Public Speaking Qualification

Outline

This programme offers the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised professional qualification, equivalent to an A-Level, in Public Speaking. This provides you and your employers with significant proof of your achievement, and helps you stand out from the crowd when applying for a new role or promotion.

The examination requires you to give two prepared speeches, one impromptu speech, respond to questions, and discuss the skills and techniques involved in public speaking.

Content

This programme covers all aspects of creating and delivering an effective speech whilst ensuring that all theory is applied to prepare you for the exam:

• models, theories and techniques to create engaging content
• different styles of speech and adaptation according to aim, situation and audience
• speech production and vocal performance
• visual engagement through non-verbal behaviour, objects and other visual aids

Format

Learning to be a good public speaker is similar to learning to be a good musician. It takes time and regular practice. This programme follows a similar pattern to music lessons. with short sessions every week spread over an academic year, and the opportunity to sit an external exam at the end of the programme. This spaced repetition approach to learning is shown to be most effective in gaining skills with long-term retention and essential for building confidence and experience.

Given the practical nature of this skill and the short intensive sessions involved in the programme, groups are kept small (max 6) to ensure sufficient time for individual focus. This also helps to build a social and supportive nature to the programme enabling the group to benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience.

Dates

The programme starts: Thursday 12th September, 1pm – 2pm.

Sessions follow thereafter at the same time every Thursday during term dates. A full calendar will be sent to you on registration.

• Autumn term: Mon 9th Sep - Fri 13th Dec (half term 21 Oct - 1 Nov) = 12 sessions
• Spring term: Mon 13th Jan - Fri 27th Mar (half term 17-21 Feb) = 10 sessions
• Summer term: Mon 27th Apr - Fri 10th July (half term 25-29 May) = 10 sessions

Location

Eagle Labs, 7-8 Clifton Court, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 7BN