Essentials for English Speeches and Presentations 英语演讲与演示

Peking University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/yingyuyanjiang

Introduction

**Course Review: Essentials for English Speeches and Presentations (英语演讲与演示)** As we navigate through the demands and challenges of a globally connected world, effective communication skills have never been more vital, particularly in English. For Chinese learners striving to excel in academic settings, career advancements, and business contexts, the Coursera course "Essentials for English Speeches and Presentations" (英语演讲与演示) offers a remarkable opportunity to build and refine these necessary skills. ### Overview In this course, students will learn essential knowledge and skills required to deliver impressive English speeches and presentations. It aims to equip learners with a global perspective and inter-cultural communication skills, specifically designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by Chinese English learners. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to address the common hurdles encountered in speaking English fluently and effectively. ### Syllabus Breakdown **Week 1: Learning Strategy** The course kicks off with a welcome session that introduces learning strategies tailored for Chinese students. It emphasizes the importance of mastering the four core elements of English proficiency. The lecturer shares invaluable insights from two decades of engagement with diverse cultures, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the course. **Week 2: Pronunciation and Intonation** A critical focus is placed on pronunciation and intonation, often challenging areas for non-native speakers. This session provides essential shortcuts to correct common pronunciation issues, making it a must-watch for those lacking confidence in their speaking abilities. **Week 3: Cultural Differences and Global Perspective** Cultural nuances play a significant role in effective communication. This week examines successful speech crafting using real-life examples, such as a personal story from the lecturer’s journey in securing a leadership role. The discussion delves into how understanding cultural differences can enhance speech delivery and composition. **Week 4: Verbal and Non-verbal Skills** This week highlights the balance between verbal communication and non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone. The lecturer provides practical tips on mastering both aspects to create a compelling presentation and effectively engage the audience. **Week 5: Active Vocabulary Building** Building an active vocabulary is essential, especially for articulating thoughts clearly in a speech. This week is dedicated to expanding vocabulary and effective use of language. **Week 6: Interviews & Self Introduction** Recognizing that interviews are a common platform for speech, this week’s focus is on self-introduction and key strategies to excel in interviews. The lecturer shares essential components that interviewers look for, helping students prepare confidently. **Week 7: Native Expert’s View** In a special session, guest lecturer Charles Odendhal shares his expertise as a native speaker. His insights into effective speech-making and overcoming common challenges provide students with a fresh perspective and practical advice. **Week 8: Conclusion and Future Study Recommendations** The final week wraps up the course, summarizing key takeaways and providing guidance for continued improvement in speech-making skills. The lecturer's recommendations extend beyond the course, encouraging students to integrate what they've learned into their everyday communication. ### Recommendations For anyone looking to improve their English speaking skills—whether for academic presentations, job interviews, or business communications—this course is highly recommended. Each week builds upon the last, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both the linguistic and cultural components of effective speech delivery. The course is particularly valuable for Chinese learners due to its tailored approach to common challenges faced by this demographic. The blend of practical strategy, cultural insights, and expert guidance will undoubtedly enhance your confidence and skills in delivering impactful speeches. In conclusion, "Essentials for English Speeches and Presentations" is not merely an academic course, but a gateway to mastering the art of communication in English. Enroll now, and equip yourself with the skills that will benefit you for a lifetime!

Syllabus

Week 1. 学习策略 Learning Strategy

欢迎学习英语演讲与演示课程！有相当一部分中国学生学了很多年英语，却没办法用英文流利地进行演讲和演示。只要我们掌握好精通英语的四个要素，采用科学的学习方法，搭建良好的内在环境，学好英语演讲其实并不难。Session 1 is a must see for all Chinese students, not necessarily for learners from other countries, the lecturer shared his view on English learning based on his first-hand experience communicating with people with different cultures and teaching to Chinese students at all levels, for the past two decades. The scope, pedagogy, and targets of this course are mentioned here.

Week2. 语音语调 Pronunciation and intonation

本周着力于让学生理解和熟悉英语国家发音之间的差异，认识中国学生英语口语存在的诸多问题，然后提出快速纠正发音与语调问题的捷径之路。For non-native English learners, the issue of pronunciation and intonation is among foremost task to tackle before they can deliver a good English speech. Here is the shortcut, people who are not confident with their pronunciation cannot miss this.

Week3. 中西文化差异与全球化视角Cultural Differences and Global Perspective

本周以张宏岩老师竞选巴黎高商学生会主席的演讲为例，分析与总结一篇成功的演讲应具备哪些要素。通过中西文化差异的对比，结合个人故事，提出全球化视角下英语演讲的四个建议。Building up on the case of his personal story, winning presidency of students’ association at a worldwide prestigious MBA school, the lecturer advises on how to put up global perspective in speeches, and how cultural difference affect our speeches. This is among essential parts of this course.

Week4. 演讲中的语言技能与非语言技Verbal and non-verbal skills

一篇成功的演讲不仅要求演讲者具备良好的语言技能，同时对非语言技能的要求也很高。肢体语言、TONE、身体移动与站姿、手势甚至视觉接触都会影响演讲最终的呈现效果。好的演讲者不仅要熟练掌握演讲如何开始如何起承转合如何结尾等语言技能，也应注重培养自己的非语言技能。The lecturer discusses how verbal and non-verbal communication skills function when we conduct English speeches & presentations. Cases mentioned are from home and abroad.

Week5. 积极词汇建设与图表描述Active vocabulary building

Week6. 面试和自我介绍 Interviews & Self Introduction

英语水平在正规面试中的重要性不言而喻，可是我一遇到面试就心慌慌怎么办？别怕，张宏岩老师以自己做面试官的经历总结出面试中的四个重要部分以及面试官看重的一些要素。大家只要在面试前准备充足，注意面试中的礼节，采取正确的面试策略，肯定能妥妥儿拿下哈！学完这一节可不要忘了做作业巩固哦~The most common types of English speech would be during an interview, and 95% of Chinese English learners use English to introduce themselves. Both international etiquette and communication strategy are covered here.

Week7. 看看外教怎么说 Native expert’s view

张宏岩老师邀请美国好友Charles Odendhal 先生为大家上课。Odenhal 先生自98年致力于为中国知名大学和企业包括央企高管做沟通方面的训练。他从母语者角度不仅告诉大家应该如何做一个好的演讲，而且提供了克服演讲中障碍的方法，更有一些关于英语演讲的建议与问答，简直是倾囊相授啊！速速来看！Mr. Charles Odendhal, an experienced lecturer from USA who had been providing communication training to many leading Chinese universities and enterprises, together with executives from SOEs under supervision of the central government. He shared, from a native speaker’s point of view, his own experience teaching a Chinese to make great English speeches and presentations.

Week8. 课程总结及后续学习建议 Conclusion and advices

课程至此就已接近尾声，本周主要对课程进行一些说明，同时对课程内容要点进行了总结。仅仅学完这门课是不够的，对于后续的学习，张宏岩老师也提出了几点建议，同学们可以继续去完善自己的英语演讲技能。希望大家能从本课程中收获到终生受益的知识，并将其应用到实践当中去。This session reviews the essence of this course, and gives advices for further study.