The Art of Public Speaking

Overview Course No. 2031

Being able to speak in public is essential to success in various situations. Despite common fears and misconceptions, public speaking is not just an intuitive talent—it can be learned. Award-winning Professor John R. Hale, a masterful public speaker with over 1,000 speeches under his belt, teaches you the confidence, practice, and techniques needed to excel. Explore the secrets of this essential skill through this 12-lecture course, which focuses on three key components: how to prepare for a speech, how to craft a great speech, and how to handle your audience. Gain insights from history’s enduring speeches and invaluable strategies you can use anytime you need to speak.

Video Lectures

01: Overcome Obstacles—Demosthenes of Athens

Learn from Demosthenes, the ancient Greek orator, about overcoming stage fright and speech impediments through practice and perseverance.

• Duration: 33 min

02: Practice Your Delivery—Patrick Henry

Understand the importance of using vocal and physical elements in speeches through examples from Patrick Henry, Churchill, and others.

• Duration: 30 min

03: Be Yourself—Elizabeth I to Her Army

Explore the value of opening up about your experiences and emotions to connect with your audience, inspired by Elizabeth I and Sojourner Truth.

• Duration: 30 min

04: Find Your Humorous Voice—Will Rogers

Discover how to use humor effectively by reinforcing points with techniques like hyperbole and surprise, as demonstrated by Will Rogers.

• Duration: 31 min

05: Make It a Story—Marie Curie on Discovery

Learn the benefits of storytelling in speeches, using Marie Curie’s approach to explaining radium for memorable communication.

• Duration: 31 min

06: Use the Power of Three—Paul to His People

Explore Paul’s use of the power of three in his letters to craft impactful speeches and engage an audience effectively.

• Duration: 31 min

07: Build a Logical Case—Susan B. Anthony

Focus on logic and coherence in your speeches while avoiding common pitfalls, with insights from Susan B. Anthony and others.

• Duration: 31 min

08: Paint Pictures in Words—Tecumseh on Unity

Use vivid imagery and precise language to make your speech unforgettable, as exemplified by Tecumseh and other great speakers.

• Duration: 30 min

09: Focus on Your Audience—Gandhi on Trial

Learn from Gandhi and JFK about delivering speeches tailored to specific audiences and fostering a strong connection.

• Duration: 34 min

10: Share a Vision—Martin Luther King’s Dream

Study Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech to learn how to articulate and share a compelling vision with your audience.

• Duration: 33 min

11: Change Minds and Hearts—Mark Antony

Gain strategies for persuading audiences and shaping opinions, inspired by Mark Antony in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

• Duration: 29 min

12: Call for Positive Action—Lincoln at Gettysburg

End the course with insights from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address on crafting a strong conclusion and issuing a call to action.

• Duration: 33 min