CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON WRITING AND DELIVERING SPEECHES AND PRESENTATIONS WITH IMPACT
COURSE BACKGROUND
In today’s interconnected world, professionals working in policy, governance, environmental sustainability, and development must do more than design sound strategies—they must communicate them effectively. Whether advocating for new legislation, presenting research findings, or addressing communities and international audiences, the ability to deliver impactful speeches and presentations is essential for driving change.
Yet, many brilliant ideas fail to inspire action simply because they are poorly communicated. Technical language, unclear structure, and low-confidence delivery often reduce the power of a message. This is particularly true in high-stakes spaces such as climate diplomacy, parliamentary hearings, media engagements, and multilateral forums—where words can influence public opinion, funding, or political will.
Recognizing this gap, the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability Institute (ECAS) developed this course to build the communication confidence and clarity of emerging and established leaders across Africa. The course bridges the art of storytelling with the science of effective public speaking, tailored specifically for environmental and policy professionals.
Participants will learn how to craft powerful narratives, structure messages for impact, and speak with clarity and presence—whether addressing a community forum, parliament, conference, or global summit. This course is not just about communication skills—it’s about influencing hearts, minds, and decisions for sustainable change.
COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Write clear, persuasive, and structured speeches tailored to specific audiences and occasions.
- Deliver presentations and speeches with confidence, authority, and authenticity.
- Use storytelling, data, and emotion to strengthen audience engagement.
- Apply body language, vocal techniques, and visual aids effectively.
- Adapt tone, language, and style for different settings—formal, informal, local, or international.
- Manage nerves, handle tough questions, and respond to feedback gracefully.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Participants will gain the ability to:
- Structure speeches and presentations using proven frameworks (e.g., AIDA, PREP, storytelling arcs).
- Write impactful introductions, memorable closings, and strong calls to action.
- Use rhetorical devices (repetition, metaphor, contrast) to enhance messaging.
- Master delivery techniques including posture, gesture, voice modulation, and pace.
- Design visually engaging slides that support—not distract from—your message.
- Deliver speeches in high-stakes or high-pressure environments.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course is designed for professionals working in environmental governance, policy advocacy, public administration, civil society, and sustainable development. It is ideal for government officials, climate negotiators, policy advisors, development practitioners, NGO leaders, technical experts, and researchers who are required to speak in public settings—whether in community meetings, legislative sessions, international conferences, or media engagements. It is also suitable for emerging leaders who aspire to represent their institutions or countries on national and global platforms.
TRAINING STYLE
The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.
The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.
The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.
TRAINING MODULES
| No | Module | Details | |
| 1. |
The Power of Public Speaking in Leadership and Advocacy |
This module explores why strong communication is essential for leadership and policy influence, especially in sustainability and governance spaces. It sets the foundation for building impactful speech and presentation skills.
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| 2. | Crafting Clear and Compelling Messages |
A good speech starts with a well-structured message. This module focuses on how to organize your ideas for clarity and impact, whether you’re informing, persuading, or inspiring.
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| 3. | Writing Speeches for Different Audiences and Settings |
Different speeches require different tones and approaches. This module teaches how to adapt your writing for various settings—from community forums to parliamentary addresses to international conferences.
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| 4. | Mastering Verbal and Nonverbal Delivery Skills |
Even a strong speech can fall flat if delivered poorly. This module focuses on techniques to enhance vocal presence, confidence, and body language.
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Designing and Delivering Visual Presentations |
In many settings, visual aids like slides can enhance your message—if used effectively. This module covers the basics of presentation design and integration with speech delivery.
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| 6. | Handling Questions, Criticism, and Public Interactions |
Public speaking often includes Q&A sessions or challenging feedback. This module prepares participants to respond with clarity, confidence, and diplomacy.
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| 7. | Practical Exercises and Final Presentations |
This capstone module is all about applying what you’ve learned. Participants will write and deliver a full speech or presentation, followed by peer and trainer feedback.
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GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.