The Art of Public Speaking

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor and tutor: Dr Molly Flynn
• Assessment: 1000 words of written coursework (30%), a five-minute speech (30%) and a 10-minute speech (40%)

Speaking confidently and persuasively is a key part of succeeding on the job market and in the workplace. In this module we will build practical skills to help you engage an audience and present your ideas with clarity and charisma. We will analyse the histories, theories and practicalities of oracy and rhetoric, from Aristotle and Sophocles to TikTok and TED talks.

With a focus on breath, presence and audience engagement, this module builds on established techniques of embodied performance practice to support your capacity to communicate your ideas clearly and convincingly in-person, online, interpersonally and in public presentations.

Indicative syllabus

• Histories of rhetoric and debate
• Language and leadership
• Oracy and access
• Persuasive presentation
• Owning your ideas
• Understanding audiences
• Interview skills
• Digital communication and content creation

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• confidently develop and express your ideas out loud both individually and as part of a team
• understand how to engage an audience effectively and persuasively, whether in an interview, a meeting, or a public presentation
• demonstrate critical awareness of the histories and theories of oracy and rhetoric and their relevance to our contemporary cultural and political context
• elevate your public-speaking skills to support clear, compelling and charismatic communication.