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Tamy Chapman, Judy Hu, Dana Saito-Stehberger, and Brad Gilpin

Do you have to give presentations in school or at your work? Is it nerve-racking? Then you've come to the right place. Everyone gets a little nervous when they think about having to stand in front of other people and speak intelligently. This course will give you helpful tips for making effective speeches and delivering them well in typical American settings. You'll learn how to organize a presentation, how to make it memorable, and how to communicate clearly. In the course, you'll have several opportunities to demonstrate the presentation skills that you learn. This will help you gain the experience you need to be more confident when you give a speech in an American classroom or on the job. Learners will record several videos of themselves giving assigned presentations and upload the videos for peer feedback.

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Do you have to give presentations in school or at your work? Is it nerve-racking? Then you've come to the right place. Everyone gets a little nervous when they think about having to stand in front of other people and speak intelligently. This course will give you helpful tips for making effective speeches and delivering them well in typical American settings. You'll learn how to organize a presentation, how to make it memorable, and how to communicate clearly. In the course, you'll have several opportunities to demonstrate the presentation skills that you learn. This will help you gain the experience you need to be more confident when you give a speech in an American classroom or on the job. Learners will record several videos of themselves giving assigned presentations and upload the videos for peer feedback.

Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Presentation Introductions
This is the second course in the Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening specialization. In this class, you will learn about giving an effective speech for an American classroom or organization. Learning the skills that effective speakers depend on will give you confidence in speaking in formal situations like classroom presentations. In this first week, you will learn about different types of presentations and start learning about presentation structure.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches students about different types of presentations and their structures
Teaches students essential components of an effective speech
Provides multiple opportunities to practice presentation skills and receive feedback
Created by experienced instructors recognized in the field of speech and language teaching
Course content focuses specifically on the American context for presentations

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Reviews summary

Boosting confidence in american presentations

According to learners, "Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen" is a largely positive course, particularly effective at helping students increase confidence in public speaking. Many highlight the practical tips and clear guidance on presentation structure as key strengths. The video recording exercises are frequently mentioned as a very helpful component, providing essential practice. While the course offers a solid foundation, some students noted that the quality of peer feedback could be inconsistent. Overall, it is viewed as a valuable resource for developing effective communication skills relevant to American academic and professional settings.
Excellent introduction to presentation skills.
"Perfect if you are new to giving presentations or need a good refresher on the basics."
"Provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of public speaking, especially for the American context."
"As someone relatively new to presenting, this course gave me exactly the solid start I needed."
"It covers the core concepts well and is very accessible for beginners."
Video practice is very beneficial.
"Recording and watching myself present was probably the most helpful part for improving my delivery."
"The video assignments really forced me to practice and allowed me to see where I needed to improve."
"Didn't think I'd like recording myself, but the practice exercises were invaluable."
"Having to record presentations made the learning very active and reinforced the lessons."
Provides highly useful, actionable advice.
"The course is loaded with practical tips and a clear structure for building effective presentations."
"I found the step-by-step approach to structuring a speech extremely helpful and easy to follow."
"Liked how they broke down the process and gave actionable advice I could immediately apply."
"Excellent practical advice on organizing and delivering speeches for work or school."
Significantly increases speaking confidence.
"This course significantly helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and feel much more confident."
"I feel a lot more confident about giving presentations after taking this course and using the tips provided."
"Gained the confidence needed to deliver presentations effectively in front of an audience."
"Truly helped reduce anxiety and built confidence in my ability to present."
Quality of peer reviews varies.
"The quality of feedback from peers was inconsistent; some were helpful, others provided very little value."
"Found the peer review system frustrating at times, as feedback often lacked detail or constructiveness."
"Relying solely on peer feedback felt limiting; wished there was some instructor or expert review available."
"Some peer feedback was great, but getting good feedback depended heavily on who reviewed your video."

