Public Speaking Bootcamp

Before the program Students receive a short pre-read on what makes a talk memorable. They also record a 60-second introduction video, so Session 1 starts with a baseline to improve on. Week 1 - Foundations of Speaking Session 1 | Foundations Why people fear public speaking and how to manage nerves. Voice, pace, pauses and eye contact. Students give a short talk and get their first feedback. Session 2 | Structure and storytelling Building a talk with a clear message, a strong opening and a memorable close. Using stories, examples and data to hold attention. Session 3 | Body language and slides Posture, gestures and stage movement. Designing simple slides that support the speaker. Students choose a real issue for their capstone talk and get their topic approved. Week 2 - Capstone Talk Session 4 | Impromptu and persuasion Thinking on your feet with impromptu drills. Persuasive techniques, handling questions, and disagreeing respectfully, as in debates and Model UN. Session 5 | Rehearsal sprint Full run-throughs of the capstone talk with instructor and peer feedback. Refining script, delivery and timing using recorded playback. Session 6 | Demo day Students deliver their five-minute talks live, followed by Q&A and peer and instructor feedback. Project submission deadline: two days after Session 6 After the program: Students submit their recorded talk and script for publishing, and receive their certificate. They leave with a finished talk, a recording that shows their progress, and a repeatable method for any speech, presentation or interview.