University of Michigan
Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters
University of Michigan

Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters

7,721 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(46 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(46 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to incorporate a "little bit of mischief" to your presentations in a way that delights and informs your audience

  • How to use "mirroring" and follow-up questions to establish trust and build rapport

  • How to connect with people via the "language of common life"

  • How to reimagine the experience of starting a conversation with a stranger

Details to know

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Assessments

9 quizzes

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

“Be surprising, in a convincing way.” You’ll encounter those words a lot during this course. To discover who said them and how you can put them to work, check out the materials in Week 1!

What's included

7 videos14 readings2 quizzes2 discussion prompts

A great way to create a message that people not only listen to but actually remember is to include what the behavioral economist George Lowenstein calls “information gaps.” We’ll learn what those are this week. We’ll also meet a scientist who does something remarkable: makes talking about the life of grass really interesting.

What's included

3 videos3 readings2 quizzes2 discussion prompts

Those of you who have taken the companion series Good with Words: Writing and Editing may remember the following advice: “Trying to sound smart is a pretty dumb strategy.” We’ll learn this week that it also applies to speaking and presenting. Don’t try to impress your audience. Don’t set out to wow them with your intellect. Focus instead on being helpful. Treat your words like they are a gift you really want to share.

What's included

6 videos4 readings2 quizzes3 discussion prompts

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the fourth and final week of Course 3. We’re going to start by looking at the difference between a high-considerateness speaking style and a high-involvement one. But we’ll also make time for some surprising findings about what you can do to make your next commute a little more pleasant and stimulating--not just for you but also for a complete stranger.

What's included

3 videos7 readings3 quizzes6 discussion prompts

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.6 (9 ratings)
Patrick Barry
University of Michigan
12 Courses183,454 learners

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Learner reviews

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4.6

46 reviews

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TS
5

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2021

GP
5

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2022

MV
5

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2023

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