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.
Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Wiley.
Materials provided by the lecturer:
Slides and technical data sheets
Videos of real examples (press conferences, crisis communications, TED Talks)
Practical exercises

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, the 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
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 test: simulated oral presentation (3-5 minutes) on a topic related to the management of environmental and health emergencies.
Continuous assessment: active participation, practical exercises, contributions to peer-to-peer feedback.
Assessment criteria: clarity, structure, adaptation to context, emotional management, body language, communicative impact.

Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking:
Fundamentals of public communication; principles of effective communication (2 hours)
Module 2: Speaking in emergencies:
Communicating under pressure; elements of risk communication; dealing with the media and citizens (2 hours)
Module 3: Structuring the message:
Speech construction; storytelling for crisis contexts; rhetorical elements (2 hours)
Module 4: Practical workshop:
Simulations, role-playing, exercises with feedback from the teacher and peers (2 hours)

At 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 emergency situations
Manage their emotions when communicating in public
Demonstrate mastery of verbal and non-verbal language in high-pressure communication situations