Clarity, Structure, and Impact: Delivering Persuasive Presentations

What makes an audience lean forward and pay attention? Why do some presentations clarify and persuade while others quickly dissolve into background noise? This course explores how effective speakers capture attention, organize ideas, and move audiences through clear and compelling lines of reasoning.

Drawing on rhetorical theory from Aristotle to Kenneth Burke, alongside examples ranging from classic literature to top-charting music, journalism, and film, we’ll examine how memorable openings draw audiences in, narratives sustain momentum, and thoughtful conclusions create emotional and intellectual impact.

Students will analyze presentations and speeches, develop their own communication style through hands-on workshops and guided feedback, and learn practical techniques to communicate with clarity, confidence, and persuasive force.

Advanced-level proficiency in spoken English is required.