Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- prepare and deliver business presentations in English
- become aware of different techniques used in presentations
- understand the role cultural aspects play in presentations

Implementation and methods of teaching

Contact lessons and workshops. Online work and independent study. Preparing and giving speeches and professional presentations in English. Discussions in English. No substitute work or assignments.

Timing and attendance

To secure a place on the course, attendance in the first lesson is compulsory without excuses. Attendance is compulsory in all presentations, no excuses, and no substitute work or assignments. The planned schedule is preliminary and may slightly change depending on the group size. The preliminary course schedule will be available in the TimeEdit system.

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials available on the online learning platform. Possible course readings:
1) Tips of the Tongue: The Nonnative English Speaker's Guide to Mastering Public Speaking. Deborah Grayson Riegel & Ellen Dowling.
2) https://hbr.org/2018/04/3-tips-for-presenting-in-english-when-youre-not-a-native-speaker
3) https://open.lib.umn.edu/businesscommunication/ (selected sections) AND/OR https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/ (selected sections)

Alternative completion methods

No substitute work or assignments. All compulsory presentations, speeches, and discussions required.

Exam retakes

A retake option discussed at the end of the course if needed (e.g., a portfolio of all presentations/other talks recorded on video + a final presentation given in another course).

Learning environment

Contact lessons and workshops on campus and online (Zoom/Teams). All course materials, lecture notes, assignments, and instructions available on the Moodle platform.

Student time use and work load

Individual and group presentations, speeches, and discussions that require preparation. Students must check the course dates and reserve time for preparing and practicing presentations, speeches, and discussions. Approximate student workload in total: 135 hrs.

Contents

The course provides basic presentation, public speaking, and discussion skills in English. The main objective is to learn how to prepare and give professional presentations and other talks. In addition: Leading and facilitating discussions and participating in discussions; managing and overcoming public speaking anxiety; giving peer feedback.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prior experience in giving presentations or speeches in English required. Prerequisites: English for Work 3 or 4 ECTS or a similar course. Intermediate to upper-intermediate level skills in spoken English (e.g., CEFR B1/B2, IELTS 6-6.5).

Assessment criteria

Assessment is based on course assignments, peer feedback, and self-assessment. Final course grades are based on active attendance and performance during presentations, speeches, and discussions. A possible online exam on some of the basic practices. No substitute work or assignments.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Fail (=requires a retake). Inability to give basic coherent presentations in English. The student has not met the course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Missed several lessons. All assessed presentations given. Ability to give basic presentations and reflect on the learning process.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Active attendance at most lessons. All assessed presentations given. Ability to give professional and coherent presentations in English. Ability to create good slides. A good understanding of the various purposes behind presentations (inform, instruct, persuade etc.). Good body language and interaction with the audience.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Attendance at most lessons. All assessed presentations given. Ability to give professional and coherent presentations in English. A very good understanding of the various purposes behind presentations (inform, instruct, persuade etc.). Ability to give presentations appropriate to the target audience. Ability to create quality slides to support presentations. Excellent body language and great interaction with the audience.