The course is meant for students with an intermediate level of proficiency of the English language (CEFR: B1-B2).

Students will learn the skills and strategies needed to prepare and deliver different types of speech (informative, special occasion, persuasive). Special consideration is given to communication, in particular how to adapt styles and content to different contexts and audiences. This workshop emphasizes three aspects:
- composing meaningful and coherent messages;
- conducting responsible research on appropriate topics;
- developing effective presentation skills.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- construct (research, outline, and organize) a presentation;
- deliver informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches;
- develop analytical and critical listening skills;
- successfully manage their anxiety about communicating in public contexts;
- engage with an audience with autonomy and self-confidence.

The ability to speak in public and give talks and presentations is a crucial part of many jobs. It allows you to present your ideas and yourself in the best possible light. For those sheepish at the prospect of speaking in public, don't worry; public speaking can be taught, and more importantly, it can be mastered. This workshop will take students through the key aspects of what it takes to have an impact as a public speaker. It will include:

1) Getting Started:
- Speaking in Public;
- Managing Speech Anxiety;
- Improving your Confidence;


2) Analyzing an Audience
- Listening;
- Analyzing Your Audience;
- Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak.

3) Preparing a Speech
- Selecting a Topic and Purpose;
- Developing Your Speech;
- Gathering Supporting Material;
- Supporting Your Speech.

4) Crafting a Speech
- Organizing Your Speech;
- Outlining and Reviewing Your Speech;
- Developing an Introduction;
- Developing a Conclusion.

5) Delivering a Speech
- Methods of Delivery;
- Non-verbal Communication;
- Verbal Communication;
- Selecting Presentation Aids.

6) Types of Speech
- Informative Speech;
- Persuasive Speaking;
- Speaking on Special Occasions.

This workshop is in line with the contents of the University/Department workshop: "Laboratorio sulle competenze trasversali".

• 1.  (C) Garr Reynolds Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery New Riders, San Francisco (US), 2011
• 2.  (A) Chris Anderson TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking Mariner Book , Boston US, 2016

The slides shown and discussed in classes will be made available to the students attending the workshop, as well as other materials necessary for workshop activities.
The 4 CFU programme is the same for both attendant and non-attendant students.

• A mix of the following teaching techniques will be used:
  
  - Lectures;
  - Individual and team workshop activities;
  - Watching video;
  - Written text analysis.
  
  

• Students will be required to deliver a speech of 15 minutes. This presentation will take place in the oral exam.
  Students have to write their presentation which will be sent by email to the instructor at least one week before the booked exam.
  Grading scheme:
  
  - Final presentation in the oral exam: 70%
  - Individual and team workshop activities: 20%
  - Style and language skills: 10%
  

English

English