Public Speaking: A Very Short Course: 7 Lessons for the Classroom, for Workshops, or for Individuals

This short course in public speaking will quickly give you, your workshop participants, or students you teach (high school, college, Adult Education), the basics of public speaking in 7 focused, 1 - 3 page lessons in a workbook format.

Each lesson can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, so that this flexible curriculum can be inserted in and adapted to a non-speech class as a public speaking segment. With suggested extension activities, and time for participants to give speeches, the material could easily be extended into a one-semester class.

This book is a work-text, in a big 8.5-inch by 11-inch format (21.59 cm by 27.94 cm) intended for readers not just to read, but to write in as concepts are learned and applied.

Individuals desiring a concentrated self-study on public speaking (or who have a specific presentation to prepare) can apply the lessons to prepare presentations that will get their message heard and remembered without spending hours or days slogging through a lot of theory or fluff (the book is only 26 pages long). In a pinch, the material could even be used to prepare a speech for the very next day!

7 Lessons, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes each, include:

1. Why Develop Public Speaking Skills?
2. Define Your Message
3. Plan Your Message Structure
4. Engage Your Audience with Stories
5. Say It With Style!
6. Easy PowerPoint Principles
7. Deliver with Confidence

Brief facilitation notes for classroom or workshop use are included.

Additional resources:

• Speech Planning and Outline Sheet
• Speech Evaluation Form (for peer evaluation)
• Impromptu Speaking (tips and how to include in a class)

Diane Windingland is the author of several books on communication skills including Cat Got Your Tongue?, 12 Ways to be a Confident Speaker, Public Speaking Lessons from TED Talks, Speech Class for Teens, and more. Originally trained as an engineer, she now speaks for organizations that want to help their people have better, more profitable conversations and presentations. She also coaches people on how to create more dynamic and engaging presentations in high stakes communications.