Course: Building Confidence for Public Speaking

You can't fake presence. The room is leaning in, or it isn't.

Course Title: Confident Presence: A Practical Course Outline for Building Public Speaking Confidence

Target audience and level (randomised) , Emerging leaders, senior frontline managers, people at any level and in any team across metro and regional Australia who are expected to present/influence/lead with impact but who still get the jitters before a room. Level: Intermediate (have some experience presenting; now want to go from competent to confident).

Format, duration and mode of delivery (randomised) - Format: 3 × 2 hour live virtual session plus one half day face to face practicum (optional), in addition to the 6 week micro learning follow up. Blended: virtual live sessions for theory and micro skills; practicum in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane based on cohort. Optimal cohort size: 12 to 16 for virtual work, 10 to 12 for in person practicum.

Price and practical limitations - Pricing model illustration: $495 including GST per participant for 3×2 hour virtual series (group discounts available and practicum). Closed session minimum headcount: 10. Platform: (Live virtual) Zoom; (Practicum is in person at local in person training room with AV/ wired mic/lapel/projector). Delivery including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra however does not include regional runs (additional travel fees apply for Geelong and Parramatta , email us if you are unsure).

High level rationale and learning intent - Why this programme exists: Nerves and poor structuring often obscure the ideas of too many worthy individuals. Confidence in public speaking is not magnetism, it's literally a skill you can practise. Psychological reframing, practical rehearsal strategies, delivery mechanics and real time feedback are combined in the program so that participants exit with tangible improvement. We do insist on a supported setting for practice , because theory without practice is wishful thinking.

Distal learning outcomes (behavioural and measurable)
Participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a reliable pre presentation routine for reducing physiological anxiety (assessed by self reported reductions in anxiety of at least 20% using our pre/post scale)
- Deliver a structured 5 to 7 minute presentation with clear opening, three main points and persuasive close while communicating with appropriate voice, pacing and gestures (measured by rubric assessment)
- Use diaphragmatic breathing and vocal projection techniques that increase audibility significantly (at least one standard unit) in recorded practice speeches, applying the strategies to reduce filler words used by at least 30%
- Navigate a Q&A session lasting approximately ten minutes demonstrating active listening, equal voice parity throughout protocol and composure during manager's observation or peer feedback using an observation checklist
- Apply personal toolkit practices such as visualisation exercises; grounding exercises; short micro exercises which can terminate adrenaline rushes when required especially for impromptu speaking

Key things you'll hear during delivery (not everyone shares these)
- I'm blunt: real is better than polished. Excessive gloss can render your message forgettable. Be yourself; you will be remembered. PowerPoint is mostly a crutch , rely less on it; slides should serve as visual enhancements, not as scripts. Small spaces make the best speakers; it's easy to hide flaws on grand stages.

Pre work and participant prerequisites
- Fill out a one to two page intake survey asking about your prior experience, upcoming speaking opportunities, and your goals
- Record an audio/visual 60 to 90 second baseline introduction video (smartphone quality is fine)
- Read our short primer (two pages) on diaphragmatic breathing and the structure we teach
- Bring in a real world presentation brief you'll work through throughout the programme

Daily schedule (detailed)

Session 0 , Onboarding (self paced, 30 to 45 minutes before beginning the first session)
- Content: Welcome video, technical check, expectations, goal and confidentiality agreement and peer coaching rules
- Outcome: Participants know how to upload recordings, how feedback will be given and understand psychological safety guidelines

Session 1 , Foundations: Understanding fear and building a reproducible pre talk routine (2 hours, virtual)
- Opening (10 minutes): Quick poll on what makes you nervous; brief, opinionated minute from the facilitator about why they think most pre speech rituals aren't effective unless rigorously applied
- Module 1 (25 minutes): The neuroscience of nerves , putting it to use. We transform fight/flight into energy stewardship. M2: 30 minute: What thinking holds us up , and what to do , into the dark recesses; loopy negative loops, language (via research) Activity: Micro visualisation (Guided 2 minutes)
- Module 3 (30 minutes): Catastrophic, all or nothing distraction. Activity: Reframing worksheet in breakout rooms. Module 3 (35 minutes): The reproducible pre talk routine , breathing, posture, voice warm up and a mental cue 90 second script. Pair Practice and Whole Group Feedback
- Plenary (10 minutes): Behavioural homework: record 2 minute intro referring back to Opening Routine. Peer review assigned

Session 2: Structure and Story , how to write amazing non anxious openings, middles and endings (2 hours virtual)
Opening (5 minutes): Short, sound bite example of a bad opening versus a good one
Module 1 (30 minutes): Structural templates , the three act model pulled through into Business , hook, value promise, tripwire question. Workshopping of group members' exercises
- Module 2 (25 minutes): Evidence and authority , how greater mastery reduces fear to nothing but a memory. Fast research checklist and Q&A management prep
- Module 3 (35 minutes): Writing the opening and close to be short, rehearsed and re usable. Practice pairs: give an opener and get structured feedback. Module 4 (15 minutes): Slide use , when to use them, what not to show. Opinion: less words, larger images; your slides are not speaker notes
- Close (10 min): Homework: polish up that opening and make a 5 minute draft talk recording. Upload for review

