Description: The 'Communication and Presentation Skills' course will consist of two classes. The course will focus on oral communication and will touch on presentation planning and how to use PowerPoint effectively.

Class 1: will begin with an introduction on why we communicate and how we should plan and rehearse so that we communicate effectively. Students will then have 45 minutes to prepare a 10 minute presentation on a non-technical subject that particularly interests them. Each student will then present to the class and their performance will be recorded. Their recording will be played back and the student and other members of the class will review the performance. Recommendations for improvement will be made for each student.

Students will then be asked to prepare a 15 minute presentation on a technical subject of their choice. These technical presentations will be reviewed during Class 2.

Class2: Students will present their technical presentation in front of the class. Their performance will be recorded and played back to the class so that it can be reviewed. Recommendations on how to improve their presentation and engagement with their audience will be made.

The course will be open to 4 – 6 students, so that the interaction and review process can be dynamic.

Objectives: The principal objective of the course is to provide attendees with guidance on how to communicate effectively with the variety of audiences that they are likely to experience during their academic training and later career. Students will be taught how to plan and prepare their presentations so that they succeed in achieving the purpose of their presentation. The recording of students' presentations and critical review will allow each student to see their own performance and define how their performance can be improved. Recommendations on areas that can be improved will be are for each student. Each student will make two presentations during the course of the two classes and will be able to see improvement in their performance.