Instructor(s)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to communication which emphasizes storytelling, body language and the practical skill of public speaking. The first part of the course covers storytelling. It discusses the style of storytelling, the tone, and timing to better engage your audience. This course will help you craft a compelling narrative, inspire others to follow your lead, and connect with diverse audiences. The second part treats what body language is, about different emotions, how to read body language and how to use the information in effective communication in ministry. The students will learn about cultural differences as it pertains to body language, the power of first impressions and intuition and how to ask the questions and be an active listener.

The third part includes techniques to lessen speaker anxiety, and the use of visual aids to enhance speaker presentations. Its goal is to prepare students for success in typical public speaking situations and to provide them with the basic principles of organization and research needed for effective speeches. 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Plan and prepare speeches that inform, persuade, or fulfill the needs of a special occasion
2. Exhibit practical skill of public speaking
3. Grasp what body language is and why understanding it is an important tool in communicating better.
4. Craft a compelling narrative and through storytelling, connect with diverse audiences

Course Content

Topics

Introduction to Communication

1. Communication Models and Systems
2. Informal and formal Communication
3. Principles of Communication and Barrier to Effective
4. Non-verbal and Verbal Communication
5. Communicating Information Orally and in Writing
6. Graphology: Handwriting Analysis

Story Telling: 

1. Story, Folktale, Myth, & Legend? Roles of these practices in vernacular communities
2. African styles of Story Telling
3. Jesus, the Parables and Story Telling

Body Language:

1. The Power of the Hands
2. Smiles and Laughter
3. Arm and Eye Signals
4. Cultural Differences
5. Comprehending Silent Messages; The Power of Listening

Public Speaking

1. Ethics and Overcoming fears
2. Planning for a speech and Selection of a topic
3. Audience Analysis & Research 
4. Ideas/Points, Organization, Outlines, Introduction, Conclusions.
5. Introductory Speeches
6. Informative speeches
7. Persuasive speeches
8. Special Occasion speeches
9. Technology and Communication today

Mode of Delivery

Through lectures, demonstrated examples, class interaction, group discussion, reading and assignments.

Reading Materials

1. Akash, Karia (2015). TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks. Story CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
2. Navarro, Joe (2019). The Dictionary of Body Language: A Field Guide to Human Behaviour. Willian Morrow.
3. Pease, Barbara and Allan Pease (2006). The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People's Gestures and Expressions. Bantam Dell.
4. O‘Hair, Dan, Rob Stewart, and Hannah Rubenstein. (2007). Speaker’s Guidebook: Text and Reference. 3rd ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
5. Smyth, H. W. (2014). Greek Grammar. Oxford: Benediction Classics.
6. Sprague, J., Stuarrt, D., & Bodary, D. (2010) The speaker’s handbook (10th ed.). Belmot, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
7. Walsh, John (2014) The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable. Moody Publishers.