Public speaking: How to communicate with confidence

From work presentations to wedding speeches – learn how to overcome nerves and engage an audience

Most people get asked to speak in public at some point in their lives – and most people dread it. Whether it’s a work presentation, an after-dinner speech, or a sales pitch, this masterclass with communications coach Isabel Walker will transform your ability to engage an audience. During this three-hour course, you’ll receive invaluable advice on how to deliver a presentation with confidence – and even enjoy the experience.

The course kicks off with a host of tips on how to overcome nerves, structure a speech, and make it compelling for people to listen to. After that, you’ll split into small groups and put what you’ve learnt into practice. With opportunities to fine-tune your own public speaking skills, it’s the ideal course for anyone who wants to learn how to win over an audience and have fun while doing it.

Course content

• How to overcome your fear of public speaking
• Communicating with passion and conviction
• The key differences between spoken and written communication
• The importance of structure, including powerful openings
• How to support key messages with compelling ‘proof points’, anecdotes and humour
• The importance of structure, including powerful openings
• How to support key messages with compelling ‘proof points’, anecdotes and humour
• Advice on body language and vocal techniques
• Audience engagement and eye contact
• Top tips for preparing for presentations and speeches
• Getting the message and the language right
• Dealing with difficult questions and performance nerves
• Structuring a presentation from start to finish
• Practical exercise – attendees work on an idea for a presentation they want to give, using a 9-box preparation grid
• Practical exercise – a handful of brave volunteers are invited to present to the rest of the group, with opportunity for feedback
• Q&A

This course is for you if…

• You deliver speeches or presentations as part of your job, and want to improve your skills
• You have a speech coming up at an event with family or friends, and want to learn how to overcome nerves
• You occasionally get asked to speak in public, and want a solid grounding in how to communicate with confidence and impact

Course preparation

• This masterclass includes informal opportunities to hone your presentation skills in a supportive environment. Please come prepared to speak for one-minute on a subject you feel passionate about.
• Please also arrive with an idea for a talk or presentation you want to give – this could be anything from a best man’s speech, to a business pitch or an inspirational talk. You’ll develop this idea during a practical exercise in small groups.

Tutor profile

Isabel Walker is a highly experienced communication skills trainer and qualified coach. She was formerly a journalist and editor. Isabel’s expertise lies in helping people to communicate clearly with high impact to different audiences. Find out more on her blog.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website