Public Speaking

Deliver engaging speeches and presentations with confidence.

Course Director: Justin Nolan

Director of Communications, Engagement & Development, Eton College
View Study Options

Course overview

Our Public Speaking Course will improve your ability to speak in all kinds of contexts, from formal speeches in front of an audience to informal presentations in class. You’ll learn how to overcome nerves, engage your audience and deal with difficult questions. Along the way you will be supported by videos from Eton College teachers, experts in the field and fellow students.

Syllabus

1

A Good Speech

  • Different forms of public speaking
  • Establishing your own voice

2

Voice Quality and Nerves

  • Best use of your voice
  • Body language, overcoming nervousness and projecting confidence

3

Pacing and Signposting

  • Pacing
  • Pauses

4

Engaging Your Audience

  • Engaging your audience
  • Dealing with questions and interruptions

5

Structuring Your Speech

  • Structuring for clarity
  • Techniques for memorising a speech

6

Giving a Speech

  • Practising
  • Reflecting

Public Speaking – learning outcomes

 

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

  • overcome your nerves and anxiety
  • deal with difficult questions and interruptions
  • engage your audience
  • moderate your volume, pitch and tone for maximum impact
  • highlight key points with pausing, pacing and signposting
  • deliver your talks without a script.

Study options

Self-Study

Self-paced, independent learning that students complete at their own pace.

This is a flexible option which students can fit around school and other extracurricular commitments.

See how it works >

  • 7–10 hours of learning materials
  • Diagnostic test to measure skill level
  • Progress dashboard
  • Certificate of completion

Course Pack

This course is also available as part of our 'Be a Leader' Course Pack

Important information

Safeguarding

As part of our rigorous safeguarding procedures, all EtonX tutors and staff have passed an enhanced DBS check and child safeguarding course.

Privacy and data

We take every step to ensure the security of your personal data. For information on how we collect and use your data, see our Privacy Policy.

Technical requirements

To ensure you have the best experience, there are some minimum requirements – click here to check if your device meets these.

Entry requirements

The minimum level of English required to participate in our courses is Upper Intermediate or B2 on the CEFR.

The EtonX Public Speaking Course helped me build more confidence and showed me how to persevere. Now, I can hopefully deliver a speech successfully in the future with the help of the course. I can proudly say I've achieved something.
Hubert, Public Speaking Student

Free access for state schools

If you’re a state school student in the UK aged 13 or over, you get free access to all of our courses. No catch. Start building your skills today!

Not in the State Sector?

Don't worry - you can still purchase a 12 month subscription! Individual and bulk school licence purchases are available.