Public Speaking & Presentation Skills Courses

Tips for making the right choice

Checklist for finding the right course in public speaking and presentation:

1. Are you presenting something or yourself?
2. The (size of the) group is what makes the course
3. Course type: presenting with or without PowerPoint?
4. A large or small training company?
5. Budget-wise: try a shorter course
6. The trainer should inspire!

Are you presenting something or yourself?

It is easier to find what you are looking for if you know what it is you want. Immerse yourself in the subject and think of the skills you would like to or need to acquire during education programmes, training programmes and courses. Consider practical matters as well, such as location, budget, course type (Distance learning or E-learning?), duration and the course level.

It's very important to know what exactly it is you wish to present. Is it yourself or something? There is a substantial difference.

Group: the (size of the) group is what makes the course:

Group size is very important. Which learning approach works for you? Do you like to hide in a large group, where you learn from the sidelines? A small group can prove to be a benefit because the best way to learn how to present is by practicing as much as possible. Moreover, the smaller the group, the more personal attention you will receive, as well as more time to practice. One-to-one training can give you self-confidence and that extra little push that you need to conquer your fears or doubts.

Mind that the training focuses on putting into practice what you learn. Practice makes perfect is a saying that definitely goes for presenting.

Course type: presenting with or without PowerPoint?

A training programme can include the use of (Microsoft Office) PowerPoint during presentations. Think carefully of the skills you want to acquire, and realise that presenting with or without PowerPoint are two very different things.

Does a course in interactive presenting make use of a video? Watching yourself and the way you deliver a presentation on film is a great way to learn.

Furthermore, it is important what takes place AFTER the course. Is coaching on the job during the actual practice of a presentation a possibility? Mind that you have plenty of opportunities to test yourself, before you give a presentation in front of colleagues or customers.

A large or small training company?

Larger training companies often collaborate with actors. Prior to the course, the actors receive course material they use during the training, together with a previously drawn up programme. This is an excellent approach.

Smaller companies also work with specific programmes, but there is more room to deviate from the programme and meet individual needs.

A one-day course offers the basics. There is always practice time scheduled, because practice is vital. A course of two or more days gives the possibility to go more deeply into the subject matter and offers more time to practice.

Budget-wise: try a shorter course:

Is your budget for public speaking courses limited? No need to worry, many excellent trainers started giving training courses in presenting and a cheaper course certainly doesn’t mean less quality. The group, however, could be slightly larger.

The trainer should inspire!

Mind that the trainer appeals to you when you are selecting a training programme. This is someone you will be working and training closely with, so it is vital that he or she inspires you. The trainers’ background is significant. Someone with ample experience in journalism, theatre and stage, with added TV and coaching experience will probably move around the podium more comfortably than a former hairdresser would.

Via Springest you can request brochures and information, and in that way contact course and training programme providers. We hope you will find a public speaking or presenting course that suits you!