Session 3 , Delivery mechanics: Voice, pace, body language and the confident presence (2 hours, virtual)
- Opening (5 minutes): One provocative opener: "It's our job to get people to sit up straighter" , Module 1 (30 minutes) Vocal technique , projection, pace, pitch variation and pausing. Exercises: diaphragmatic breathing, pitch slides, anchor vowel practice. Module 2 (25 minutes): Body language , posture, gestures that are clarifying, manage nervous movements. Video demos and micro practice
- Module 3 (30 minutes): Eye gaze and space , presenting to mixed audiences / rooms including hybrids. Play a tough mob member
- Module 4 (20 minutes): Q&A How to respond to questions and comments from the floor. Strategies: Paraphrase (wait), answer; the deflection pivot
- Close (10 minutes): Assignment(s) / Homework: final recorded 5 to 7 minute presentation plus self reflection form due to practicum at least 48 hours before class

Practicum Live practicum (Optional half day, but highly recommended)
- Setting: Training room with stage area; cap 12 participants
- Format:
- Warm up (10 minutes): Group breathing, posture resets
- Live deliveries (3 hours): Each person presents a 5 to 7 minute talk; peer feedback using the rubric; instant trained coaching (two cycles , original and improved). Q&A challenge (30 minutes): Rapid fire questions by peers playing role of stakeholders. Video playback (30 minutes): Select clips reviewed with markups; group learn via key takeaways. Closing reflection (10 min): Personal action plans and next steps

Micro learning follow up (6 weeks)
- Weekly 10 to 15 minute modules, targeting the issues e.g. "Pause power", "One minute starts", "Reduction of filler words", "Breath resets"
- Accountability: In pairs participants do a weekly check in and they submit one mini deliverable recorded every two week cycles
- Optional fortnightly 45 drop in min coaching clinics run online (recorded)

Evaluation and measurement (actionable and robust)
- Baseline self efficacy survey: pre /post programme Likert scale proficiency on confidence in emotions in 5 domains preparation, delivery, handling Q&A, use of visuals, perceived authenticity
- Objective analysis: automated transcript/filler word count and pause analysis on uploaded recordings (before/after)
- Rubric scoring: trained facilitators score recorded 5 to 7 minute presentations out of an average possible 16 points on structure, delivery self esteem video body language audience engagement handling Q&A (she also added a sentence about the importance of getting line manager observations but does not go into detail) A short form for line managers to use post programme to rate behavioural transfer using a simple visual scale rated out of 1 to 5
- Success benchmarks: enjoy all above mentioned data These metrics should be evenly spread at least by/back quartile across the cohort having achieved a 'benchmark' score for both emotion free public speaking anxiety and rubric points from baseline compared with final presentation Additionally stressed how important it was when rolling this around ROI that we had Buy In at the start from senior managers to show them KPIs will be very important now so we can measure success rates etc. there for internal promotion expectancy too for enterprise clients Additional longer term ROI tracking pitch training results promo ration story invitation etc satisfaction survey terminal weeks postings published

Clear descriptors for each level
- Filler word counter and pace metric: number of um/ah/you know per minute; desired reduction target given for each participant
- Peer feedback sheet: two strengths, one area to improve, one micro assignment

Practical drills / activities (with timing)
- 90 second pre talk routine (daily, 3 to 5 minutes)
- Offhand table topic for managing the butterflies of anxiety , three topics and speak on each for three minutes
- Video shadowing: repeat to copy a short two minute clip to fully internalise rhythm and cadence (15 minutes)
- "Anchor word" drill , choose one single statement that is yours to re set when nervousness flares during performance
- Role play with antagonistic audience member (10 minutes per person in practicum)

Facilitation notes (for trainers)
Psychological safety is not a nice to have. Start each session with confidentiality and consent guidelines. Feedback sandwich just doesn't cut it , aim instead for focused, behaviourally anchored feedback (what, effect, suggestion). Use live polling tools to do quick emotional temperature checks. Encourage small victories: create micro goals that can be achieved within the session (e.g., two fewer filler words). Be flexible: some participants will need more time on body language, others time on content. Treat each as individual.

