Public speaking, as a liberal art, plays a major role in social settings, including education, government and business, etc. Words have the power to inform, persuade, educate, and even
entertain. And the spoken word can be even more powerful than the written word in the hands of
the right speaker.
This course is designed to help you become a more effective “public speaker”. Students will
examine firstly the traditional rhetoric history and principle, then emphasis will be put on the
study of practices and skills of speaking effectively in public. Topics cover the essentials of
effective presentation from audience analysis, content development to critical thinking when
presenting to others. The course will also introduce the presentation skills in common business
and social settings; and issues of diversity and multiculturalism.