll also learn how to use social media to promote your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Brand Manager

A Brand Manager is responsible for developing and managing a brand's identity and reputation. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. You'll learn how to use body language, gestures, and other non-verbal cues to convey your message in a persuasive and engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to conduct market research, identify target markets, and develop effective marketing campaigns. You'll also learn how to use a variety of marketing channels to reach your target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Content Marketing Manager

A Content Marketing Manager is responsible for creating and managing content that attracts and engages customers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to write persuasive copy and create visually appealing content. You'll also learn how to use social media and other digital channels to reach your target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

A Digital Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to use digital channels to reach your target audience. You'll also learn how to track and measure the results of your campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Advertising Manager

An Advertising Manager oversees the development and execution of advertising campaigns. This course can help build a foundation for success in this role by teaching you how to merge hard facts with an imaginative vision. This skill is essential for creating persuasive advertising content that resonates with audiences and inspires them to take action.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager

Fundraising Manager

A Fundraising Manager is responsible for raising funds for an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to identify potential donors, build relationships, and make persuasive presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraising Manager

Creative Director

A Creative Director is responsible for overseeing the creative vision of an organization. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to think creatively and solve problems. You'll also learn how to collaborate with others and manage a creative team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Event Planner

An Event Planner is responsible for planning and coordinating events. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to manage logistics, communicate with clients, and create memorable experiences. You'll also learn how to use your creativity to come up with new and innovative ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Media Planner

A Media Planner is responsible for developing and implementing media plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to select the right media channels for your target audience. You'll also learn how to negotiate with media outlets and track the results of your campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Planner

Journalist

A Journalist is responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news stories. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role by teaching you how to research, interview sources, and write persuasive articles. You'll also learn how to use storytelling techniques to engage your readers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Speaking and Presenting

Pitches and Persuasion

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