Department of Applied Language Studies | Short Courses
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS 
Short Learning Programme (SLP)
About this course
Professional Presentations is a short course specially designed to improve your oral communication and enhance your presentation skills.
This short learning programme is aimed at delegates who want to develop effective presentation techniques and become more confident speakers.
Through interactive sessions, you will learn about voice control, relaxation and breathing exercises, articulation and resonance, preparing and delivering a speech, using visual aids and how to answer questions accordingly.
Once you have completed this course, you will have expert knowledge on presenting effectively.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for any professional who is required to present information to an audience. Be it in a meeting, seminar, workshop or general interpersonal contexts; this course is for you.
How will this course help you?
Professional Presentations will help by teaching you important techniques to deliver and present information more confidently and effectively.
What will you learn?
Learning Outcomes
A delegate of this course should be able to:
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understand and identify attitudes to making presentations;
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identify concerns about making presentations and strategies to overcome these concerns;
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understand voice evolution and sounds;
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practise relaxation exercises;
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practise breath control, resonance, and articulation;
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prepare a five-to-ten minute presentation;
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analyse audience and do a purpose statement;
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generate ideas and gather material;
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structure presentation;
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prepare note cards and visual aids;
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rehearse and prepare the venue;
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deliver the presentation effectively;
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handle questions confidently; and,
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do a self-evaluation.
Content/Modules/Units
The following will be covered in this course:
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Audience and Purpose in Oral Communication
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Dealing with Concerns about Presenting to an Audience
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Breathing Exercises
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Relaxation Techniques
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Voice, Pitch, Tone and Articulation
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Formats of Presenting
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Working with Visual Aids in Presentations
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Evaluation Techniques
How will this course be taught?
This course will be taught using face-to-face instruction and self-paced learning (readings, tasks and activities, and online/home-based learning). You will be welcomed into a small group of delegates and taught by a qualified and experienced facilitator.
The face-to-face sessions will be interactive and the facilitator will engage with all delegates. Group numbers will be kept to a minimum to ensure increased delegate engagement during facilitation. The facilitator will utilise the face-to-face sessions to present the course content and interact with you by completing class-based activities and tasks that will apply your knowledge.
Depending on the delivery mode of this course, you might also be given access to our online learning platform so that you have access to course resources and be able to complete certain activities.
The language of teaching and learning (LOTL) of this course will be English.
How will you be assessed?
Delegates are required to prepare and present a five-to-ten minute presentation. The presentation will be recorded for self and peer feedback. Delegates have to hand in an audience analysis, purpose statement and note cards. A mark will be allocated based on a presentation rubric.
Learning Support
Your learning will be supported by a qualified and experienced facilitator. A dedicated administrative assistant will be assigned to assist you with any administrative matters. A tutor will be assigned when group numbers are high and the facilitator requires assistance in supporting your learning.
Course Completion Requirements
In order to complete this course successfully, delegates have to attend the face-to-face sessions, complete assigned activities, and complete the final course assessment.
Certificate
This course has been accredited by the Unit of Continuing Education of the University in accordance with the regulations of the Council of Higher Education (CHE), South Africa.
Upon meeting the requirements and successfully completing this course, you will be awarded a Certificate issued by Nelson Mandela University.
Delegates who complete their courses online or via distance learning (where applicable) will receive both a digital and hardcopy of their certificates.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to delegates who attended the course and completed the final assessment.
A certificate of attendance will be awarded to delegates who attended at least 70% of the total notional hours of the course but did not complete the final assessment.