Course Name: Intro to Public Speaking

Facilitators:

• Karah Maloley, Coach Karah (Learn More)
• Barb Waters, Peak Business Management (Learn More)

Format: In-Person, Edwards TBD

Dates: Six (2.5)-hr Sessions

• Thursdays, Bi-Weekly (9am – 11:30am)
• January 15^th & 29^th, February 12^th & 26^th, March 12^th & 26^th

Pricing: $850* (VVP Members)/$1000 (Public Price)

• *Scholarship funds may be available to VVP members in good standing – click here to view requirements and complete the scholarship application.

Click Here To Register For Intro To Public Speaking!

Intended For: Anyone and everyone who wants to become more comfortable speaking in front of a group. No experience required.

Course Description: This program guides participants through the full journey of becoming a confident and compelling speaker. Across six sessions, they will build self-awareness, connect with audiences, design impactful messages, deliver with presence, adapt to different environments, and handle challenges with poise. Utilizing the CLA Voices Framework, participants will gain both the tools and the confidence to speak with clarity, authenticity, and influence in any setting.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Through a cycle of practice and reflection, participants will begin to build a foundation for authentic, powerful communication.

Why Public Speaking?

• 60% of employers consider public speaking skills as a key workforce competency.
• 90% of employers are struggling to fill job vacancies where public speaking is required.
• Employees who are confident in public speaking are 70% more likely to get promoted to management positions.
• Public speaking training can boost a person’s annual salary by 10%.
• 45% of people have either rejected a promotion or refrained from applying for a job due to fear of public speaking.

Session Outline:

• Session 1: Foundations of Public Speaking (The Basics)
  • This session introduces the core elements of effective speaking: clarity, connection, and confidence. Participants will learn how to manage nerves, use body language and voice with intention, and ground themselves before stepping up to speak. Even skilled speakers face resistance, tough questions, or mistakes. This session also prepares participants to recover with grace, think on their feet, and maintain composure when things go off-script. By practicing resilience, they strengthen both confidence and credibility.
• Session 2: The Speaker (You)
  • Public speaking starts from within. This session helps participants understand their own habits, reframe fear, and build confidence through authenticity. The focus is on connecting with yourself first so that your presence feels genuine and strong on stage.
• Session 3: The Audience (Them)
  • Great speaking is about connection, not performance. In this session, participants learn how to identify audience needs, keep attention through engagement strategies, and respond effectively to questions or challenges. The emphasis is on building trust and creating meaningful dialogue with listeners.
• Session 4: The Message (What You Say)
  • A strong message is clear, structured, and memorable. Participants will explore how to craft openings that capture attention, stories that connect, and conclusions that inspire action. They also learn techniques of persuasion and how to refine their message for maximum impact.
• Session 5: The Delivery (How You Say It)
  • Delivery brings content to life. This session focuses on using voice, body language, movement, and eye contact to communicate confidence and authenticity. Participants also learn how to adapt their energy in real time based on audience feedback.
  • Every environment presents unique challenges, from microphones to slides to distractions in the room. This session equips participants with strategies to adapt to different settings and manage unexpected tech issues. The goal is to remain grounded and professional no matter what happens.
• Session 6: On Stage (Practice Makes Perfect!)
  • Preparation and routines are key elements for success. Participants will practice reviewing their “Readiness Checklist,” which is designed around their own pre-speech routine.
  • Participants will each deliver a 4-minute speech or presentation. This will be something they have been working on throughout the program and will be of practical use in their profession.