Materials and tech checklist
- Virtual: secure internet, headset with a microphone (mic), webcam, Zoom featuring breakout room functionality, shared Google Drive or LMS for posting/uploading content and feedback. In person: lapel mic, standing mic, projector, platform to stand on while presenting/speaking and practising speaking posture/stance plus video recorder for playback practice/feedback/reflection/mirror learning experience plus clipboards and printed rubrics
- Participant pack: workbook materials (print/pdf format available), quick reference breathing card/chart/template; three structure templates in your genre or across the genres you teach; additional rubric copy to modify based on the final assessment model used in your classroom

Inclusion, accessibility and culture
- Offer closed captions for virtual sessions and transcripts of video recordings
- Accommodate participants who may not be able to stand for long periods (seated delivery options)
- Be mindful of cultural communication styles , some cultures value indirectness; seek to modify prompts so that everyone can participate without feeling exposed
- Encourage diverse examples and inclusive language. The trainer models adaptability

Follow up and sustainability
- Programme includes one follow up cohort check in at 8 weeks: a 60 minute session to readdress practice, recalibrate goals, and review manager feedback
- Encourage creation of small (3 to 4 individuals) practice community within teams to keep momentum
- Access micro learning library (for 3 months) for refresher techniques

Add ons (enterprise options)
- Manager briefing workshop: 90 minutes to bring managers together and ensure they are aligned on how best to support the transfer of skills and calibrate observation checklists
- Leader showcase: a 90 minute internal "show" where senior leaders present with facilitated feedback development to embed this new culture of speaking
- Custom e learning module for new starters "introductory presence" (10 mins)

Over coaching authenticity , Risk management and common pitfalls. We monitor for robotic delivery. Solution: mix in the rehearsed with asides.
- Pitfall: presenters hiding behind slides. Solution: dedicate slide less time during practicum
- Pitfall: one size assessment. Solution: Mix objective benchmarks with subjective peer/manager feedback

Sample session timings and micro agenda (1 page)
- 0 to 10 mins: Warm up and temperature check
- 10 to 35 mins: Short theory input with example lots of learning through doing
- 35 to 60 mins: Paired practice (recorded) important peer interaction
- 60 to 80 mins: Group feedback and live coaching demo by facilitator Preferred options mean we can get Q&A or back to the group earlier on this accordion eye for detail required here Our assumption is they will also be able to answer questions with our participant about a real world situation remaining in control when giving constructive talks will elevate their game and feel emboldened around meetings

Trainer profiles and competencies
- Lead facilitator: senior comms coach with corporate leadership experience able comfortable working between hybrid rooms Skills include behavioural coaching video feedback Prefer trainers with at least 8 to 10 years' of facilitation experience
- Coach support: 1 support coach for every 8 to 12 participants in practicum to enable fast feedback loops

Evaluation and ongoing improvement
- Post programme assessment includes survey quantitative data and qualitative open comments
- We roll up cohort level information and intervene on activities when average improvement goals are not achieved
- At enterprise scale we recommend a pilot then rollout in an iterative way with KPI checkpoints at 3 month, 6 month periods

Why this design works (a candid analysis) , You learn best by doing, and you learn even better by doing with real world pressure breathing down your neck. Virtual program is like building muscle; the in person practicum is applying that skill.
- Mix of cognitive reframing, structure mastery and physical technique attacks issue from three angles , mind, content and body. And that triangulation is what actually does shift confidence. Some think longer courses are better. Not true. Short, focused, deliberate practice trumps passive multi week theory. Fewer, not more , focused repetition leads the way.

Measurement example (simulated data model)
- Baseline self efficacy mean: 3.1/5. Post programme target: 3.8/5 (23% increased)
- Fillers baseline mean: 8/min. Post programme criterion: 4 to 5/min (40 to 50% reduction). Manager reported behavioural transfer: at least 70% of program participants, to show improved workplace presence by six weeks

Quick note on evidence and credentials: We apply research proven psychological reframing methods and voice training techniques. We make no promises of miracles , measurable progress is what's real, with consistent practice.
- We guarantee session fulfilment. We have a 100% fulfilment rate for booked sessions, which is important when you're booking busy executives (Company data)

How to customise
- Sector focus: 'sales pitch' version, 'investor presentation' version, 'technical talks for engineering teams'
- Scale of audience: insert modules on speaking in large audience spaces and using clickers with audiences above 200
- The executive track: including one to one coaching and personalised video analysis

Final logistics checklist for organisers
Ensure your participant list is final 10 business days beforehand. Ensure AV requirements and room layout are confirmed 7 days beforehand. Distribute the pre work link and intake survey (if applicable) 5 days in advance of the session. Send meeting information and tech guide to participants, if needed, 48 hours before the meeting.

Closing , practical, not preachy
- This template is intentionally utilitarian. We don't chase theatrical tricks; we do repeatable routines and practice that last. If your people can walk into a small meeting and deliver their case , clearly, calmly and with purpose , you win. If you want them to sound like a TED talk every time, I guess that's fine. But I would take a day of consistent, honest, useful speaking instead anytime.

98 Sources and Notes
- Company statistics: we report 100% of all weekly following; (Paramount Training and Development internal data, 2025)