Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/speaking-presenting-conversation-starters

Introduction

### Course Review: Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters If you're looking to elevate your communication skills and transform your presentations into engaging, memorable experiences, the course **"Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters"** on Coursera is a fantastic choice. This course uniquely blends psychological insights with practical speaking techniques, tailored to help you not only capture your audience's attention but also inspire meaningful conversation. #### Course Overview This course sets itself apart by emphasizing the power of surprise in presentations. It teaches you how to incorporate unexpected elements that shift your audience's perspective on a topic or proposal. Drawing from psychology and behavioral economics, the course aims to equip you with the skills to initiate and sustain conversations across various contexts—whether you're speaking to large groups, small gatherings, or in intimate one-on-one interactions. #### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1: Unexpected Vocabulary** The course kicks off with an intriguing premise: to "be surprising, in a convincing way." This week focuses on vocabulary that connects to effective surprise elements in presentations. Understanding how to use language to create intrigue and engagement is pivotal, and the initial lessons lay a solid foundation. **Week 2: Unexpected Speaking Studies and Exercises** In the second week, you'll delve into the concept of "information gaps," a technique defined by behavioral economist George Lowenstein. This week blends theoretical learning with practical exercises, allowing you to understand the mechanics of memorable messaging. The inclusion of engaging case studies—such as a scientist making the life of grass fascinating—shows how creativity can breathe life into any subject. **Week 3: Conversation Vocabulary** The focus shifts in week three to conversation skills. You’ll learn from past advice on communication, emphasizing that trying to impress can actually detract from your message. The course encourages a servant-hearted approach, positioning your words as a valuable gift to your audience. This mindset can fundamentally change how you engage in discussions, moving you from self-centered presentations to engaging conversations. **Week 4: Conversation Speaking Studies and Exercises** Finally, as you wrap up the course, you will distinguish between high-considerateness and high-involvement speaking styles. The lessons culminate in applying your newfound understanding to stimulate pleasant interactions not only with known audiences but also in chance encounters with strangers. This week's insights into everyday communication skills enhance the relevance of your learning. #### Course Highlights - **Interactive Learning**: Each week includes practical exercises that reinforce concepts, encouraging real-time application of your knowledge. - **Thought-Provoking Studies**: The inclusion of real-life examples and research keeps the content engaging and relatable. - **Audience-Centric Approach**: The course brilliantly emphasizes the importance of considering your audience and crafting messages that prioritize their engagement and understanding. #### My Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend **"Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters"** to anyone who wishes to improve their public speaking and conversational skills. Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your presentation skills or an individual aiming to navigate social situations with confidence, this course offers invaluable insights and practical techniques. By the end of the course, you’ll not only become a more persuasive speaker but also a more thoughtful conversationalist. The information is applicable in both personal and professional environments, making it a worthwhile investment in your communication toolkit. Sign up today and get ready to transform how you speak and engage with others!

Syllabus

Week 1 | Unexpected: Vocabulary

“Be surprising, in a convincing way.” You’ll encounter those words a lot during this course. To discover who said them and how you can put them to work, check out the materials in Week 1!

A great way to create a message that people not only listen to but actually remember is to include what the behavioral economist George Lowenstein calls “information gaps.” We’ll learn what those are this week. We’ll also meet a scientist who does something remarkable: makes talking about the life of grass really interesting.

Those of you who have taken the companion series Good with Words: Writing and Editing may remember the following advice: “Trying to sound smart is a pretty dumb strategy.” We’ll learn this week that it also applies to speaking and presenting. Don’t try to impress your audience. Don’t set out to wow them with your intellect. Focus instead on being helpful. Treat your words like they are a gift you really want to share.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the fourth and final week of Course 3. We’re going to start by looking at the difference between a high-considerateness speaking style and a high-involvement one. But we’ll also make time for some surprising findings about what you can do to make your next commute a little more pleasant and stimulating--not just for you but also for a complete stranger.