Public Speaking Programme
Overview
Over four weeks, you will learn to become a more skilled and confident public speaker.
The programme consists of four main parts:
Part 1: Learn how to write a great presentation
Part 2: Learn how to memorise your presentation
Part 3: Practise in increasingly challenging VR environments
Part 4: Final presentation delivery
Over the month-long course, you will be provided with evidence-based strategies to help you overcome speech anxiety as quickly as possible.
For best results, we recommend that you present at an in-person event at the end of the programme, your school/university/organisation may be able to facilitate this.
Week one: Create
This week, your main task is to write a great '3MT' script. A 3MT is an easy presentation format where you have 3-minutes to discuss a concept to a general audience.
Here are some useful resources:
- What are the rules of the 3MT format?
- How can I write a great presentation?
- How can I use AI to improve my script?
- How do I create great presentation slides?
- What does great look like?
By the end of week one, you should have written and improved your 3MT script, and, if you wish to use a supporting presentation slide, you should have created one. You should be able to comfortably read through your script under 3-minutes (allowing time for pauses). Please make sure your presentation is simple and follows a logical flow.
Week two: Memorise
This week, your task is to memorise your presentation (you may wish to edit your presentation to make it easier to recite).
Useful free resources:
- Top ten tips to memorise your script
- What to do with your hands when public speaking
By the end of week two, you should be able to recite your presentation out loud without looking at the script.
Week three and four: Train in virtual reality
Now that you have written and memorised your script, please follow our overexposure treatment plan where you will learn neuroscience tools to calm your mind while training in front of increasingly challenging virtual reality scenarios.
You can access the treatment plan here:
- Overexposure treatment plan
Graduation time: Deliver the final presentation
Once you have completed the overexposure treatment plan, it is time to deliver your presentation to a real audience. Once you have completed this, you have graduated from our programme. Congratulations!
How else can I get involved?
Want to help more people benefit from this free programme? Looking for more public speaking opportunities? Want to become an official Programme Ambassador? Want a certificate to prove completion of the programme? Email VR@lucy.cam.ac.uk