BART 12A10 - Public Speaking

This course explores public speaking as a central component of political life, from the delivery of impactful speeches to the dynamics of debate, negotiation, and public interaction. Students progressively develop their ability to speak clearly, confidently, and convincingly, both in prepared and improvised situations. The course is particularly designed for students who wish to build confidence and ease in oral expression within a supportive and constructive environment.

Through an active, practice-oriented pedagogy, students will engage in real-life inspired teaching situations, public meetings, negotiations, and debates. They will work on voice, presence, structure, and audience connection. Special attention will be given to the relational dimension of speech: how self-image, the perception of others, and the ability to establish meaningful connections shape political discourse.

Throughout the semester, students will experiment with a wide range of speaking formats, including public addresses, conference-style presentations, diplomatic exchanges, lobbying exercises, and structured debates. Creative approaches, improvisation, and collective feedback are central to the learning process, encouraging students to step outside conventional frameworks and explore their own public voice.

The course is also built around a collective narrative project: the imagined creation of a utopia or dystopia, which serves as a common thread for the various speaking situations developed during the semester. This fictional political universe provides a coherent context for practicing different forms of discourse while fostering creativity and critical reflection.

Open to all students regardless of their initial confidence in public speaking, this course offers a safe space to experiment, take risks, and progressively develop the skills, confidence, and reflexivity required for effective public expression in political and civic contexts.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to :

1°) Have gained confidence and ease in public speaking applied to politics

2°) Adapt their speech to different audiences and real-life contexts

3°) Understand how to lead a conversation, how to build a political speech and to engage in debate and negotiation with clarity and respect

4°) Provide constructive feedback and reflect critically on oral performance

To successfully complete the course, students are expected to actively participate in all class activities. Throughout the semester, several assignments, including speeches and debates, will be required. The course is assessed on a continuous basis and, as it is an artistic workshop, the focus is more on engagement, participation, consistent effort, and contributions to group projects, rather than on performance alone. This approach is designed to enable everyone to perform at their best, regardless of their initial familiarity or skill level in public speaking.