Mastering Public Speaking and Persuasive Presentations

How to Structure Powerful Presentations and Speak with Impact

Delivering powerful presentations with confidence and clarity is a critical professional skill. The Mastering Public Speaking and Persuasive Presentations workshop is designed to teach students the keys to crafting impactful messaging and delivering presentations that captivate and persuade. Whether you are speaking in team meetings, boardrooms, or conferences, this course will equip you with the skills to structure your content effectively and present impactfully.

Speaker addressing an audience at a conference or seminar, viewed from behind, holding a microphone, with attendees seated and listening attentively.
Icon of a podium with a microphone

Confident speakers are seen as credible, influential, and capable professionals.

Illustration of a light bulb inside a speech bubble, symbolizing ideas or innovation.

The ability to articulate ideas persuasively helps in all business areas regardless of job title.

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Persuasive communication helps influence decisions and inspire action for positive impact.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE SKILLS TO BECOME A GREAT SPEAKER ARE TEACHABLE.

Mastering Public Speaking and Persuasive Presentations is an interactive, in-person workshop that equips participants with the skills to structure their ideas effectively, engage audiences, and confidently speak. Through practical exercises and expert insights, attendees will learn strategies to overcome anxiety, refine their delivery, and leave a lasting impression.

WORKSHOP OUTCOMES:

  • Develop compelling presentations by clearly framing key messages and structuring content for maximum clarity and impact based on audience needs and goals.

  • Master the art of speech delivery by controlling pacing, tone, articulation, and nonverbal communication.

  • Craft engaging stories that activate multiple senses, creating a vivid, immersive experience that resonates with audiences.

  • Enhance audience engagement using strategic questions, interactive techniques, and dynamic delivery to maintain interest without disrupting content flow.

  • Leverage presentation flow ‘beats’—including strategic pauses, pacing, and humor—to reinforce key points and maintain audience focus.

  • Adapt your speaking style to effectively connect with diverse audiences, adjusting tone, approach, and content to suit different settings, goals, and listener expectations.

C U R R I C U L U M

Mastering Public Speaking Fundamentals

  • Understanding key elements of effective speaking

  • Overcoming stage fear and performance anxiety

  • Structuring a compelling message that matches your audience

  • Techniques for effective storytelling to enhance connection and retention

  • Engaging audiences through interactive elements

Structuring Impactful Presentations

  • Developing your repeatable presentation development process

  • Framing key points for clarity and persuasion

  • Crafting strong openings and closings that resonate

  • Balancing information with engagement for maximum impact

  • Techniques for audience interaction, including signposting, questions, and live polling

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

  • Mastering tone, pitch, and pacing for impact

  • Effective use of gestures, posture, and eye contact to reinforce confidence and credibility

  • The role of pauses and silence in commanding attention

Managing Q&A and Audience Challenges

  • Techniques for responding to difficult questions with confidence

  • Managing challenging audience dynamics

  • Redirecting conversations and staying in control of your message

Testimonials

  • "Frank is a charismatic and engaging facilitator who effortlessly captivates audiences of all sizes. His approach combines insight, clarity, and energy, making complex topics both accessible and persuasive. His ability to connect with people and encourage meaningful discussions is genuinely inspiring. Frank can remarkably communicate with multifaceted levels of people and still maintains interests at all levels."

    Nancy Brown,
    Executive Director, KYAPEX Accelerator 

  • “Frank is a positive and engaging speaker who genuinely seeks to inform his audience. He follows through after his presentations with engagement and resources to support his clients for success.” 

    Chris Wooldridge,
    Director, Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, Murray State University

  • “Frank is a wonderful mentor and facilitator. His natural ability to draw on adult learning principles is one of the reasons for his success in this field. He is able to engage and educate participants with an uncanny skill.”

    J. Christopher Watkins,
    Department Head, Training and Technical Assistance Services
    Western Kentucky University (retired)

Request Information on Scheduling this Workshop at Your Organization

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About the Facilitator

Frank Bennett MBA, SBSP, CPP
The Leadership Center, Executive Director