Training

Public speaking: Persuading an audience

Business people, government officials and community leaders are sometimes asked to speak on controversial issues to audiences holding opposing viewpoints. Such situations provide a challenge to presenters. This is because speakers must present their own viewpoint and reasoning, but also address opposing viewpoints and try to refute them so that an audience agrees with, or at least is receptive to, their message. It is imperative for those in citizen- or customer-facing roles to develop these skills. 



The purpose of this course is to build on the 'Public speaking: You can do it' training course by focusing specifically on a speaker's ability to persuade an audience, particularly one which might not be initially receptive to a message. Conducted within a supportive and encouraging environment, this one-day course will focus on the following:

• Protocol for structuring a speech on a controversial issue

• Persuading an audience to at least consider, if not accept, a viewpoint

• Answering challenging questions from the audience

• Sharpening public speaking skills, particularly in front of an audience that might not be receptive to an idea or proposal

• Evaluating others

• Impromptu speaking, particularly on challenging subjects

Delegates will benefit from tuition from a facilitator who is a member of Toastmasters International, a global organisation devoted to the art of public speaking. The facilitator is an Advanced Communicator and was runner up in the UK & Ireland Public Speaking Championships 2006. At the end of the session, each delegate will be provided with a comprehensive booklet that delves deeper into the art of communication and speaking in public.

Important note: This session is open only to those delegates who have attended the 'Public speaking: You can do it' training course.

Benefits for delegates:

• Better representation of an individual and an organisation

• Better communication of an organisation's mission and key messages

• Better internal and external communication

• Improved ability to persuade - a critical skill in the public and private arena

• Improved 1:many and 1:1 communication skills

• Increased motivation

• Increased confidence

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