Oratory in Action

How do humans use speech to make change, and how can focusing on audience attention increase your communication skills, both oral and written? In this entry-level course we will practice oratory first as speakers, then as peer coaches, and finally as partners collaborating with professional organizations that seek to empower and motivate others. We will use practices developed at Middlebury in Oratory Now’s coach training program, the physical education course, OratoryX, and the new Remote Oratory Coaching service for live and recorded online presentations. As such, the course is a blend of virtual and in-person meetings, primarily in-person. Short readings and viewings support this immersive, group-work intensive learning project. Students with 16+ credits may register with instructor approval. 3 hrs. lect.