COURSE TITLE
SPEAKING UNDER PRESSURE
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OVERVIEW  

This two-day workshop has been designed for those who are in positions where they must speak in front of audiences that are hostile or demanding. This material is also suitable for those who are relatively new speakers who want some encouragement to speak up in meetings or who want some training before they begin making presentations on behalf of the organization. Speaking under pressure, or thinking on your feet, is based on being able to quickly organize your thoughts/ideas, and then being able to convey them meaningfully to your audience to modify their attitudes or behavior. It applies to formal speeches as well as every day business situations. It requires presence of mind, goal orientation, adaptation, and judgment. It also requires differentiating between oral and written communications.

This course is aimed at improving your skills and learning some new techniques which will give you the persuasive edge when you are making a presentation, fielding difficult questions, or presenting complex information. The course includes several exercises where the participant will have to prepare and present speeches of varying length and with varying notice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES  

    Specific learning objectives include:

    • What you can do to prepare for questions before you know what those questions will be.
    • Acquire strategies for taking control in a variety of pressured speaking situations.
    • How you can overcome the nerves that you may have when speaking in front of a group, particularly if the group is not sympathetic to what you have to say.
    • Presentation techniques that establish your credibility and get people on your side.
COURSE OUTLINE  

Day One

  1. Introduction and Course Overview
  2. Course Introduction           
  3. What is Speaking Under Pressure?            
  4. Planning     
    1. Six Steps to Planning   
    2. Presentation Preparation          
  5. Force Field Analysis          
    1. What is Force Field Analysis?  
    2. Pros and Cons
  6. Understanding Your Audience       
  7. Controlling Your Jitters       
    1. Overcoming Nervousness                    
    2. Planning           
  8. Making Your Listener Hear You    
    1. Key Ideas                   
    2. Finding Common Ground
    3.  Key Sentences                   

Day Two

  1. Key Sentences      
  2. Plan to Structure Ideas       
    1. The Three-Part Plan    
    2. Building a Three-Part Plan       
  3. Organization          
    1. Using Time, Place, and Aspect
    2. Two Additional Plans   
  4. Our Body Language
  5. Practical Application           
  6. Beginnings and Endings      
  7. Expanding a Basic Plan
  8. Final Assignment
    1. Preparation
    2. Presentations
    3. Evaluation 

 
METHODOLOGY  
  • Lecturettes
  • Large group discussions
  • Individual work and reflection
  • Small group discussion and exercises
  • Practice Sessions for in-class application of concepts
  • Role-plays
WHO SHOULD ATTEND  
  • New or Aspiring Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders
  • Experienced Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders
  • Any employee whose role includes presenting or public speaking in large/small group setting
PRE-REQUISITES

 
  • Mastering the Art of Communication (SDI) or equivalent is recommended
  • Completed pre-assignment
DURATION  
  • 2 days
CLASS SIZE  
  • .6 – 20