Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates — All 10,000+ Courses at 40% Off

One annual plan covers every course and certificate on Coursera. 40% off for a limited time.

Great speakers focus on voice, nonverbals, eye contact, body language, and storytelling to captivate their audiences. Moreover, as a leader, it is possible to communicate in such a manner and in such a tone of voice so as to inspire in others nothing but an intense desire to excel, making this form, potentially, the most powerful leadership-communication skill of all. This course focuses on the fundamentals of excellent oral communication. This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

Syllabus

Know the Audience and Use Storytelling Strategically

Effective technical presentations do not begin with slides. They begin with judgment. Technical managers must decide who their audience is, what that audience cares about, how much technical detail is appropriate, and how to make a message memorable. In this module, you will analyze audience needs and use storytelling strategically to craft a presentation opening that is relevant, credible, and engaging. By the end of the module, you will have prepared and delivered a brief presentation segment that lays the foundation for your final polished presentation.

Deliver with Presence and Control

Strong technical presentations depend not only on what you say, but also on how you say it. Technical managers must use eye contact, voice, gestures, and facial expression to project confidence, strengthen credibility, and keep an audience engaged. In this module, you will refine your delivery skills so that your presentation style supports your message rather than distracting from it. By the end of the module, you will have prepared and delivered a brief presentation segment using more purposeful and polished speaking behaviors.

Designing Slides and Preparing the Presentation Environment

Effective technical presentations require more than strong speaking skills. They also require visual discipline and environmental awareness. Technical managers must decide what information belongs on a slide, how to make visuals easy to read, and how to prepare the presentation environment so that technology, room setup, and logistics support the message rather than distract from it. In this module, you will apply principles of slide design and presentation setup to create a presentation segment that is clear, professional, and audience-centered. By the end of the module, you will have prepared and delivered a brief slide-supported presentation segment that strengthens your message and advances your progress toward the final polished presentation.

Rehearsing, Adapting, and Presenting Professionally

Polished presentations are rarely the result of talent alone. They are the result of preparation. Technical managers must know their topic deeply, rehearse with intention, anticipate what could go wrong, and adapt their approach to professional contexts such as customer or stakeholder presentations. In this module, you will strengthen the final stages of presentation preparation so that your delivery is confident, flexible, and audience-ready. By the end of the module, you will have prepared and delivered a more fully rehearsed presentation segment that demonstrates topic command, professional presence, and readiness for your final polished presentation.