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 Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen with these activities:
Read 'Speak with Confidence' by Steve Cohen
Introduce the fundamentals of effective speaking and presentation techniques.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book and read it cover to cover.
  • Complete the exercises and activities at the end of each chapter.
  • Summarize the key points of each chapter in your own words.
Read 'Presentation Zen' by Garr Reynolds
Provides insights into the principles of effective presentation design and delivery.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book and read it cover to cover.
  • Highlight and annotate key passages.
  • Summarize the main ideas of the book in your own words.
Attend a local Toastmasters meeting
Offers a supportive environment to practice and receive feedback on your presentation skills.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Find a local Toastmasters club and attend a meeting.
  • Introduce yourself to the group and share your goals.
  • Observe other members' presentations.
  • Give a short presentation of your own.
  • Receive feedback from other members.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow online tutorials on presentation techniques
Provides access to expert instruction and guidance on specific aspects of presentation delivery.
Browse courses on Presentation Skills
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on presentation techniques.
  • Choose a few tutorials that cover topics you want to improve on.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key points.
  • Practice the techniques you learn in the tutorials.
  • Seek feedback from others on your progress.
Create a presentation on a topic of your choice
Provides an opportunity to apply the principles of effective speaking and presentation design.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in and know well.
  • Research the topic and gather information from reliable sources.
  • Organize your information into a logical structure.
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation until you are comfortable delivering it.
Attend a presentation skills workshop
Offers hands-on training and practice with expert instructors and peers.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Research and find a presentation skills workshop that meets your needs.
  • Register for the workshop and pay the fee.
  • Attend the workshop and participate actively.
  • Take notes and practice the techniques you learn.
  • Follow up with the instructor or other participants after the workshop.
Create a presentation on a controversial topic
Challenges students to research, analyze, and present different perspectives on a complex issue.
Show steps
  • Choose a controversial topic that you are interested in.
  • Research the topic and gather information from a variety of sources.
  • Develop a thesis statement that expresses your own perspective on the issue.
  • Create visual aids to support your presentation.
  • Practice your presentation until you are comfortable delivering it.
Mentor a less experienced student or colleague in public speaking
Provides an opportunity to reinforce your skills and knowledge while helping others improve.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Identify a less experienced student or colleague who is interested in improving their public speaking skills.
  • Meet with them regularly to provide guidance and support.
  • Observe their presentations and provide constructive feedback.
  • Share resources and tips to help them develop their skills.
  • Encourage them to practice and seek opportunities to speak in front of others.

Career center

Learners who complete Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Speech-Language Pathologist
A Speech-Language Pathologist helps individuals who have difficulty with speech, language, and swallowing. This course will be particularly useful for those who are interested in a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist as it provides a comprehensive overview of the skills needed to be successful in this field.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, documentation, and other materials that explain technical concepts. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Technical Writer as it provides a foundation in the principles of clear and effective communication.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of a company or organization. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Public Relations Specialist as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote a company's products or services. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Marketing Manager as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads a team of sales representatives and is responsible for achieving sales goals. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Sales Manager as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative provides support to customers and resolves their issues. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Customer Service Representative as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Event Planner
An Event Planner plans and organizes events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as an Event Planner as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Teacher
A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Teacher as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Journalist
A Journalist writes and reports news stories. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Journalist as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Politician
A Politician holds elected office and is responsible for making decisions that affect the public. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Politician as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises clients on legal matters and represents them in court. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Lawyer as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Doctor
A Doctor treats patients and diagnoses and prescribes medications. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Doctor as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Engineer
An Engineer designs, builds, and maintains machines and structures. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as an Engineer as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Computer Programmer
A Computer Programmer writes and tests code that makes computers work. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Computer Programmer as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. This course may be useful for those who are interested in a career as a Web Developer as it provides a foundation in the principles of effective communication.

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 Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of effective presentations. It covers topics such as planning, organizing, delivering, and evaluating presentations.
Offers practical advice on how to overcome speaking anxiety and deliver effective presentations. It provides exercises and techniques for improving vocal delivery, body language, and stage presence.
Provides insights from TED speakers on how to craft and deliver powerful presentations. It covers topics such as storytelling, humor, and the use of visuals.
Offers a comprehensive guide to creating effective presentation slides. It covers topics such as visual design, typography, and the use of data to support presentations.
Provides guidance on how to effectively use data to tell compelling stories and communicate insights. It covers topics such as data visualization techniques, storytelling principles, and the use of data to persuade and inspire.
Is written in Japanese and analyzes the presentation style of Steve Jobs. It provides insights into how to create memorable and impactful presentations.
Provides a detailed guide to planning and preparing presentations. It includes templates and exercises to help learners create effective presentations.
Is designed for scientists and engineers and provides guidance on how to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.

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