Skip navigation

UCD Search

 
 

UCD Adult Education Centre

Lárionad an Oideachais Aosaigh

LIFE SKILLS

Public Speaking Without the Panic

SPRING CN205

Saturdays               

Tutor: Rosemarie McGill

This two day course introduces learners to successful strategies for speaking in public. It is ideal for those with little or no experience who are seeking to build their confidence. The emphasis will be on developing and practising your speaking skills in a safe environment (rather than using technology for presentations).

The course will take place over two Saturdays and will be both challenging and fun. We will address some of the main challenges of speaking in public such as how to engage your audience and how to overcome nerves. We will also use the workshops to look at structure and timing when speaking in public. Participants will work together in an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and support. There will be lots of opportunities to practise presentation skills in pairs and small groups. Participants will be encouraged to reflect positively on their own skills and will receive sensitive feedback and suggestions from the facilitator. Our discussions will focus on practical strategies for ensuring success and dealing with concerns. The course will culminate in each participant giving a short speech to the whole group. Participants will also be given handouts and suggestions as to how they can build on what they have learnt in the workshops. Whether you are preparing for a forthcoming event or are seeking to try out your public speaking skills in a supportive environment, this is the course for you.

BELFIELD    
2 Saturdays

Feb 2, 9

10.00am - 5.00pm

 FEE €135       

Print Open Learning Application Form or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment

Tutor Bio

Rosemarie McGill, MA, has worked as a teacher, trainer and manager in a variety of settings in the public and voluntary sectors, both in the UK and Ireland. She has made speeches and presentations to a variety of audiences, big and small. Rosemarie currently works as a research and development officer for one of the largest education providers in the country.

 

Provisional list of key topics to be covered

  • What makes a powerful speech or presentation?
  • Role models: who are the gifted speakers and why?
  • Knowing your audience
  • Overcoming nerves
  • What to do if something goes wrong
  • Drafting and delivering a short presentation (including structure and timing)
  • Reflecting on your strengths and discussing suggestions for improvement.

Who is the course for?

 

 

This course will appeal to anyone who wishes to develop their skills and confidence to speak in public at either a formal or informal event.

 

Reading List:

The following  is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content.  We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests. 

 

 

JEFFERS, Susan J (2006) Feel the fear...and do it anyway, Century.

LASKOWSKI, Lenny (2001) 10 days to more confident public speaking, Warner Books Inc.

McKENNA, Paul (2006) Instant confidence, Bantam Press.

WEISSMAN, Jerry (2008) Presenting to win, Pearson Education Ltd.

WEISSMAN, Jerry (2009) The Power Presenter, John Wiley and Sons Inc.

A list of on-line resources will also be provided to participants.