Public speaking is a critical skill in every policy professional’s life. It can mean the difference between coming up with great ideas that wither away for lack of support vs. pitching a proposal that generates excitement among funders, and may even land that sought-after promotion. There are also many types of speaking skills: delivering a prepared speech in front of a live audience, pitching a proposal to a venture capital firm, sitting on stage for an “interview conversation”, televised and radio interviews, organizing and delivering a press conference, working with consecutive and simultaneous interpreters, professional conference presentations, award ceremonies, diplomatic introductions, etc.

This course is designed to introduce you to these different skills and/or refine those skills. You will learn “tricks” of the trade, do’s & don’t’ s, how to “connect” with your audience, how to become a better listener (the secret to great speaking!), how to use body language to greatest effect, advanced vocal techniques, handling Q&A (especially in a press conference format), how to properly introduce someone (and be introduced), which is much harder than it seems, and how to wow an audience in both a live and pre-recorded media interview.