Speak With Confidence

Course overview

This short course is intended to assist in building confidence and clarity in your communication abilities for everyday workplace interactions. Through practical exercises, real-life scenarios, and experienced advice, you will understand how to express yourself more clearly, speak with assurance, and connect more effectively with colleagues and clients. Whether it's contributing to meetings, speaking to groups via presentations, or handling challenging conversations, this course equips you with the tools and techniques to build your communication skills to the level that you would wish them to be.

Learn how to speak with confidence in this short course that incorporates acting training techniques to enhance delivery and engagement.

Week 1: Introduction to Presentation Skills Techniques

• Objective: Understand the basics of presentations techniques.
• Topics:
  • Importance of presentation skills
  • Overview of key skills: presence, shaping communication, being adaptable, balancing self with others, responding creatively and effectively and connection.
  • Improvisation Skills
  • Setting objectives for your presentation.
    •  Who do you want to talk to?
    • What would you like them to understand / experience?
• Activities:
  • Icebreaker: Introduce yourself with a dramatic flair
  • Group discussion on memorable presentations and performances
  • Homework: Watch a TED Talk and a theatrical performance, noting key techniques

Week 2: Audience Analysis and Character Development

• Objective: Tailor presentations to different audiences using character development techniques.
• Topics:
  • Identifying who want to talk to and why?
  • Creating audience personas
  • Adapting content and style to your audience
• Activities:
  • Character creation exercise: Develop a persona for your audience
  • Group exercise: Role-play different audience types
  • Homework: Prepare a brief presentation for a specific audience persona

Week 3: Structuring Your Presentation with Storytelling

• Objective: Develop a clear structure using storytelling techniques.
• Topics:
  • Introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Creating a narrative arc
    • The importance of story
    • The importance and power of personal experience.
  • Using transitions effectively
• Activities:
  • Storyboarding workshop: Outline your presentation as a story
  • Peer review of storyboards
  • Homework: Draft the narrative outline of your presentation

Week 4: Designing Visual Aids with Theatrical Elements

• Objective: Enhance presentations with visual aids and theatrical elements.
• Topics:
  • Types of visual aids (slides, props, costumes)
  • Design principles for visual aids
  • Incorporating theatrical elements (lighting, staging)
• Activities:
  • Prop and costume design workshop
  • Critique of sample visual aids
  • Homework: Create visual aids and props for your presentation

Week 5: Developing Delivery Skills with Acting Techniques

• Objective: Improve verbal and non-verbal communication using acting techniques.
• Topics:
  • Voice modulation and clarity
  • Body language and gestures
  • Managing stage fright
• Activities:
  • Voice and body language exercises (e.g., vocal warm-ups, mirror exercises)
  • Practice delivering parts of your presentation with dramatic emphasis
  • Homework: Record and review your presentation delivery

Week 6: Engaging Your Audience with Improvisation

• Objective: Learn techniques to keep your audience engaged using improvisation.
• Topics:
  • Storytelling in presentations
  • Using questions and interactions
  • Handling difficult questions and situations
• Activities:
  • Improvisation workshop: Practice thinking on your feet
  • Role-playing Q&A sessions
  • Homework: Incorporate improvisation techniques into your presentation

Week 7: Rehearsing Your Presentation with Acting Rehearsal Techniques

• Objective: Practice and refine your presentation using acting rehearsal techniques.
• Topics:
  • Importance of rehearsal
  • Techniques for effective rehearsal (e.g., blocking, run-throughs)
  • Getting and using feedback
• Activities:
  • Group rehearsal sessions with blocking
  • Peer feedback on presentations
  • Homework: Finalise your presentation

Week 8: Final Presentations and Feedback

• Objective: Deliver your presentation and receive constructive feedback.
• Topics:
  • Presentation delivery
  • Peer and instructor feedback
  • Reflecting on your progress
• Activities:
  • Final presentations with theatrical elements
  • Feedback sessions
  • Group reflection and discussion