The Art of Public Speaking
Classes
Wednesday 17 February - Wednesday 24 March 2027,
6 sessions - Check class timetable
Overview
The Art of Public Speaking course will develop practical skills to improve public speaking and will enable you to present your ideas and thoughts with clarity and charisma. Speaking confidently and persuasively is an important skill within the workplace and other public-facing settings, and this course will allow you to improve articulation, persuasion and communication to help achieve your goals.
With a focus on breath, presence and audience engagement, this short course will leverage established techniques of embodied performance practice to support and develop your capacity to communicate ideas clearly and convincingly in various modes of delivery, including in-person, online, interpersonally and in public presentations. To support your skills development, you will analyse the histories, theories and practicalities of oracy and rhetoric, from Aristotle and Sophocles to TikTok and TED Talks.
The course will cover key elements of public speaking, such as:
- language and leadership
- oracy and access
- delivering persuasive presentations
- storytelling
- understanding and engaging audiences
- developing interview skills.
The Art of Public Speaking course is well suited for those who wish to become more confident and effective communicators, including students, career professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers and jobseekers. The course is particularly valuable for those preparing for interviews, leadership roles, public-facing roles or work and networking opportunities. Using a theatre-based approach, drawing on actor training and performance techniques, you will develop presence and confidence which can be translated directly into your professional environment.
As a learner on this course, you will study alongside fellow professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in the subject area, giving you the opportunity to make connections with like-minded colleagues and network.
You will receive a Birkbeck certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
This course is non-credit bearing, so carries no credit points.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.
This short course has no prerequisites.
As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.
International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.
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How to apply
How to apply
You can book directly onto the short courses you would like to take, using the Register button above which will direct you to the relevant booking page. Courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early if you're interested.
We offer a 20% discount to those who are members of Birkbeck’s alumni, as well as the student and staff community. If you are eligible to claim this discount, please contact the Innovation Support Unit so that we can process your booking.