Communicating effectively is an essential life skill. This course will help you achieve greater confidence and expertise as a communicator while developing your unique voice and style. We will examine all aspects of the communication process: composing effective, compelling speeches, establishing meaningful connections with audiences of any size (whether that audience consists of a small group or fills an auditorium), and leveraging the critical art of persuasive speaking. You will practice and perfect your communication skills by presenting short prepared speeches ranging from informal to formal while integrating aids such as PowerPoint. Engaging in brief impromptu speaking exercises in a friendly, supportive atmosphere will help you develop conflict resolution techniques, negotiation skills, and the ability to quickly organize your thoughts and speak with greater ease and fluency (especially in high-pressure situations). You will learn effective rhetorical strategies by analyzing a variety of lectures, Ted Talks, interviews, and briefings.
At the end of this course you will:
• Better manage apprehension and nerves
• Perfect your unique communication style
• Understand and effectively incorporate critical features of rhetoric
• Effectively utilize non-verbal communication
• Become a more empathetic listener
• Effectively compose and deliver speeches in a variety of styles
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze rhetorical tactics and techniques used in public speaking and speech writing
• Better incorporate persuasive, audience-specific strategies
• Effectively deliver impromptu speeches and think on your feet with ease
• Deftly field questions and deflect opposition
You will leave this course empowered and well-equipped with the skills needed to successfully communicate in any personal and professional situation, from the all-important college interview to delicate interpersonal conflicts.
This course is open to all students who are interested in communication and want to improve their public speaking skills.
Online sections of Pre-College courses are offered in one of the following modalities: Asynchronous, Mostly asynchronous, or Blended. Please review full information regarding the experience here.