This workshop aims to equip lecturers with the necessary presentation skills to become confident public speakers. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of successful public speaking and presenting.
The session is designed for lecturers looking to develop effective public communication skills and learn practical tips and tools to share their message and research with clarity and impact. Lessons learned from the course will come in handy in any public speaking setting – whether lecturing in class, addressing conferences, presenting courses, chairing meetings or conducting thesis defences.
Workshop focus areas
- The dos and don’ts of effective public communication
- How to manage stress when speaking in public
- How to formulate a successful presentation
- The physical aspects of communicating and presenting (voice, body language, hand gestures, etc.)
- How to create an effective slideshow
- Successful on-line communication (on-line lectures, presentations, meetings)
- How to handle Q&A sessions
Workshop structure
The workshop consists of two parts:
1. A theory session that integrates visual material and examples to teach participants the key principles of effective public speaking
2. A practical session that provides participants constructive feedback on their recorded presentations through peer discussions, focused feedback, and personalised coaching on how to improve their communication and presentation skills.
A supportive learning environment
The course is conducted in a positive, safe and relaxed environment, encouraging participants to fearlessly explore their communication abilities. An improvement in public speaking and presentation skills is often immediately noticeable after completing the workshop. The ultimate goal is to enhance participants’ communication skills, develop a unique presentation style, and make public speaking a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
About the workshop facilitator Vicky Davis
Vicky Davis is a South African actress and TV presenter, best known for co-hosting the lifestyle programmes Pasella (SABC2) and Landbouweekliks (@VIA TV). She obtained her master’s degree in Drama (cum laude) from Stellenbosch University in 2011.
With over 20 years’ experience in the South African entertainment industry, Vicky is an award-winning actress, director and producer for both television and stage. She has produced prime-time TV programmes such as Pasella, Top Billing, Expresso Breakfast Show, Doctor’s Orders and Afternoon Express Talk Show.
She is a seasoned media coach with over 12 years’ experience of working with tertiary institutions and corporates to develop postgraduate students, academics and industry players into effective communicators.
Her clients include:
- SU African Doctoral Academy
- South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA)
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS)
- New Voices in Science
- SU Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Southern African Systems Analysis Centre (SASAC)
- Stellenbosch Business School
- SU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- SU Postgraduate Office
- SU Division of Student Recruitment and Career Advice
- Sustainable Development Impact Hub (SDG/2063 Impact Hub)
- SU Faculty of Theology
- Various corporate clients
When (choose one of the following dates):
21 May or
11 September or
6 November
Time: 08:30 – 14:30
Where: Den Bosch, 41 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch.
There are only 10 places available per workshop. Please register for the workshop by completing this form.
Contact person: Claudia Swart (claudias2@sun.ac.za)
