Course Description
Effective public speaking, speechwriting and presentation skills are important because they help keep a presentation interesting, help the presenter communicate effectively with confidence, and motivate the audience to listen. This course targets anyone whose role or position entails speaking publicly, presenting projects or ideas and writing speeches for oneself or others.
In 2025, the pass rate for the course was 100%.
The accreditation category of the Programme is Higher Education.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course programme, students will be able to:
- Understand the main theories and models of communication.
- Understand the the importance of effective communication both the verbal and non-verbal type.
- Understanding the importance of the choice of words in speeches.
- The importance of knowing one’s audience.
- Understanding the importance of writing, speaking and presenting in way that the audience remembers the message.
- Describe the benefits of verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Ability to plan, design and implement oral communication strategies.
- Describe the way how effective speeches and presentations are to be prepared.
- Ability to be an effective speaker and communicator.
- Be able to make use of humour in an intelligent way to enhance message to be communicated.
- Be able to evaluate speeches and presentations.
- Establish a high standard of practical techniques when dealing with a difficult audience or with sensitive subjects.
- Demonstrate ability to speak effectively in any situation even in challenging ones.
- Demonstrate quick decision making skills and excellent judgemental skills factoring ‘live’ feedback received from audience whether even when this is not expected or planned.
- Exhibit effective, creative and impactful presentations.
- Exhibit effective, imaginative, creative and persuasive writing and speaking.
Target Candidates
Effective public speaking, speechwriting and presentation skills are important because they help keep a presentation interesting, help the presenter communicate effectively with confidence, and motivate the audience to listen. This course targets anyone who must anyone whose role or position entails speaking publically, presenting projects or ideas and writing speeches for oneself or others.
The Award is aimed at Politicians, Company executives, Lawyers, Sales professionals, Managers, Medical practitioners & Students.
| Course Code | Duration | Credit Value | Next Intake | FT/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW/M/012 | 4 months | 6 ECTS | April 2026 | PT |
| Contact Hours | Placement Hours | Self Study Hours | Assessment Hours | Total Learning Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 3 | 108 | 3 | 150 |
Mode of Training
Face-to-Face lectures, Workshops, Learning Quizzes, Discussion and Practical Sessions
Modules are delivered in the evening, twice a week.
Language of instruction is English.
Assessment
Oral Presentations, Assignment
Awarding Body
Learning Works
Lecturers
Course Structure
Module 1: Principles of Effective Communication (2 ECTS)
Effective communication is essential and this is highlighted in this module. Participants are introduced to the principles of adult education and the different learning styles are discussed. Another area which is highlighted in this session is stage fright and the importance of befriending the butterflies. This is a phenomenon that one must learn to control and use to one’s advantage. Participants are encouraged to think of any presentation as a friendly conversation rather than a formal speech. Communication with confidence is the key.
Participants are shown how to prepare a compelling public speech and presentation, while highlighting the importance of knowing the audience. Preparation is crucial for delivering a great presentation. Even with material with which you are very confident, neglecting the planning stage is always risky. A frame for the content of the presentation is provided. Presentation points need to be arranged and structured appropriately in order to maximise effectiveness and logical persuasion.
