Course Overview

In today’s professional world, many things are seen as a “given.” Every individual is expected to perform above average in their area of expertise and excel in interpersonal skills, including presentation and communication skills. Unfortunately, this is not the norm. Presentation skills can be developed over time through practice and experience. However, without proper guidance and advice, anyone may develop habits that may unconsciously negatively impact the desired outcome; whether to entertain or educate the audience, or succeed in “selling” a specific idea or project.

This course is tailored according to the specific needs of each participant or group as per the intake. After the course, participants will gain expertise in the following skill areas:

Abilities: Accurate reading, articulation, correct pronunciation, pausing, proper sense stress, principal ideas emphasized, volume, modulation, enthusiasm, gestures and facial expressions, visual contact, and voice quality.

Content: Visual, practicality, logical development, introduction, development, main topics, conclusion, accuracy of information, illustrations, photo/video, color schemes, time usage and control, and content properly proportioned.

Preparation: Man in the mirror test, mock presentations, recording test, time practice, and use of outline.

Delivery Techniques: Conversational tone, natural, extemporaneous, fluent, improvisation, conviction, exhortation, encouragement, tactfulness, and respect.

Managing Audiences: Personal appearance, poise, use of microphone, interest-arousing, practical value and takeaways, familiar situations, understanding your audience, expectations, effective conclusions, and effective questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Work on valuable skills including reading, analyzing, and organizing.
• Handle fear.
• Understand the use of technology for presenting.
• Understand stage presence and poise.
• Influence and persuade.
• Know how to rephrase questions and negative comments.
• Learn how negotiation and communication skills may influence your presentation.
• Put thoughts in writing with a goal in mind, prioritizing ideas and messages.
• Handle audiences, converse, maintain eye contact, answer questions, remember key points, show and transmit enthusiasm, maintain appearance and poise, choose words carefully, express conviction, and use repetition effectively.

Prerequisites

None

Course Materials

Students will receive a course manual with presentation slides and reference materials.

Examination

There is no exam for this course.

Agenda

Before We Begin

• Welcome/Introductions
• Purpose/Inspiration
• Course Dynamics
• Intake/Results/Wordweb
• Social Skills 101

Part 1

• Stages Involved
• Fear – How to Deal With it
• Video: TED Talks Format – Chris Anderson
• Exercise: Coping with Fear
• Activity: Test your Panic

Part 2

• At the Stage: Use of Microphone and Poise
• Gestures and Facial Expressions
• Exercise: Gestures
• Voice and Volume
• Video: Megan – TED – Stutter
• Exercise: Create Your own Pre-event Routine – Video Tonny

Part 3

• Visual Aids: KISS
• Effective Handouts
• Exercise: Walk on Walk off
• Exercise: Voice

Influence and Persuasion

• Definitions
• General Overview
• Positive and Negative Ways to Influence
• Open Discussion: Sun vs. Wind Tale
• Video: The Science of Persuasion
• Exercise: The Budget Presentation
• Exercise: The Language Trip of a Lifetime – Language Focus: Convincing and Persuading

Introduction to Communication and Negotiation Skills

• Communication Skills
• Exercise/Role Play: A Brief History of Communications
• Negotiation Skills
• Video: The Negotiator

Conclusions

• Wrap up
• Self-Assessment GAP
• Feedback Form
• Closing Remarks

Target Audience

Anyone interested in presentation skills, including managers and team leaders.

Technical Requirements

For eBooks:

• Internet for downloading the eBook
• Laptop, tablet, smartphone, eReader (No Kindle)
• Adobe DRM-supported software (e.g., Digital Editions, Bluefire Reader)
• eBook download and activation instructions

Dates: