Does the mere thought of public speaking make you want to run a mile? Do you dread presentations? Public speaking is a learned skill. You will learn the techniques and do lots of practice during this course. Become a confident speaker, and have fun getting there. For fluent English speakers - more info below course dates. Course fees $50 - $155.
This course offers a course fee subsidy through funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for NZ citizen and permanent migrant adults, their partners on work visas or visitor visas, and refugees. To qualify, registrants should be over the age of 16 years and not currently enrolled in a secondary school. We need to collect extra information such as age, ethnicity, educational achievement and gender for statistical purposes. You must also provide evidence of NZ citizenship, residency or refugee status. A condition of accepting a course fee subsidy is that you commit to at least 80% attendance of your course. The subsidised course fee is $50.
This course covers preparation, content and delivery of many types of speaking. There will be many opportunities to practise speaking in a supportive environment, and you will receive constructive feedback to improve your speaking step-by-step. The course will be tailored to the needs of the learners so you can practise with real material and real situations. Please note that you will need to prepare and deliver short speeches at every class. This is essential so that you develop these skills. You will learn how to do this.
For anyone wanting to overcome the fear of public speaking and learn how to give a speech for any occasion. Please note that participants should have fluent English to attend this course. If you are uncertain about your ability, please contact the office for advice.
From 2022, a Level 2 course is available for those who wish to continue their public speaking education.
I was interested in improving my speech, particularly public speaking. I saw that there was a "Speak with Confidence" course at Selwyn College and I thought I would give it a try, hoping I may be able to learn a couple of things. The course has really exceeded my expectations, and has proven to be of great value. Elizabeth, is a wonderful teacher who has taken her time to understand each of her students individual needs, and help them accordingly. She has provided practical, yet valuable help and guidance, every step of the way, while keeping things fun and interesting. JC September 2023
From August/September 2022 course:
No, Thank you Liz! And thank you for the feedback You created such a safe space for us all to learn and the knowledge you shared was all very valuable and practical. I will definitely be using all the resources you have taken the time to prepare for future occasions. I think another take away I got from what you had taught us was that one of the most important things is the energy you bring and that words only make up a small percentage of communication. It was a such a nice introductory to public speaking, comfortable but still very challenging and out of my comfort zone (impromptu speeches are a killer). I really enjoyed all the stories and personal experiences that you were opened to share with us, which made it feel very relatable and relaxed.
I have been actively looking for a job for 7 months and I had many job interviews but I was unsuccessful. I realised that I needed to be a more confident speaker so I decided to do Liz’s course. After successfully completing her Level 1 and Level 2 courses I was hired and now have my dream job. This was directly attributable to Liz, what I learned from her, the feedback she provided, the interaction with the class, and the confidence she inspired in me.
From May/June 2022 course:
- Very good and extensive information.
- This course helped me professionally and personally.
- Following this course I will put my hand up more often to speak.
- This course helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking.
- I feel different about giving a speech – like I can survive it and if I really prepare and practice thoroughly maybe I’ll even be able to relax and enjoy it.
- The tutor was very good, very engaging, and clearly knew the subject inside out.
- My job interview was a breeze after this course AND I got the job!
Open Hours
Term Time: Monday - Wednesday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
School Holidays: When courses are running the office is open 9:00am - 4:00pm