Understand the importance of effective communication and how perception plays an important role in public speaking
Identify the main theories and models of communication
Recognise the best communication strategy in terms of planning, design and implementation
Establish ways how to deal and communicate more effectively with colleagues, friends and relatives
Recognise the importance of interesting content
Present content in a logical and structured way
Be able to grab the attention of the listeners
Identification of ‘distortion’, ‘deletion’, and ‘generalisation’ taking place during human communication interaction
Understands different learning styles and principles of adult education
Understands the audience even before presenting – Audince Analysis
Structuring and planning persuasive presentations whilst maintining flexibility
Understanding the common pitfalls in communication
Identifying how to hook the attention of the audience
Describe the benefits and different uses of both verbal and non-verbal communication, within various departments of the company, in order to aid and enhance departmental and company performance
Be able to plan, design and implement oral communications strategies so that communication within the company is more relevant, effective and suitable at different levels within the company
Describe the way to prepare and deliver effective speeches and presentations, to be interesting, persuasive and to communicate key messages, so that it entice the audience
Evaluate and rate presentations, by analysing ideas, organisation, language, delivery and effect
Outline practical techniques on how to self-assess speeches and presentations
Effect quick decisions during the speech as a response to the ‘live’ feedback and signals received from the audience
Evaluate planned speeches and presentations
Be able to know their listeners and what they might be driving them, thus helping in dealing correctly with hostile audiences
Outline ways of how to keep things into perspective by not judging an audience on a reaction of just a few hostile members
Be able to deliver an effective online presentation
Monitor their performance and progress in relation to public speaking, presentations and communication
Outline, select and organise material to prepare speeches and presentations, which make an impact on the audience
Keep abreast with new theories and practical developments in the area of public speaking and communication
Monitoring own progress in preparing for impromptu situations
Examine and review how to prepare digital presentations and visual aids in order to ensure that speeches and presentations are more interesting, creative and effective
Using visual aid in order to make an effective presentation with high impact
- Total Contact Hours: 12
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 1
- Self-Study Hours: 36
- Assessment Hours: 1
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 50
Module 2: The Art of Delivering a Speech or a Presentation (2 ECTS)
Careful preparation is the key to successful public speaking. They will also discover how to convey messages using their voice and body, and how to deal with eye contact. The issue of stage fright is also a focus of this module, as participants are shown how to overcome this phenomenon and also how to handle any audience no matter how hostile. Impromptu speaking is also covered in this session. Good visual and audio aids can enhance a presentation to the extent that studies have found increases in information retention of up to 50%. The use of various digital tools which are available for public speaking and presentations are discussed in this section. Presentation software allows speakers to display information as slides, video and audio on a screen by using a personal computer, laptop, tablet and projector. Presentation software has become an important tool for most public speaking purposes. When presentation software is used effectively, audiences pay increased attention to speakers, understand main ideas better and retain information well.
The most creative aspect of language humour and it is one of the most important topics in the study of communication. This module also focuses on how humour can be used as a mechanism to enhance communication and build a healthy therapeutic relationship. Dr Patch Adams argues that caring is not a business transaction but a loving, creative, positive human interchange. This session is merely the first step.
Recognise the importance of the various uses of voice, gesture and correct posture, in order to connect wuth the audience
Advise ways how to handle hostile audiences and impromptu situations, such as improving performance when facing with a bad start, hence learning how not to panic and decide quickly on what to do to correct the bad start
Establish ways of how to overcome the fear of public speaking and enjoy presenting in public
Present confidently sensitive information and react positively with right decisions on the facial and body gestures when dealing with difficult questions and/or comments from the audience
Identify the importance of how to use space effectively, by filling the stage by the correct body gestures, moving around correctly and when necessary, control where the audience is looking
Recognise the best and more appropriate digital tool and presentation software for the designed speech and/or presentation and for the targeted audience
Establish and advise on how to project slides long before the speech or presentation day
Identify the importance of of knowing how to make it function properly in the speech room, even if the speaker will bring his/her own equipment
Advise on the importance of using music and sound, that like visual images, can stimulate mental images, triggering the imagination and setting a mood
Recognise the importance of using humour in the workplace and in personal life
Establish rules on how to present a speech and ‘wake ‘em up’
Advise on how to experience a shift in thinking and feel confident in most speaking situations
Integrates a model using humour in the workplace, hence becoming an effective communicator
Understanding the roles of verbal and non-verbal communication
Identifying the use of body gestures for a more effective presentation
Defining the difference between impromptu and prepared speeches
Know how to keep confident and relaxed even if faced with adverse reactions from a hostile audience, such as when a delicate and sensitive theme/subject is being discussed and presented
Identify different breathing patterns during public speeches to create a level of communication that possesses authority and assertiveness
Defining ways of how to use slides in a way that keeps the audience connected to the speaker and the topic
