Monterey Institute of International Studies 
MA Commercial Diplomacy Program

This course is designed as an intensive workshop in public speaking for the MIIS MACD candidate, in preparation for the MACD thesis project and presentation as well as professional goals and responsibilities.

Workshop Objectives 

In general, students will:

• enhance their public speaking skills in a professional setting;
• receive training, understanding and practice in preparation and delivery of original speeches; 
• practice and utilize feedback and self-critique as tools for improvement and assessment.

Workshop Goals and Outcomes 

More specifically, students will:

• practice giving testimony, such as at Senate hearings;
• practice working with the media, e.g., at  press conferences;
• learn how to work with interpreters;
• learn how to effectively answer “tricky” questions and engage in discussion periods within a professional context;
• learn how to address governmental officials and members of the media;
• explore techniques for delivering interesting and stimulating (masters project) presentations required of the major.

Evaluation 

This workshop is a Pass/Fail course.  Credit will be given to students who actively participate and prepare and complete assignments and workshop activities.  "1 unit" will show on the Spring 2000 transcript. Each speech/presentation activity will be evaluated by the instructor as well as by workshop peers. Extensive feedback will be given to each participant on his/her performance as well as specific areas to improve upon.

Materials 

We will videotape much of our work together, so please bring a videocassette tape with you to each class session.  Further, bring any notes you have from the reserve readings (see below) and an ample stack of note cards, pens, and blank OHP slides.

ã 2000, by Eve L. Connell. Materials used by permission from author.

Begin to think about topics for a brief informative and a brief persuasive speech.  Choose topics that are closely related to the work you are currently engaged in for other course and research projects.  Do any necessary research (articles, statistics, facts to support your points) before attending the first meeting. 

Please look at the texts and articles that are on reserve in the MIIS library before you come to the first class meeting. It will help to read the chapters on Informative and Persuasive speaking before you choose topics for those types of speeches.   

Course Schedule:                        Topics/Assignments:

Friday, October 6/December 1            Workshop Introduction

4:00 - 7:00 pm                                        Speech Organization Basics
                                                                Effective Note-taking
                                                                Participant Introductions (3-5 Minute 
                                                                Impromptu Speeches)

Saturday, October 7/December 2            MACD Thesis Project Issues

9:00 - 12:00pm                                   Language and Delivery Basics  
1:00 - 4:00 pm                                    Informative Speaking 
                                                            Persuasive Speaking  
                                                            Introducing Speakers 
                                                            Effective Question and Answer Periods  
                                                            News Briefs and Hearings (5-7 Minute
                                                            Informative Speeches)

Sunday, October 8/December 3            Impromptu Speaking (2-3 Minute Impromptu

9:00 - 12:00pm             Speeches)

1:00 - 4:00 pm                                    Interfacing with the Media 
                                                            Working with Interpreters 
                                                            Working with Power Point  
                                                            MACD Thesis Project Issues (5-7 Minute
                                                               MACD Project Introduction Speeches)                                                             Workshop Evaluation