Summary
Learn to speak confidently and relaxed in public.
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Your stomach is queasy, your palms are sweaty and you've forgotten your opening lines. Your mind wanders to negative thoughts.
Do you recognise this? While we can all feel nervous about public speaking, we don't really learn how to deal with the stress or reduce its impact on our presentation. It's time to make a change!
Dates & Registration
Feel better when speaking to an audience
In this training course, you will learn strategies for staying calm and feeling better when presenting to an audience, and improve your presentation skills.
Topics: preparation, structure, non-verbal communication, voice and interaction with the audience. The tips and exercises will better prepare you to present your ideas!
For whom is this training course?
If you are a WUR student and notice that your nervousness, discomfort, and stress negatively affect your presentation skills, this training course is for you. It will also help you if you feel hesitant about speaking up in groups or class.
About this training
Session 1 – Ease
Understanding nerves and working with them. Instead of fighting stage fright, you’ll learn how to work with it. Through theory and hands-on exercises, we’ll explore the biological, physical, and psychological aspects of nervousness. You’ll experiment with different techniques to find what helps you feel more grounded and in control (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise).
Session 2 – Presence
Using body language, voice, and posture to project confidence. How you stand, move, and speak affects not just how the audience perceives you, but also how you feel while presenting. We’ll practice simple but effective ways to steady your voice, use gestures naturally, and create a stronger presence (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise).
Session 3 – Connection
Structuring your presentation for clarity and engaging your audience. A well-structured talk helps both you and your listeners stay on track. You’ll learn how to organise your ideas clearly, keep your audience involved, and handle questions with confidence—even when you don’t have all the answers (Includes preparing a 3-minute presentation exercise).
Practical information
| Group Size | Max. 12 students |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 3 sessions of 3 hours each |
| Preparation | Presentations of 3 minutes per session – 8 to 10 hours in total |
| Costs | Free, offered by Student Training & Workshops |
Are you interested in this training course? Sign up to the interest list without obligation. We will send you an email as soon as new dates are confirmed.
About the trainer
This training is given by Marloes Harkema (link in Dutch) - an experienced skills trainer.
Marloes works with universities and NGOs and understands the importance of presenting yourself and your ideas well. She trains people in presentation and negotiation skills, as well as personal development. In this training course, Marloes brings together her experience as a communications trainer and seminar facilitator, as well as her experience with Zen meditation training and interactive theatre performances.
Questions & Support
Do you have any questions about the different training courses that WUR offers to students? Feel free to contact us!
(Please note that Student Training & Workshops is also known as Student Training & Support.)