Stage 5 of 6 · 7 lessons · ~2 weeks
Speaking up in class and at work
Put confidence into practice where it shows most: asking questions, sharing ideas, speaking in meetings, speaking English as a second language and disagreeing respectfully.
Start: Asking questions in classLessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order
Do this
- Ask one question in class or a meeting each week for a month
- Prepare and say one point in the first ten minutes of a meeting
- Record yourself speaking for one minute and listen back once
- Say no to one request politely, with a reason or an alternative
- Disagree respectfully with one idea using the three-part approach
- Rehearse a short presentation out loud at least three times before giving it
- Follow up one meeting or class with a short written point
Start with· follow one of these
- VideoFreeHow to Speak So That People Want to Listen (Julian Treasure, TEDGlobal 2013)
Julian Treasure (TEDGlobal 2013)
Practical tips on voice, pace and habits that make people listen
- CourseFreeIntroduction to Public Speaking (University of Washington, Coursera)
University of Washington on Coursera · Beginner
A structured course on preparing and giving talks, free to audit
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
Before moving on: At least three questions asked in class or meetings, one disagreement or "no" said respectfully, one presentation or short talk rehearsed out loud and given, and each written up in your evidence file.
Speak early, keep it short and prepare one point. That is most of the secret. Nobody remembers your nervous voice; they remember whether your question was useful. And if your English is your second language, you are already doing something harder than most of your audience. Clarity beats accent every time.
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).