Speak up!: Course Overview

Introduction

Welcome to Speak up! This course is designed to help you build the confidence, clarity, and creativity needed to become an effective and engaging speaker. Whether you're presenting in class, interviewing for a job, leading a discussion, or delivering a speech, your ability to speak clearly and confidently can make a powerful difference.

In this course, you’ll learn the foundations of effective oral communication—from organizing your thoughts and using your voice expressively, to engaging your audience and adapting to different speaking situations. Through practice, feedback, and reflection, you’ll develop not only your technical speaking skills, but also your ability to connect with listeners, express your ideas persuasively, and present yourself with poise. By the end of the course, you’ll be better equipped to speak up—and speak out—with confidence and impact.

Topics in this course

Topics of the course

1. The structure of oral presentations: The Introduction

2. The efficacy of language: Grammar features that distinguish colloquial speech from more formal talks and speeches.

3. The efficacy of language: The use of metaphors and analogies, examples. Avoidance of jargon.

4. Signposting: Navigating Your Audience Through Your Speech

5. Speaking persuasively: The appeal to Ethos, Pathos and Logos

6. Nonverbal Strategies for Impactful Speaking

7. Pause for Power, Vary for Impact

8.The structure of oral presentations: The Conclusion

9. Using Visual Aids

Public Speaking Fundamentals – Introductory Quiz

Answer every question

1. What is typically the main function of the introduction in an oral presentation? [Select the right options]

a) To summarize all key points

b) To showcase visual aids

c) To capture the audience’s attention and state the purpose

d) To conclude with a call to action

Answer every question

2. Which of the following is a feature of formal spoken language, rather than colloquial language? [Select the right options]

a) Slang expressions

b) Contractions

c) Complete, grammatically structured sentences

d) Filler words like “um” or “you know”

Answer every question

3. Why are metaphors and analogies useful in public speaking? [Select the right options]

a) They make the speech longer

b) They help explain complex ideas in relatable ways

c) They are required for persuasive speeches

d) They distract the audience from the core message

Answer every question

4. What does “signposting” in a speech refer to? [Select the right options]

a) Using gestures to point at visual aids

b) Indicating where the speech is taking place

c) Giving verbal cues about the structure and direction of the talk

d) Reading directly from slides

Answer every question

5. Which of the following rhetorical appeals is used to evoke emotions? [Select the right options]

a) Logos

b) Pathos

c) Ethos

d) Thesis

Answer every question

6. Which of these non-verbal elements can enhance a public speaker's message? [Select the right options]

a) Reading slides word-for-word

b) Avoiding all eye contact

c) Using appropriate gestures and facial expressions

d) Speaking in a monotone voice

Answer every question

7. What is the main purpose of using pauses and varied tone in a speech? [Select the right options]

a) To make the speech longer

b) To confuse the audience

c) To emphasize points and maintain interest

d) To read less from the script

Answer every question

8. When should visual aids be used in a presentation? [Select the right options]

a) Only if the speaker forgets what to say

b) To support and clarify the spoken message

c) As decoration

d) To replace the speaker's verbal explanation

Answer every question

9. What is the function of varying your tone during a speech? [Select the right options]

a) To confuse the audience

b) To show nervousness

c) To maintain interest and express emotion

d) To prove your vocabulary range

Answer every question

10. What is the purpose of a strong conclusion in a speech? [Select the right options]

a) To repeat the introduction word-for-word

b) To introduce new information

c) To summarize key ideas and leave a lasting impression

d) To list all sources used

Answer every question

11. Which of the following helps avoid jargon in a public speech? [Select the right options]

a) Using more technical terms

b) Using metaphors and everyday language

c) To summarize key ideas and leave a lasting impression

d) Speaking faster

Answer every question

12. How can you make a speech more relatable? [Select the right options]

a) Use complex theories

b) Quote academic sources constantly

c) Share personal stories or examples

d) Avoid all emotion

Answer every question

13. Which of the following is not a good practice for public speaking? [Select the right options]

a) Making eye contact

b) Using filler words frequently

c) Structuring your talk clearly

d) Practicing beforehand