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 (in the physical book version).

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.

Note: The print version is suggested for classroom or workshop use.The print version 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)