Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/persuade-speech
In today’s professional landscape, the ability to articulate a compelling argument without resorting to aggression is paramount. Whether you’re championing a cause for a non-profit, pitching a groundbreaking business idea, or advocating for a change in company policy, you are, in essence, making a persuasive case. The Coursera course, ‘Speaking to Persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language,’ offers a comprehensive toolkit to hone this vital skill.
The course is structured to guide learners through the entire process of crafting and delivering impactful persuasive speeches. It begins by dissecting the foundational elements of a strong argument, introducing concepts like ‘status quo’ and ‘stock issues’ to help participants identify what truly needs to be argued and how to approach it. This initial module is crucial for establishing a clear strategy, especially when addressing an audience with limited prior knowledge.
The subsequent modules delve deeper into the art of speech design, emphasizing audience analysis and how to address potential concerns. The course stresses the importance of building logical flow and creating congruent speeches that culminate in clear, motivational calls to action. It equips learners with techniques to frame their arguments in a way that encourages agreement rather than resistance.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the power of language. It explores how to employ strategic and stylistic language, moving beyond mere argumentation to create speeches that resonate. The syllabus highlights the importance of recognizing and avoiding logical fallacies, a skill that the course asserts would improve global discourse if more widely adopted. Learners are guided on how to frame their case effectively, making it both strategic and stylistically appealing.
Finally, the course tackles the often-feared aspect of public speaking: delivery. It offers practical advice on reducing disfluencies like ‘um’ and provides tips for confident and moving delivery. The inclusion of models for imitation further aids in developing strong speaking habits. The course culminates in a final assessment where learners can submit either a video or written persuasive speech, applying the skills they’ve acquired.
Overall, ‘Speaking to Persuade’ is an exceptionally well-rounded course. It successfully bridges the gap between theoretical argumentation and practical delivery, offering actionable strategies for anyone looking to enhance their persuasive speaking abilities. I highly recommend this course to professionals, students, and anyone who wants to make their voice heard and their arguments count.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/persuade-speech