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Professional Speaking

95-718

Units: 6

Description

Professional Speaking provides practical instruction for preparing and delivering professional presentations and communicating in professional situations. Activities and assignments include: developing targeted, strategic messages; writing outlines; creating cohesive visuals; exploring new technologies; and, speaking extemporaneously. Students engage specific audiences using a communication style (both verbal and nonverbal) suitable for workplace environments. Overall, the course helps students develop confidence and apply effective techniques when speaking in a public setting.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Compare and contrast effective versus ineffective professional presentations
  2. Conduct an audience analysis and adapt messages to particular audience members
  3. Establish presence through professional attire, appropriate posture, and purposeful gestures
  4. Structure a logical, cohesive message via verbal and visual transitional devices
  5. Maintain time constraints, a consistent pace, adequate volume and clarity in voice projection, and eye contact
  6. Design and utilize visuals (e.g. slides, logos, photographs, tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams) effectively
  7. Demonstrate the use of advanced presentation technologies as a method of delivering content
  8. Generate interaction with attendees and respond eloquently to questions from the audience
  9. Self-evaluate professional development as a public speaker

Syllabus