Apply the effective and appropriate use of presentation aids such as slide shows, PowerPoint, Prezi etc, in order to enhance the speech and/or presentation experience
Understands the experience of humour and experience of laughter within a speech and/or presentation
Identifies the core therapeutic aspects of humour
Distinguish between the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of humour
Understands humour as a useful tool in public speaking but only when it is appropriate
Familiarise with the humour training program
Demonstrates correct diaphragmatic breathing during presentations, while using different voice tonalities, pitch and frequency
Describe the effective use of eye contact during a public speech and the importance of pace, projection and posture in a presentation
Become a confident public speaker, while being able to introduce a speaker and receive an award
Carefully develop the speech, while considering how the oral material will be supported with digital slides and presentation
Ability to prepare a speech using humour as a tool, in order to ensure that presentations are more enticing and effective
Demonstrate how to use the humour training programme in their professional and personal life
Analyze different speeches on the basis of visual use and auditory use
Evaluates other impromptu sessions
Be able to lead and establish clear objectives during meetings
Choose and assemble the right strategy in using digital tools, media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations
Assess and choose the right presentation media, as the topic, the size of the audience and of the room, and the public speaking event should dictate which type of media is most suitable
Evaluates other presentations based on content, ideas, organization and language
Evaluates risks in the use of humour in different situations
Understands the appropriate and inappropriate use of humour, hence making sure of the relevance, effectiveness and success of a speech and/or presentation
Monitoring own progress in preparing for impromptu situations
Keep abreast by undertaking more advanced training courses, while rehearsing with different techniques
Prepare outlines on how to run a meeting and prepare meeting procedures
Follow up on developments in the area of digital tools for public speaking and presentations
Self assess the use of digital tools and presentation software, noting areas for improvement
Monitor own progress when using humour training programmes
Further studies and researches related to humour and laughter in relation to public speeches and presentations
Demonstrate the effective use of humour as a coping mechanism
- Total Contact Hours: 12
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 1
- Self-Study Hours: 36
- Assessment Hours: 1
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 50
Module 3: The Art of Speechwriting (2 ECTS)
Speeches have always been one of history’s most powerful forms of communication. They have always been and will continue to be, one of the greatest tools of message delivery. Although each speechwriter has a different purpose, what all great speechwriters have in common is a clear vision and clear message.
It is therefore vital to get speechwriting right as when it goes wrong it is at best, a lost opportunity and at worst, an unmitigated disaster. With such high stakes at a time where more speeches are required than ever before, as well as seen by thousands of people all around the world via social media outlets and video streaming platforms, the prospect of having to write and deliver one incites fear like little else.
This speechwriting module helps the learner to understand how to put together a compelling speech that powerfully communicates the message. With practical frameworks, case study analysis, and iterative practice, this training course on speechwriting helps learners to understand how to think about the different dimensions of the speechwriting process. Armed with that knowledge, they will be able to craft speeches that people remember.
Whereas in the first two modules the learner would have been exposed to the principles of effective communication and the art of delivering a speech or a presentation, this module presents the student with an opportunity to learn the intricacies of speech writing and to put what he/she would have learnt in practice.
Compose and structure a coherent speech built on a topic chosen through the brainstorming method
Apply key speechwriting principles and techniques
Introduce and conclude a speech in an effective way
Compose an effective speech for oneself and for someone else within a pre determined timeframe
Main research and theory on Speechwriting
The different strategies for choosing a speech topic
The best approach for developing a thesis for a speech
Understand the importance of carrying out research and gather supporting materials for a speech
Explain how to use ideas and examples to back up claims in a speech
Define a powerful beginning and a memorable end: introductions and conclusions
Understand how to get personal: how to use references, jokes, stories, and the odd statistic
Understand how to write to speak: speeches that sound like they should be spoken
Understand how to add personality to one’s speech
Understand the difference between writing for oneself or for others
Choose the brainstorming method to determine a speech topic
Decide on a sound and coherent argument for a given topic
Choose the right words, expressions and ‘tonality’ throughout a speech
Independently research and gather supporting materials for a speech
Analyze and identify structures, signposts, stories and other practical tools which make a speech effective and engaging to the audience
Develop outlines, select and organize material, attention grabbing introductions and create a memorable conclusion
Discover how to develop a speech within an established timeframe
Monitor their performance and progress in relation to speech writing
Outline, select and organise material to prepare speeches and presentations, which make an impact on the audience
Keep abreast with developments in speech writing
Monitoring own progress in preparing for impromptu situations
- Total Contact Hours: 12
- Supervised Placement & Practice Hours: 1
- Self-Study Hours: 36
- Assessment Hours: 1
- Total Learning Hours of this Module: 50
Entry Requirements
- It is expected that participants have a good command of oral and written communication in English with a level of proficiency equivalent to at least MQF Level 3.
- Computer skills equivalent to at least an MQF Level 3 (eg ECDL) are also required since participants will be expected to make use of technology for public speaking, speechwriting and also for presentation skills which would entail the use of PowerPoint etc.