Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization
Course Features
Partner
Level
Start Date
Duration
Access
Certificate
Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization
About this Specialization
Good speaking is your most enduring job skill. This four-course specialization will provide you with the instruction, experience, and practice to develop and deliver compelling presentations. Drawing from the established knowledge in communication, rhetoric, linguistics, and argumentation, each course balances proven ideas with lots of speech practice.
The courses in this specializations should help speakers at all levels. If you are nervous about public speaking, this is for you! I have spent an entire career helping nervous novice speakers grow into confident communicators. We slowly work up specific skills that you can practice multiple times before putting together a longer speech.
Applied Learning Project
Learners will design, practice, record, and receive feedback on speeches that they can use in their professional lives (elevator and summary talks, informative slide-deck presentations, persuasive policy recommendations, and inspirational stories). After completing this specialization, learners will have the experience and skills to design compelling presentations and a portfolio of polished speeches.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
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Substantial increase your confidence and presence as a dynamic speaker.
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Develop delivery techniques for voice, movement, and gesture that engage audiences.
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Prepare effective speeches for various purposes (informative, persuasive, praise), occasions (workplace, special events, etc.), and audiences.
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Master speechwriting techniques for storytelling, argument, style, topic framing, and discussing evidence.
Instructors
About the instructor
Dr. Matt McGarrity is a Principal Lecturer in the Communication Department at the University of Washington. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in public speaking, argumentation, classical rhetoric, rhetorical criticism, and communication pedagogy. He founded and continues to direct the University of Washington Speaking Center, which offers speech coaching to students. He has published academic articles and teaching materials on communication education and public speaking and has won multiple top paper awards for public speaking research at academic conferences. He has won a number of teaching awards, including UW’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Toastmaster’s Communications & Leadership Award, and the National Speakers’ Association’s Outstanding Professor Award.
