First Words: Public Speaking for Beginners

First Words is a two-stage workshop that ensures findings, advice and ideas are presented confidently and persuasively. The course instills simple techniques of preparation and delivery; including classical acting tips that enhance performance skills.

Live examples, group discussion and delivery of a new speech / pitch make this a practical and enjoyable course.

By the end of the First Words workshop delegates will know how to:

• Understand the needs of any target audience
• Structure a compelling presentation
• Vary the narrative texture of their presentation
• Apply the three classic rhetoric principles - ethos, logos and pathos
• Remember key points when seemingly ‘speaking off the cuff’
• Make the didactic, information-giving presentation enjoyable
• Use PowerPoint as a prop - not the driver
• Make slides look interesting, not complex or ‘busy’
• Use their gestures, faces and voices to complement the verbal message
• Look confident and sound confident
• Manage adrenaline
• Prepare for awkward questions

Course length:

Two one-day sessions, with a break of approximately one week between sessions. Session one is a group course that focuses on presentation theory and delivery exercises; session two is a day or two half-days of one-hour one-to-one coaching sessions.

Maximum delegates:

Ten people

Course fee:

£875 for session one. Session two is charged at £100 per delegate. Travel time expenses are additional.

Three hours preparation time is typically needed to produce approapriate materials for session one. This is charged at £80 per hour.