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Speaking and Presenting

Tact

Patrick Barry

To be an effective speaker you don’t need to overwhelm people with your intellect. You don’t need to dazzle them from start to finish. You simply need to give them the sense that what they are receiving was especially prepared with their interests and needs in mind. This course will help you develop the judgment and dexterity needed to craft a perfectly tailored message.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 | Tact: Concepts
To be an effective speaker you don’t need to overwhelm people with your intellect. You don’t need to dazzle them from start to finish. You simply need to give them the sense that what they are receiving was especially prepared with their interests and needs in mind. This course will help you develop the judgment and dexterity needed to craft a perfectly tailored message.
Read more
Week 2 | Tact: Speaking Stories
The materials this week will take us from a Tony-award-winning play, to a family-owned business, and to one of the most famous cases in the history of the United States Supreme Court. Tact, we’ll see, plays a big role in a wide range of places.
Week 3 | Tact: Speaking Studies
Firing people can be hard. So can apologizing. So the “Speaking Studies” this week offer some useful tips on good ways to navigate each of these difficult situations. They’ll also touch on a related topic: forgiveness.
Week 4 | Joining the Club
Nice work! You’re almost done with the fourth and final course in “Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting.” We’ll close out the series with a review exercise and a nice story about one of my students building up the courage to speak to an audience at the United Nations Human Rights Council, while interning in Geneva, Switzerland. We also make time for an exercise that explores the important link between tact and tragedy.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the importance of considering audience needs in effective speaking, which is highly relevant to students in all fields
Provides practical tips and guidance on navigating difficult speaking situations, which is useful for students in professional settings
Taught by Patrick Barry, who has extensive experience in speech and communication
Applicable to a wide range of contexts, including business, education, and personal life
Builds on the concepts explored in the other courses in the "Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting" series

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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: Tact with these activities:
Review the course syllabus and materials
Familiarizing yourself with the expectations and resources of this course before it starts will give you a strong foundation for success.
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus thoroughly
  • Look through the provided materials
  • Identify topics that you may need to brush up on
Read Rhetorical Grammar, by Erika Lindemann
With practical examples, prompts, and exercises, Rhetorical Grammar's methodology will help you craft effective messages with precision.
Show steps
  • Purchase and read Rhetorical Grammar
  • Complete the exercises within each chapter
  • Apply the techniques outlined in the book to your own speeches or presentations
Create a collection of your notes, assignments, and resources
Compiling your course materials in one place will make it easier for you to review and reinforce your learning.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes, assignments, and resources
  • Organize them in a way that makes sense to you
  • Store your collection in a convenient location
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a local Toastmasters club
Toastmasters is a renowned organization where individuals can develop and hone their public speaking skills through mutual support and feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a local Toastmasters club
  • Attend meetings regularly
  • Prepare and deliver speeches
  • Receive constructive criticism and support from fellow members
Record and critique your own speeches or presentations
Objectively analyzing your own performances can help you pinpoint areas for improvement and accelerate your progress as a speaker.
Show steps
  • Record yourself delivering a speech or presentation
  • Watch and critique the recording
  • Identify areas for improvement
  • Practice and re-record your speech or presentation
Attend a free online guest lecture by a renowned speaker
Seasoned speakers often share tips, tricks, and backstage secrets during guest lectures, which can be invaluable to your growth as a powerful speaker.
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant guest lecture
  • Register for and attend the lecture
  • Take notes during the lecture
  • Reflect on the insights shared and apply them to your own presentations
Create a video or audio recording of yourself speaking on a topic you're passionate about
By sharing your knowledge and insights, you can strengthen your comprehension of the subject matter and consolidate your speaking skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic you're passionate about
  • Research and prepare your content
  • Create a video or audio recording of yourself speaking
  • Share your recording with others

Career center

Learners who complete Speaking and Presenting: Tact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
tact involves being considerate of others' feelings and needs, which is essential for Human Resources Managers. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with employees, managers, and other stakeholders. HR Managers need to be able to handle difficult conversations, such as firing people or giving negative feedback, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, including the media, customers, and employees. This course will help them develop the skills to craft messages that are clear, concise, and appropriate for the target audience. PR Managers also need to be able to handle difficult situations, such as crises or negative publicity, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers need to be able to build relationships with customers and persuade them to buy products or services. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build rapport, and close deals. Sales Managers also need to be able to handle objections and negotiate, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers need to be able to develop and execute marketing campaigns that reach and engage target audiences. This course will help them develop the skills to create effective marketing messages, manage budgets, and track results. Marketing Managers also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, agencies, and vendors, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Event Planner
Event Planners need to be able to plan and execute events that are successful and memorable. This course will help them develop the skills to manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and coordinate logistics. Event Planners also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and guests, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Managers need to be able to resolve customer issues and complaints in a timely and efficient manner. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build rapport, and negotiate solutions. Customer Service Managers also need to be able to handle difficult customers and situations, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Project Manager
Project Managers need to be able to plan, execute, and close projects successfully. This course will help them develop the skills to manage budgets, timelines, and resources. Project Managers also need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, team members, and vendors, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts need to be able to gather and analyze data to identify and solve business problems. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build relationships, and present findings. Business Analysts also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, users, and developers, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Consultant
Consultants need to be able to provide advice and guidance to clients on a variety of business issues. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build relationships, and present findings. Consultants also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and vendors, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Lawyer
Lawyers need to be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. This course will help them develop the skills to present arguments, negotiate settlements, and draft legal documents. Lawyers also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, judges, and opposing counsel, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Teacher
Teachers need to be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues. This course will help them develop the skills to create lesson plans, manage classrooms, and assess student learning. Teachers also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including students, parents, and administrators, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Journalist
Journalists need to be able to gather and report on news stories in a clear and concise manner. This course will help them develop the skills to interview sources, write articles, and conduct research. Journalists also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including editors, publishers, and readers, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Social Worker
Social Workers need to be able to provide support and guidance to clients in a variety of settings. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build relationships, and provide counseling. Social Workers also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, families, and colleagues, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Therapist
Therapists need to be able to provide support and guidance to clients in a variety of settings. This course will help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build relationships, and provide counseling. Therapists also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, families, and colleagues, and this course will provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.
Nurse
Nurses need to be able to provide care and support to patients in a variety of settings. This course may help them develop the skills to communicate effectively, build relationships, and provide patient care. Nurses also need to be able to work with a variety of stakeholders, including patients, families, and colleagues, and this course may provide them with the tools to do so in a tactful and professional manner.

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 Speaking and Presenting: Tact.
Introduces a framework for communicating with empathy and respect. Rosenberg's principles can help speakers develop the awareness and skills needed to engage in tactful conversations.
A comprehensive guide to the art of storytelling. Wiseman's book can help speakers develop the skills needed to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire their audience.
Examines the ethical and moral dimensions of leadership. Brooks's book can help speakers develop a strong moral compass and understand the importance of integrity in communication.
Provides insights into the dynamics of successful teams and organizations. Coyle's research can help speakers understand how to create a culture of respect, collaboration, and open communication.
Provides insights into the strengths and challenges of introverts. Cain's work can help speakers understand how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including those who may have different communication styles.
Offers a broad perspective on human history and evolution. Harari's work can provide context and background for understanding the role of communication and social interactions in human society.
Explores the challenges and opportunities faced by disruptive technologies. Christensen's work can help speakers understand how to adapt their communication strategies to changing circumstances.

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