Big Ideas, Short Talks

Brown University
School of Professional Studies
Summer 2014

Want to make amazing presentations and influence people? Learn the tips, tricks, tactics and tools of giving effective public presentations. This course introduces the fundamental methods of public speaking and designing effective graphic presentations.

Public presentation skills are central to success in any academic or professional career. This course provides an introduction to the key elements of planning, designing and giving effective public presentations. Students will explore and study historical and contemporary public speeches, analyze examples of presentations for notes on style and technique, learn the skills required to prepare and make their own presentations, and create and deliver their own public presentation at the conclusion of the course. Topics covered will include: planning, outlining and writing oral presentations, techniques for rehearsing and preparing for a presentation, designing clear and effective powerpoint presentations, oratorial techniques and methods, ways of coping with anxiety, strategies for engaging audiences and handling disruptions, and common problems and challenges encountered in public speaking.

4298933678_f5158640bd_z

Al Gore speaks at TED, 2009. Photo by Steve Jurvetson