Public Speaking

About this course

The course explores how to plan and deliver short speeches, including impromptu presentations on tutor-selected topics. Sessions use demonstrations, debates, individual speaking in front of the group and small-group activities, with feedback from the tutor and other learners. Participants also work on voice production and exercises for developing and protecting the voice, alongside effective body language and eye contact. Live-stream teaching uses Microsoft Teams, with additional recaps or practical tasks potentially shared through the college’s online platforms.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and deliver speeches of up to three minutes
• Deliver impromptu speeches on selected topics
• Use voice exercises that develop and protect the speaking voice
• Evaluate another learner’s speaking work
• Apply effective and congruent body language
• Use effective eye contact when speaking

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course is intended for people wishing to improve their public speaking. Learners take part in individual presentations, debates and small-group activities, and a reasonable level of conversational English is preferred.

• Includes speaking in front of the group
• Requires preparation or activities between weekly sessions
• Learners give and receive feedback on speaking work
• A reasonable level of conversational English is preferred

Before you go

• Some preparation and work between sessions is expected, including preparing exercises to share with fellow learners.
• Notes may be taken during class, while handouts cover most of the theory.
• Additional course materials or practical tasks may be provided through Microsoft Teams, Moodle, Microsoft Stream or Google Classroom.