This course has been designed for those in positions where they must speak in front of audiences that are hostile or demanding. This material is also suitable for those who are relatively new speakers who want some encouragement to speak up in meetings or who want some training before they begin making presentations on behalf of the organization. Speaking under pressure, or thinking on your feet, means being able to quickly organize your thoughts and ideas, and then being able to convey them meaningfully to your audience to modify their attitudes or behavior. It applies to formal speeches as well as everyday business situations. It requires presence of mind, goal orientation, adaptation, and judgment. It also requires differentiating between oral and written communications. This course is aimed at improving your skills and learning some new techniques which will give you the persuasive edge when you are making a presentation, fielding difficult questions, or presenting complex information. Specific learning objectives include:

• Apply quick and easy preparation methods that will work whether you have one minute or one week to prepare.
• Prepare for questions, even before you know what those questions will be.
• Overcome nervousness that you may have when speaking in front of a group, particularly if the group is not sympathetic to what you have to say.
• Use presentation techniques that establish your credibility and get people on your side.

Course Content

Lessons

Session One: Course Overview

Session Two: Getting Started

Session Three: Planning

Session Four: Force Field Analysis

Session Five: Understanding Your Audience

Session Six: Controlling Your Jitters

Session Seven: Making Your Listener Hear You

Session Eight: Key Themes

Session Nine: Key Sentences

Session Ten: Structuring Ideas

Session Eleven: Organization Methods

Session Twelve: Our Body Language

Session Thirteen: If You Could Be…

Session Fourteen: Beginnings and Endings

Session Fifteen: Expanding a Basic Plan

Session Sixteen: Presentations