Speaking and Presenting: Tact

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/speaking-and-presenting-tact

Introduction

**Course Review: Speaking and Presenting: Tact on Coursera** In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to communicate effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re speaking in front of a large audience, presenting in a meeting, or simply conversing with colleagues, the way you convey your ideas can make all the difference. Enter the Coursera course “Speaking and Presenting: Tact,” a part of the “Good with Words” series. This course promises to enhance your speaking skills through the power of tact, ensuring your messages resonate with your audience, rather than overwhelm them. ### Course Overview “Speaking and Presenting: Tact” is crafted with the understanding that effective communication isn’t about showcasing your intellect or dazzling your audience with complex ideas. Instead, it emphasizes delivering messages that are tailored to the needs and interests of those listening. This course helps participants cultivate the judgment and finesse necessary to create appropriately nuanced communication, ensuring that your audience feels valued and engaged. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1 | Tact: Concepts** The course begins with the foundational concepts of tact in speaking. This week encourages exploration into what it means to truly consider your audience’s needs when crafting a message. The material is rich and thought-provoking, laying the groundwork for the practical applications that will follow in the subsequent weeks. **Week 2 | Tact: Speaking Stories** Moving beyond theory, Week 2 dives into real-world stories that illustrate the power of tact. From a Tony Award-winning play to notable legal cases, participants will analyze various scenarios demonstrating how tact profoundly influences communication. These examples serve not only to inspire but also to illustrate diverse contexts where tact becomes essential. **Week 3 | Tact: Speaking Studies** In Week 3, the focus shifts to challenging communication scenarios, such as firing employees or offering apologies. This week is particularly valuable as it provides practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations. Participants will also explore the concept of forgiveness in communication, adding depth to their understanding of relational dynamics. **Week 4 | Joining the Club** The final week celebrates the journey participants have taken through the course. It culminates with a review exercise and an inspiring story about a student who overcame fears to speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council. This week reinforces the link between tact and tragic circumstances, preparing learners to apply their skills in impactful ways. ### Recommendation I highly recommend “Speaking and Presenting: Tact.” This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, whether you are a novice public speaker or have experience in presenting. It emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, enabling participants to develop a tailored approach to communication that fosters connection and understanding. The curriculum is well-structured and blends theoretical concepts with practical applications effectively, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will not only gain invaluable insight into the art of tactful communication but will also be equipped with essential tools to navigate challenging conversations gracefully. This course is a must for professionals, students, and anyone looking to better their speaking abilities and make a positive impact on their audiences. In conclusion, “Speaking and Presenting: Tact” is an engaging and enriching course that empowers individuals to speak with confidence, empathy, and clarity. Enroll today and unlock the key to effective communication!

Syllabus

Week 1 | Tact: Concepts

To be an effective speaker you don’t need to overwhelm people with your intellect. You don’t need to dazzle them from start to finish. You simply need to give them the sense that what they are receiving was especially prepared with their interests and needs in mind. This course will help you develop the judgment and dexterity needed to craft a perfectly tailored message.

The materials this week will take us from a Tony-award-winning play, to a family-owned business, and to one of the most famous cases in the history of the United States Supreme Court. Tact, we’ll see, plays a big role in a wide range of places.

Firing people can be hard. So can apologizing. So the “Speaking Studies” this week offer some useful tips on good ways to navigate each of these difficult situations. They’ll also touch on a related topic: forgiveness.

Nice work! You’re almost done with the fourth and final course in “Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting.” We’ll close out the series with a review exercise and a nice story about one of my students building up the courage to speak to an audience at the United Nations Human Rights Council, while interning in Geneva, Switzerland. We also make time for an exercise that explores the important link between tact and tragedy.