As any successful person will confirm, strong public speaking skills are critical if you want to be successful.  Although many might believe texting has replaced verbal communication, that is far from the truth.  Particularly in this current world of virtual everything, being able to communicate orally is even more important.  One of the most common requirements for new hires in organizations today is proficiency in oral communication.  Despite this need, that is also the quality that is usually lacking in new hires.  Confident Speakers Part 1 is a course that will start your learner on that road to being a proficient oral communicator.  In part one of this series, learners will delve into the art of creating and presenting a speech.  With each week’s lesson, learners will develop the skills and knowledge that will help them become more comfortable speaking in front of groups, both large and small. 

Confident Speakers Part 1 will teach you the basics of public speaking.  Speeches will be given on alternate weeks to allow sufficient instruction on the speech topic as well as time to create and practice the speech. Speeches will be no longer than 5 minutes.  Supportive and useful written feedback will be given by both the instructor and other learners.  This feedback will help the speaker and evaluator sharpen their speechmaking skills.  

Participation in Confident Speakers Part 1 will give learners the opportunity to practice a variety of skills (public speaking, thesis writing, critical listening, effective communication, presentation, and giving feedback).  The goal is to help build up your learners’ ability to express themselves which will be beneficial to them as they progress through all education levels and on to the corporate environment.  

Schedule of Lessons
•	Week 1: Intro to Confident Speakers: During this week, learners will be given guidelines for how Confident Speakers will work each week and what is expected.  They will also have a writing activity to prepare for the Week 2 speech.  Pre-assessments will be given.
•	Week 2: Hi! My Name Is:  During this week, learners will be asked to present a brief three-minute speech introducing themselves.
•	Week 3: Fill ‘er Up!: During this week, we will discuss filler words and how to eliminate them.  We will also discuss the informative, persuasive, entertaining, and inspirational speeches. 
•	Week 4: The Purpose Driven Speech:  During this week, learners will present a speech focused on clarity of message for one of the four different types of speeches.
•	Week 5: Effective Evaluations: During this week, learners will develop a list for giving effective feedback.  They will also develop an understanding of how to use non-verbal communication successfully in a speech. 
•	Week 6: Talk to the Hand: During this week, learners will present a speech that incorporates non-verbal communication.
•	Week 7: Rev It Up!: The group will review previous learnings and evaluate the lessons.  Post-assessments will be taken.  Certificates of completion will be given.

✨This class may take place with a minimum of two students.✨