Public Communications

Successful leaders must be able to convey their integrity and their ideas, their vision and their values clearly and convincingly in public settings. By analyzing great political speeches and affording students the opportunity to prepare and deliver different types of speeches, this course teaches the fundamentals of persuasive public speaking while encouraging students to develop their own voice. This is a performance course. Students will gain skill and confidence in their speech writing and public speaking skills through practice, peer feedback, and extensive professional coaching. Class lectures and discussions will focus on persuasive strategies and techniques for handling community meetings, Q and A sessions, and interactions with the media.
GAFL 502 001 UPDATED: This course has seats reserved for Fels' students and gives priority to grad students. Non-Fels students should Kate McAloon at mcaloonk@sas.upenn.edu to request a permit. 
Fall 2021: This is a hybrid course. It will meet virtually on Mondays from 5:15-6:15pm. In person, it will meet on the following Saturdays from 9:30-5:30: 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11.