Professional Development Workshops

No matter how nervous you are about public speaking, there will be times in your life where you are called upon to speak in front of a live audience. So join this live six-week course designed to help you not only overcome stage fright but to develop confidence and joy in your public speaking skills. Classes are limited to 10 participants, so you get to build your skills in a warm, convivial, and supportive learning environment.

You will learn the basics of four common types of public speaking:

• Commemorative Speeches: Mark a milestone achievement of a person, group, or organization.
• Eulogies: Honor the memory of a loved one.
• Persuasive Speeches: Advocate for or against a proposed policy at a civic hearing.
• Toasts: Celebrate someone at a wedding or significant life event.

The class culminates in a warm banquet-style event on Thursday, Oct. 22 where you will get to demonstrate your public speaking skills for an appreciative audience.

What You Will Learn

• Engage audiences from start to finish: You will learn a practical audience-centered framework designed to hook your audiences and keep them engaged throughout your speech.
• Practice and deliver four common speeches: You will learn and practice the fundamentals of what makes for compelling eulogies, commemorations, civic advocacy, and toasts.
• Channel anxiety into actionable energy: You will learn practical tips and methodical approaches to overcome stage fright and channel nervousness into confidence and joy in your authentic voice.
• Body language and audience engagement: You will learn and practice proven body language techniques to build on your own voice and identity while growing fluency in connecting with a diverse range of audiences.

How You Will Learn

• Small convivial groups (limited to 10): Each class is limited to just 10 participants. That way, you get time to practice key techniques and receive feedback as well as 1-1 coaching.
• Fun and relevant exercises: We will use engaging, hands-on exercises featuring real-world examples and topics.
• Continuous feedback and personalized coaching: You will gain peer feedback and personalized coaching through continuous practice and rehearsal.
• Spotlight moments: Each class session features spotlight moments where you get to practice your skills with the whole class supporting you.
• Performance showcase: The class culminates in a live public speaking showcase for an invited audience who will celebrate your hard-earned skills as you shine on stage!

Week-by-week Agenda

• Week 1: Intros – and the art of introducing yourself compellingly
• Week 2: Commemorative speeches
• Week 3: Eulogies
• Week 4: Prep and practice for persuasive speeches
• Week 5: Persuasive speeches
• Week 6: Toasts – banquet style public showcase event

"Getting to practice every week is GREAT! The set up/structure of the class is fantastic. Hari you are organised, detailed, enthusiastic, personable. It is clear that you have put lots of passion into this class, it's wonderful! I feel like its almost 'funny' when I go to share with others that I'm taking a public speaking class because the overall general response to public speaking is 'ughhhhh.' Then, I love being able to say 'No, it's fun!' Thank you Hari, for putting so much enthusiasm into the class. Much appreciated!"

"I like that we've had a variety of different kinds of assignments, from some low stakes, quick opportunities to get up and speak, to more intensive (and intense) completed work with the eulogies."

"I'm SO glad I signed up for this class. Worth every minute!"

"I was so nervous when I started this class, but in just a couple of weeks, Hari, you have created an environment here where we all feel warm and comfortable and safe with one another, and it's really helped me become more confident in my speaking. That's not easy!"