Executive Education

Influential Public Speaking

November 26, 2026

About

In today's interconnected world, effective public communication is among the most valuable leadership skills. Leaders at all levels of an organization and across departments and functions are required to speak effectively in settings that range from department meetings to boardrooms to newsrooms.

The one-day Influential Public Speaking course provides an intensive masterclass where participants learn practical techniques to manage nerves, strengthen vocal delivery, improve clarity, heighten impact, and communicate with greater confidence and credibility. Whether leading meetings, delivering presentations, moderating events, or speaking to diverse audiences, participants will learn how to elevate their presence while remaining authentic and culturally sensitive. This is a highly practical session designed to help professionals learn about public speaking skills.

Program

November 26, 2026

Session 1 · Classroom (G-200)

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Course Introduction and Expectations
  • Public speaking in a global world
  • Understanding and controlling nerves
  • Vocal variety and delivery
  • Selecting a topic and driving home the message
  • Introduction to speech research
  • Structuring speeches for impact
  • Body language and stage presence
  • Analysis of influential speeches
  • Audience analysis and adaptation

Practical Activity

Participants prepare a brief summary of an assigned or self-selected article and deliver a 5- to 10-minute presentation with audience Q&A, followed by peer feedback and personalized instructor recommendations.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. · Lunch

Session 2 · Auditorium

12:30–2:30 p.m.

Final Presentation Preparation

Participants refine their final speech with instructor guidance.

Final Influential Speech with Audience Q&A

Participants deliver an impactful speech demonstrating the full range of skills learned in the course. Speeches are assessed on:

  • Professional delivery and vocal variety
  • Clear structure and messaging
  • Audience engagement
  • Effective Q&A management
  • Quality research and supporting evidence
  • Integration of course learning and feedback

Session 3 · Newsroom

2:30–5 p.m.

Speaking on Camera

  • Introduction to speaking on camera
  • Speaking to the unseen audience
  • Organizing key messages for broadcast
  • Teleprompter techniques
  • Professional on-screen presence
  • Final influential speech delivery

Newsroom Presentation

Participants present using the newsroom teleprompter system, focusing on:

  • Eye contact
  • Facial expression
  • Gestures and posture
  • Camera engagement
  • On-screen presence

Instructor

Scheherazade Safla-Gaffoor

 

Scheherazade Safla-Gaffoor is a South African who strives to make an impact by empowering underrepresented voices on various media platforms, through her work as an academic, editorial consultant, and journalist. Her research interests focus on the challenges of digital reporting in complex cultural environments, podcasting in the Global South, and exploring the portrayal of women of color in new digital spaces.

Scheherazade holds a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and has more than twenty years of experience in the broadcast and corporate communications industry. Her career began at Channel 5 in London before joining South Africa’s first 24-hour news channel, ENCA, as a reporter and news anchor.

Scheherazade has also produced and hosted documentary specials. She spent two years as a digital media manager before returning to report full-time for global news outlets like TRT World in Turkey, and Al Jazeera English. Most recently, she was a senior reporter/producer for The Exchange and Qatar 365 on Euronews.

Course Fees  


 $700  per participant (QAR 2,548)

The fee includes hospitality service and lunch. Full payment is required online at the time of registration. Alternatively, payment can be made at the NU-Q bookstore; please contact amadou@northwestern.edu to arrange this.

Limited availability: only 15 seats are available.

Refund Policy

Refunds are provided on the following basis:

  • 100% refund or postponement if canceled 28 days before the course begins
  • 75% refund or postponement if canceled 14 days before the course begins
  • 50% refund if canceled 7 days before the course begins
  • 25% refund if canceled 48 hours before the course begins
  • No refund if canceled less than 48 hours before the course begins, or for no-shows

Participants who cancel their enrollment may transfer the paid fee to a future masterclass instead of receiving a refund. If the fees differ, participants will either be refunded the difference or asked to pay the balance.

Register Here

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