Speaking with Ease


Summary

Learn to speak confidently and relaxed in public.

null

Your stomach is queasy, your palms are sweaty, your mind has gone blank about your opening lines and your mind wanders to negative thoughts…

Recognise this? While we all can feel nervous for public speaking, we don't really train in dealing with the stress, and we don't learn how to decrease the influence it has on our presentation. Time to make a change!

Dates & Registration

Feel better when speaking to an audience

In this training course, you will learn strategies for staying calm and feeling better when presenting to an audience, and improve your presentation skills.

Topics: preparation, structure, non-verbal communication, voice and interaction with audience. The tips and exercises will make you better prepared for presenting your ideas!

For whom is this training course?

If you are a WUR student and you notice that your nervousness, discomfort and stress negatively influence your presentation skills, this training course is for you. It will also help you if you feel hesitant speaking up in groups or class.

About this training

Workshop 1 – Ease

Understanding nerves and working with them. Instead of fighting stage fright, you’ll learn how to work with it. Through theory and hands-on exercises, we’ll explore the biological, physical, and psychological aspects of nervousness. You’ll experiment with different techniques to find what helps you feel more grounded and in control (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise).

Workshop 2 – Presence

Using body language, voice, and posture to project confidence. How you stand, move, and speak affects not just how the audience perceives you, but also how you feel while presenting. We’ll practice simple but effective ways to steady your voice, use gestures naturally, and create a stronger presence (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise).

Workshop 3 – Connection

Structuring your presentation for clarity and engaging your audience. A well-structured talk helps both you and your listeners stay on track. You’ll learn how to organize your ideas clearly, keep your audience involved, and handle questions with confidence—even when you don’t have all the answers (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise). 

Practical information

Group SizeMax. 12 students
LanguageEnglish
Duration

3 sessions of 3 hours each.

Preparation

Presentations of 3 minutes per session – 8 to 10 hours in total.

CostsFree, offered by Student Training & Support


If you are interested in this training, you can leave your contact details here without any obligation. As soon as new dates are announced, we will send you an email.

About the trainer

This training is given by Marloes Harkema (link in Dutch) - an experienced skills trainer.

She works for universities and NGOs and is well aware of the necessity of a strong presentation of yourself and your ideas. She trains people in presentation skills, negotiation skills and personal development.

In this course she brings in her experience as a communication trainer, facilitator for seminars and interactive theatre performances and her experience with zen meditation training.

Questions & Support

Do you have any questions about the different courses offered by WUR? Feel free to contact us!