Presenting on the spot

ByCity Lit

Communication

Beginner

A beginner course on structuring and delivering short, impromptu presentations for work, social and celebratory situations.

About this course

The course explores how to respond when a presentation or speech is requested with little preparation. Participants work on vocal, breathing and delivery techniques, managing nerves, adapting tone and style to different occasions, and using practical structures to clarify a message. Teaching combines presentation exercises with guidance on speaking techniques. Participants deliver short presentations on either a chosen or suggested theme, then receive feedback and evaluation. The course also considers ways to establish rapport with an audience while maintaining a natural and credible delivery.

What you'll learn

  • Apply vocal, breathing and delivery techniques when speaking without extensive preparation.
  • Use structures and tactics to organise a clear message.
  • Adapt tone and presentation style to formal, social and celebratory occasions.
  • Deliver a two-minute presentation with limited preparation.
  • Manage nerves and build rapport with an audience.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginner-level learners who want to practise speaking in impromptu situations. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, contribute to group discussion and take part in presentation exercises.

  • Participants may present on a theme they choose or one suggested during the course.
  • Feedback and evaluation form part of the presentation practice.

Before you go

  • Bring a notepad and pen.

Class teachers

  • Gavin Illsley

    Class teacher

  • Stephanie Lunn

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

7 communication courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

3 classes

Selected date

Mon 26 Oct 2026

19:00 – 21:30 • 6 weeks

£229

Keeley Street, Covent Garden

Stephanie LunnClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Wed 24 Feb 2027

    20:00 – 21:45 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Gavin Illsley

    £99

  • Mon 12 Apr 2027

    19:00 – 21:30 • 7 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Stephanie Lunn

    £229

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
24 Feb 2027
Wednesdays
20:00 - 21:45
Short course4 weeks
GavinIllsley
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£99.00
12 Apr 2027
Mondays
19:00 - 21:30
Short course7 weeks
StephanieLunn
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£229.00
  • Mon 26 Oct, 19:00 - 21:30

    Book now
    6 weeks
    Keeley Street
    6 weeksMon 19:00£229
    StephanieLunnKeeley Street
    StephanieLunn
    £229
  • Wed 24 Feb, 20:00 - 21:45

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksWed 20:00£99
    GavinIllsleyKeeley Street
    GavinIllsley
    £99
  • Mon 12 Apr, 19:00 - 21:30

    7 weeks
    Keeley Street
    7 weeksMon 19:00£229
    StephanieLunnKeeley Street
    StephanieLunn
    £229

Showing 1 to 3 of 3 classes

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