Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Open University

Talk the talk

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This hands-on course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to create and deliver confident presentations and speeches.This free course introduces the mechanics of effective, persuasive oral presentations, by giving you the opportunity to analyse examples and then create your own. Using resources such as TED Talk videos, you will see how experts deliver professional talks and famous speeches, observe what works, and identify how language connects ideas and keeps a listener engaged.You will find your own examples of impressive presentations, and you will work to create and practise your own talk.At the end of the course you will have a powerful presentation you have created and can be proud of, which you can take away with you and present with confidence in your academic, professional or personal life.RequirementsThis course is intended for those with an interest in presenting, creating presentations or improving their public speaking skills - for school, work, or simply for fun - and does not require any previous experience of studying this subject.

Syllabus

  • Week1Week 1: Getting started
  • Introduction
  • 1.1 Leaving an impression
  • 1.1.1 Why are you here?
  • 1.1.2 What are talks for?
  • 1.1.3 Example talk 1: Bill Davenhall
  • 1.1.4 Building a talk
  • 1.1.5 What will your talk be about?
  • 1.1.6 Search
  • 1.2 Making a good impression
  • 1.2.1 Getting their attention
  • 1.2.2 What makes a good introduction?
  • 1.2.3 From text to speech
  • 1.2.4 Start work on your talk
  • 1.3 Week 1 quiz
  • 1.4 Week 1 summary
  • Further resources
  • Acknowledgements
  • Week2Week 2: Stitching things together
  • Introduction
  • 2.1 Guiding listeners through the main part of your talk
  • 2.2 Multiple connections
  • 2.3 Reaching the end
  • 2.4 Covering all bases
  • 2.5 Example talk 2: Jennifer Golbeck
  • 2.6 Week 2 quiz
  • 2.7 Week 2 summary
  • Further resources
  • Acknowledgements
  • Week3Week 3: Reaching your audience
  • Introduction
  • 3.1 Talking with your body
  • 3.2 What are your audiences?
  • 3.3 Tailoring to your audience
  • 3.4 Interacting with your audience
  • 3.5 Applying what you’ve learned
  • 3.6 Week 3 quiz
  • 3.7 Week 3 summary
  • Further resources
  • Acknowledgements
  • Week4Week 4: Finishing your talk
  • Introduction
  • 4.1 Finish your draft
  • 4.2 Enhancing your talk
  • 4.2.1 Making effective use of visuals
  • 4.2.2 Adding visuals of your own
  • 4.2.3 Tips for an effective talk
  • 4.3 What did you learn?
  • 4.3 Week 4 quiz
  • 4.4 Week 4 summary
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.8 rating at OpenLearn based on 9 ratings

Start your review of Talk the talk

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.