Ateneo - UPO

The course covers the fundamental techniques of public speaking, with a specific focus on communication in English in critical, emergency and healthcare contexts. The main contents include: Basic principles of effective public communication; Structure and organisation of speech; Emergency communication: clarity, credibility, control; Stress management and body language techniques; Communication with the media, institutions and the public during health crises; Practical simulations of interventions in critical contexts.

Recommended texts: Gallo, C. (2014). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. St. Martin's Press. Covello, V.T. (2003). Best Practices in Public Health Risk and Crisis Communication. Journal of Health Communication. Materials provided by the lecturer: Slides and technical data sheets; Videos of real examples (press conferences, crisis communications, TED Talks).

The module aims to: Provide communication skills for managing public interventions in crisis and disaster situations; Enhance clarity, persuasiveness and effectiveness in conveying complex messages; Develop the ability to speak in public in front of different audiences (authorities, general public, the media); Improve self-control and emotional management during presentations in stressful contexts.

A basic knowledge of emergency management operational contexts and an advanced level of English comprehension are recommended.

Short lectures with an interactive approach; Short videolectures; Individual and group practical workshops; Role playing and press conference simulations; Analysis of real cases; Individual and collective feedback

Attendance is strongly recommended, given the experiential nature of the module. The materials used will be uploaded regularly to the course DIR page. We recommend that you consult the DIR page regularly. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Final practical exam: 8 multiple-choice questions relating to the syllabus. Each question has 4 options, only one of which is correct. The exam assesses the student’s ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course.

Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking: Fundamental elements of public communication; principles of effective communication (2 hours); Module 2: Speaking in an emergency: Communicating under pressure; elements of risk communication; engaging with the media and the public; analysis of real-life case studies (2 hours); Module 3: Structuring the Message: Speech composition; storytelling in crisis situations; rhetorical elements (2 hours); Module 4: Practical Workshop: Simulations, role-play, exercises with feedback from the tutor and peers (2 hours).

By the end of the module, students will be able to: Plan and deliver an effective, clear and persuasive public speech (in English); Adapt their message to different audiences and contexts, including in emergency situations; Manage their emotions whilst speaking in public; Demonstrate mastery of verbal and non-verbal language in highly stressful communication situations.