PUBLIC SPEAKING THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Course Description
This course is designed for advanced learners of English who are majoring in various subjects. The primary goal is to develop students' public speaking skills in English, enabling them to effectively communicate their ideas, proposals, and projects to diverse audiences. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, students will gain confidence, overcome any fear or anxiety, and master the art of delivering engaging and persuasive presentations.
Course Objectives and Outcomes
1. Understand the value of developing public speaking skills and get ready to overcome any fear or anxiety while speaking.
2. Learn the structure of successful presentations, acquire the appropriate language expressions to create an effective presentation.
3. Practice different types of public speaking: a self-introduction; a 1-3 minute pitch; a proposal; a 5-minute persuasive speech; a project presentation and learn from the best examples.
4. Put theory into practice by carrying out mini projects and practicing different types of public speaking on the basis of topics suggested.
Course Duration and Schedule
The course consists of 20 lessons of 40 academic hours, with 1 lesson once a week for a total of 10 weeks during 2 semesters.
Course Topics and Activities
1. Introduction to Public Speaking
• Importance of public speaking skills
• Overcoming fear and anxiety
• Developing confidence
2. Presentation Structure and Language
• Elements of a successful presentation
• Appropriate language expressions
• Organizing ideas and information
3. Types of Public Speaking
• Self-introduction (1-3 minutes)
• Pitches and proposals (1-3 minutes)
• Persuasive speeches (5 minutes)
• Project presentations (10 minutes)
4. Practical Exercises and Mini Projects
5. Useful Language and Expressions
• Introductions and greetings
• Presenting ideas and arguments
• Persuasive language
• Handling questions and feedback
• Transitional phrases and signposting
Recommended Materials
• Sample presentations and speeches
• TED Talks and other authentic resources
• Textbooks on public speaking and presentation skills
• Online tutorials and workshops
Assessment and Testing
• Participation and in-class exercises (20%)
• Mini projects (30%)
• Final project presentation (50%)
Test Requirements
• Prepare and deliver a 7 - minute presentation on a topic related to the student's field of study or a current issue.
• Use appropriate language, structure, and delivery techniques learned throughout the course.
• Engage the audience and handle questions effectively.
Remember that project work is an essential part of your self-study. As soon as you start the course, think of a project that interests you. Look through all the materials provided to you in the Project Work folder on your Yandex disk, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask either during class or by writing a message in the Yandex Messenger chat (corporate e-mail e.l.yarkova@utmn.ru).
Think of a topic that you would like to learn more about, identify the problem and formulate your driving question, carry out your mini-research: Do a survey to understand how serious the problem is and if there is a need for such a project, Set yourself at least 1 content and 1 language objective to inspire you to do the research and develop a product, Find appropriate reading resources to learn more about the topic of your project, Watch videos and listen to Ted Talks, Identify the most useful keywords and collocations and highlight the main ideas during your research, Think about the practical value of your project, Be realistic, Follow the SMART principle, Set goals and develop your final product, Once the product is ready, Prepare to present it in a creative way. There are several ways of presenting your ideas: 1. Create an interactive PowerPoint or Prezi presentation; 2. Create a 3-minute elevator pitch of your idea if you have created a video as your final product. Post your slides in the folder on the Yandex disc by the end of the module (follow the schedule in Modeus, you have to submit your project during the last class of our module in the second semester), and if you have a link to your final product, include it.
The structure of your presentation should include
1. Your front page: UTMN logo in English, your first and last name, the title of your project and the date of your presentation.
2. The outline of the presentation
3. The problem you focused on, your driving question, your target audience.
4. The aim of the project and its objectives
5. The results of your research
6. Your product demonstration and highlighting its practical value
7. Conclusion, summarise your ideas and appeal to the audience, explain how the product can help your group mates and inspire them to try it.
8. References - include the main resources you used to research and develop the product.
Remember, a successful presentation should be short and to the point! Avoid including too much text on your slides, your presentation is not a written summary of your project, it is your vision of how to solve the problem in a creative way and illustrate the key ideas with powerful images and reflect the main ideas by highlighting key words and phrases to show your ability to draw your own conclusions based on the research you have done.
You will find the assessment criteria in the Project Work folder. (Положение об организации проектной работы на первом курсе).
Alternative Project Submission Option:
If you are willing to develop your research that you did in the first semester, you can continue to work on it and get a deeper insight into the topic and produce an improved or different product. Do not waste time, think about conducting a relevant survey and finding appropriate resources to read and analyze now. You will have much more time to come out with a better quality output! In addition, you will have the opportunity to present the results of your project at the Festival of Projects in March-April, participate in a university competition and win a prize for the best project idea and performance. Don't miss your chance to contribute to your academic record.
В экспериментальных группах студенты защищают проектную работу в конце модуля Public Speaking through Project-Based Learning.