Public Speaking 101: Effective Communication

The class will be presented using slides, a video from TedEd and/or TedX about young people and public speaking , and how to listen to others with intent during the first half of class. 

First half of class: 
Embrace the adrenaline
Learn to embrace speaking in front of others

3 tips to overcome your fear
Know your topic.
Be organized. 
Practice, and then practice some more.

Be An Engaged Listener
To have a real conversation, you must hear what the other person is saying, think about it and then respond. Instead, we listen to the first 5–10 seconds and then stop listening and simply wait for them to stop talking so we can say what we want to say. As notable author and keynote speaker Stephen Covey said, “Most of us don’t listen with the intent to understand. We listen with the intent to reply.”

The most essential component of a good conversation is engaged listening, but it doesn’t come easily.


The second half of class will provide students with a question or topic to which they can respond with an impromptu 1 to 2 minute "speech".  Participation is optional, but in order to receive the most benefit from class students should plan to participate.  Mrs. Ortiz will provide constructive feedback and affirmation.  Students will also learn how to assess their own speech once they have finished, to reflect on their message, clarity, and use of filler words. 

Reflect/Evaluate
Did I have a strong message?
Did I use filler words?
Was I concise, clear?

Since this is a class on public speaking, it is expected that students will all participate and have cameras turned on during class.  



**********PLEASE READ*************
Outschool has recently changed its policy regarding class cancellations. We know how disappointing canceled classes can be for learners, so we too are amending our policy.  In the past we have waited for late enrollees, of which we have had MANY!  Unfortunately we can no longer do that. 

Instead we will evaluate class enrollment for ongoing classes on teach Sunday at 5pm Eastern.  IF enrollment falls below 3 students, we will push the class back a week.  When other sections are available students will have the option to transfer to another class.  Full refunds will be provided for learners who cannot attend the newly scheduled class time. Partial refunds for missed classes are NOT available. If a student must miss class, the recording is available to view at their convenience. All other refunds will be provided as per the Outschool Limited Refund policy (see below).  If for any reason the class does not meet your expectation, you have the confidence of knowing that Outschool has a Happiness Guarantee and will provide a refund upon request via their Customer Support. 

Transfer requests within 24 hours of a scheduled class will NOT be approved.  At that point it is too late to reschedule the class, and it is unfair to other families who may have enrolled thinking there were multiple learners enrolled. Instead students will be encouraged to watch the video of the class.
 
Thank you for understanding, and for your loyalty.