Presentation & Speaking Skills

EPS3O helps students become confident and effective speakers by developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills

• Students learn to plan
• Deliver
• Critique a variety of spoken presentations,
• Including speeches
• Debates
• Multimedia presentations.

The course encourages personal expression, audience awareness, and persuasive technique—all essential for both academic and real-world communication.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Students begin by learning the building blocks of effective speech.
Lessons include:

• Introduction to Verbal Communication
• Non-Verbal Cues and Body Language
• Overcoming Stage Fright
• Structure of a Great Speech
• Rhetorical Devices and Persuasive Techniques
• Speech Types: Informative, Persuasive, and Entertaining

Unit 2: Presentation Strategies and Audience Engagement
Students apply their skills to real-world formats and diverse audiences.
Lessons include:

• Planning for Specific Audiences
• Multimedia Tools and Visual Aids
• Group Presentations and Collaboration
• Critiquing Peer Work
• Adapting to Feedback and Rehearsal Techniques
• Final Project: Delivering a Signature Speech

• 70% of the final grade is based on coursework, including:
  • Peer critiques, in-class speeches, group projects
  • Speechwriting, body language drills, and presentation evaluations
• 30% of the final grade is based on final evaluations:
  • 10% Culminating presentation (e.g., persuasive or thematic speech)
  • 20% Final performance-based exam (speech delivery and reflection)

All assessments are designed in alignment with Ontario curriculum standards to build confidence, clarity, and competence in spoken communication.