Preparing and Delivering Presentations
Course Description
Public speaking is a superpower. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, a classroom, or a conference hall, the ability to prepare and deliver a compelling presentation can transform your career. This comprehensive course from Saylor University will teach you exactly how to do that, step by step.
This free, self-paced course takes about 23 hours to complete and is divided into two clear parts. First, you'll learn the art of preparation: analyzing your audience, organizing your materials, establishing credibility, and using supporting evidence effectively. You'll understand how to tailor your message to inform, persuade, or entertain. Then, you'll dive into delivery: mastering your voice, body language, eye contact, and nonverbal communication. You'll also learn how to present online, manage public speaking anxiety, and plan for the unexpected.
No prior experience is required. Upon completion, you'll earn a free certificate with 2.3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), recognized by many employers and professional organizations. This course is ideal for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to speak with confidence and clarity.
Course Provider
Provider: Saylor University (Saylor Academy), a nonprofit initiative offering free, open online courses since 2008. Saylor is known for high-quality, university-level content at zero cost.
Platform: Saylor's Moodle-based learning platform – fully online, self-paced, with readings, videos, and quizzes.
Accreditation: Saylor Academy is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The CEUs you earn are widely accepted for professional development requirements in many fields.
Course Syllabus
Learning Objectives
- Analyze any audience to tailor your message for maximum impact.
- Structure your presentation with clear organization and supporting evidence.
- Establish credibility and authority through research and referencing.
- Use your voice effectively: tone, volume, rate, and modulation.
- Master body language, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues.
- Present with confidence and reduce public speaking anxiety.
- Adapt your delivery for online presentations and virtual audiences.
- Plan for unexpected technical or audience issues.
- Earn a free certificate with 2.3 CEUs.
Course Prerequisites
Technical: None. Just a willingness to practice and improve your speaking skills. You don't need any prior presentation experience.
Language: The course is taught in English. Reading and listening comprehension at a college level is recommended.
Who should take this: This course is for everyone. Students who want to ace class presentations, professionals who want to impress in meetings, entrepreneurs pitching to investors, or anyone who feels anxious about public speaking. It's never too late to become a better speaker.
User Reviews
"I used to dread presenting at work. My hands would shake, and I'd forget my points. This course changed everything. The section on managing anxiety was worth the time alone. Now I actually look forward to sharing my ideas. Thank you Saylor!"
"Very thorough and practical. I especially appreciated the focus on online presentations, which is so relevant today. The course is text-heavy in places, but the content is solid. The free CEU certificate is a great bonus for my professional development record."
"As a startup founder, I pitch to investors regularly. This course gave me a framework to structure my pitches and read my audience better. The tips on body language and vocal variety were game-changers. Highly recommended for any entrepreneur or sales professional."
Based on 95+ ratings on Saylor and LinkedIn.
💡 Final Thoughts
Public speaking is consistently ranked as one of people's top fears, but it's also one of the most valuable skills you can develop. This Saylor course gives you a complete roadmap: from analyzing your audience to structuring your message to delivering with confidence. The 23 hours is an investment that will pay off for your entire career. And the free certificate with CEUs makes it even more attractive. Whether you're a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, take this course. Your future self (and your audience) will thank you.
Preparing and Delivering Presentations (Saylor) – FAQ
Is this course really free?
Yes, completely free. Saylor Academy is a nonprofit that offers all its courses at no cost. You don't need a credit card or payment information. The certificate is also free.
Do I need any prior public speaking experience?
None at all. This course is designed for beginners. Whether you've never given a speech or you want to refine your skills, you'll find value here.
How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and takes approximately 23 hours to complete. You can work through it over a few weeks or a couple of months. There's no deadline.
Will I receive a certificate? What are CEUs?
Yes, upon passing the final exam, you'll receive a free certificate showing 2.3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are widely recognized for professional development and may count toward licensing or certification requirements in many fields. Always check with your employer or licensing board.
Is this course entirely text-based, or are there videos?
The course includes a mix of readings, embedded videos, and quizzes. Saylor courses are known for being text-rich, but they incorporate multimedia resources from trusted sources like TED Talks and university lectures.
Can I take this course if English isn't my first language?
Yes, but you should have at least intermediate English reading and listening skills. The course is taught in English, and the final exam is in English. However, the practical skills you learn are universal.