Fake it ’till you make it: Speaking with confidence

The main goals of this ESL lesson plan are to:

• – Build presentation vocabulary including terms like “indicator,” “domineering,” and “arrogant” through video activities about confident public speaking in this business English lesson.
• – Improve comprehension and discussion skills by watching videos about presentation tips, completing true/false exercises, and exploring what makes effective public speakers.
• – Develop confidence and speaking strategies by learning practical techniques for presentations, discussing public speaking approaches, and practicing professional communication skills.

In this Business English lesson plan, the student will learn, discuss, and practice ways to look more confident during a presentation or public speech.

Warm-up

In the warm-up activity, the student discusses what makes a good public speaker.

Video: Ways to look confident during a presentation

Prior to watching a video, the student learns new vocabulary (indicator, domineering, arrogant, etc.). Then, they watch the video giving tips on how to look confident during a presentation. 

The student marks the statements based on the video true or false and uses new vocabulary to complete the sentences. They answer questions about the video information.

Reading: Strategies in public speaking

The student learns about different strategies used in public speaking and answers a question about each.