University of Michigan
Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters
University of Michigan

Speaking and Presenting: Conversation Starters

This course is part of Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Patrick Barry

Instructor: Patrick Barry

5,887 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.6

(35 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to incorporate a "little bit of mischief" to your presentations in a way that delights and informs your audience

  • How to use "mirroring" and follow-up questions to establish trust and build rapport

  • How to connect with people via the "language of common life"

  • How to reimagine the experience of starting a conversation with a stranger

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

9 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.6

(35 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
9 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

“Be surprising, in a convincing way.” You’ll encounter those words a lot during this course. To discover who said them and how you can put them to work, check out the materials in Week 1!

What's included

7 videos14 readings2 quizzes2 discussion prompts

A great way to create a message that people not only listen to but actually remember is to include what the behavioral economist George Lowenstein calls “information gaps.” We’ll learn what those are this week. We’ll also meet a scientist who does something remarkable: makes talking about the life of grass really interesting.

What's included

3 videos3 readings2 quizzes2 discussion prompts

Those of you who have taken the companion series Good with Words: Writing and Editing may remember the following advice: “Trying to sound smart is a pretty dumb strategy.” We’ll learn this week that it also applies to speaking and presenting. Don’t try to impress your audience. Don’t set out to wow them with your intellect. Focus instead on being helpful. Treat your words like they are a gift you really want to share.

What's included

6 videos4 readings2 quizzes3 discussion prompts

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the fourth and final week of Course 3. We’re going to start by looking at the difference between a high-considerateness speaking style and a high-involvement one. But we’ll also make time for some surprising findings about what you can do to make your next commute a little more pleasant and stimulating--not just for you but also for a complete stranger.

What's included

3 videos7 readings3 quizzes6 discussion prompts

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (7 ratings)
Patrick Barry
University of Michigan
12 Courses164,449 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Personal Development

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 35

4.6

35 reviews

  • 5 stars

    80%

  • 4 stars

    11.42%

  • 3 stars

    2.85%

  • 2 stars

    0%

  • 1 star

    5.71%

MV
5

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2023

TS
5

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2021

GP
5

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2022

New to Personal Development? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions