Mastering the Art of Debate & Public Speaking for Executives

INTRODUCTION

Our Mastering the Art of Debate & Public Speaking for Executives training course equips you with the tools and inspiration needed to become a true master of verbal expression. Throughout the five days, you will gain valuable insights from renowned speakers, enabling you to refine your public speaking and presentation skills in a way that aligns seamlessly with your unique style and organizational goals.

Prepare to have your ideas and presentation techniques challenged and refined as you delve into global best practices and explore their applicability to your specific context. Additionally, you'll learn how to place your audience at the heart of your speech, focusing on making a memorable first impression, motivating your audience, and building rapport.

We address common challenges faced by all speakers, regardless of their experience level, including stage fright, handling disruptive audience members, engaging in debates, and navigating technology mishaps. Practical strategies are provided for each scenario, even when you find yourself on the podium mid-speech.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

• Speak authentically and confidently in front of any audience

• Exercise control over how you are perceived through body language, voice, and image

• Step onto the stage with confidence, establishing rapport with your audience

• Employ storytelling to engage and motivate your audience

• Effectively manage challenging audience members, including those engaging in debates, heckling, or possessing greater expertise

• Remain composed and salvage your presentation when things go awry.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This training course is designed for:

• Experienced presenters who regularly deliver speeches and presentations, seeking to uncover the techniques and tools employed by celebrity speakers

• Individuals representing their business unit or organisation as official spokespersons, addressing formal events for both internal employees and external audiences.

TRAINING APPROACH

Our interactive Mastering the Art of Debate & Public Speaking for Executives training course combines theory and industry best practices through presentations, complemented by hands-on practical sessions aligned with principles of adult learning and learner-centred approaches.

Participants will have ample opportunities to craft and deliver speeches, receiving constructive feedback from both fellow participants and the course instructor, thereby gaining insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.

Open discussions and reflection on personal presentation issues and experiences are actively encouraged. The training course will consist of 75% experiential learning and 25% theoretical content.

TRAINING OUTLINE

Day 1: Unveiling the Secrets of a Master Presenter Establishing Your Personal Image on the Platform

• Projecting your character and personality in an authentic manner

• Determining your personal image

• Image-related tips for both women and men

• Learning to embody the image you wish to convey

• Treating your audience as if they were friends

• Conquering Stage Fright

• Techniques for managing the anxiety that often accompanies public speaking

• Mitigating fear through thorough preparation and rehearsal

• Mental preparation for anxiety reduction

• Employing deep breathing exercises to maintain composure

• Addressing common nervous reactions, including dry mouth.

Day 2: Captivating Imaginations and Inspiring Action Motivating Your Audience

• Essential steps preceding your call to action

• Guiding your audience through five levels of motivation during your speech

• Recognizing potential barriers to audience engagement

• Techniques for capturing and maintaining your audience's attention

• Utilizing devices to enhance message retention.

• The Art of Storytelling

• Crafting engaging narratives enriched with detail and emotion to captivate your audience

• Exploring the six types of stories and mastering the art of storytelling

• Understanding the core elements of a compelling story, such as self-awareness, conviction, and connection with others

• Identifying sources for compelling stories, including achievements, purpose explanations, best practices sharing, future envisioning, acknowledging errors, and more

• Exploring the significance of time within narratives, drawing lessons from the past, inhabiting the present, and envisioning the future.

Day 3: Navigating the Challenges of the Podium Making an Impactful Stage Entrance

• Establishing a favorable first impression as you step onto the stage

• Engaging with your audience beforehand to gain insight into their expectations

• Checking the stage setup, including the lectern, microphone, lighting, and stage access

• Collaborating with introducers to ensure a smooth transition

• Employing icebreakers to create an inviting atmosphere

• Building rapport with your audience through active engagement.

Day 4: Troubleshooting Techniques Managing Disruptive Individuals

• Preparing for questions, debates, and addressing interruptions from challenging audience members

• Strategies for encouraging audience engagement and interaction

• Handling hecklers who may disrupt your presentation

• Effectively addressing a hostile or irritable audience

• Engaging with extroverted individuals who possess more expertise and seek to challenge you

• Navigating situations where the audience appears disinterested in your content.

• Staying Composed During Unexpected Challenges

• Strategies for responding when unexpected issues arise during your presentation

• Handling potential obstacles such as lectern barriers or microphone malfunctions

• Adapting to unexpected changes in timing or content due to prior speakers running over their allotted time

• Strategies for managing situations where jokes or anecdotes fail to resonate

• Developing a checklist to rescue your presentation from potential disasters.

Day 5: Translating Learning into Practice

• Crafting and delivering two-, five-, and ten-minute presentations

• Recording and reviewing your presentations

• Evaluating your performance and providing constructive feedback.

Format: Onsite

Language(s): English

Duration: One Week

Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Al-Majd Pathways Centre (APC).