Hello --  I am Deb Sofield, your public speaking teacher for the Online Activism Institute for Women in the Middle East..  You have an opportunity to take my Public Speaking class online for 6 weeks in a written format, complete with homework and exercises to strengthen your public speaking skills. Let me tell you about myself and the class I hope you will choose to take.

I am an executive speech coach who specializes in training women and men for success in public speaking, presentation skill and message development. What that means is this – in my on-line class you will learn how to create a presentation or speech that will garner the attention of those who you are trying to influence whether it is your local council or any government agency or your relatives. The fact is you make presentations everyday – over a cup of coffee or in line at the store or at your child's school – you speak and hopefully people will listen. That is what this class is for – helping to learn or re-learn some of the rules of public speaking. In this program -

• You will learn how to write an amazing presentation
• We will also talk about how you deliver your presentation
• How to set the stage – so you will speak for success
• How to control your nervousness
• What your body language says about you
• How to craft a personal stories that will engage your audience
• And how to write your speech or presentation

I will give you some tips on what to do when you are being interviewed by the local paper or on TV, I will talk about how to reach the different age groups in your audience – so your speech can be effective to all who hear you. We will also work on preparing your talking points and how to practice for maximum effectiveness.I have been a speaker for many years – in fact that is how I make a living – I am currently elected to public office in my hometown and have served on local town council for the past 8 years. I work with many elected officials to help them craft their message to reach their audience and that is what we will do together.
Learning the skills of public speaking can make a difference in your life – beyond politics to how you are perceived by those in your party and even your friends. Sometime people say – I know what I want to say but cannot seem to get it out… this class will help you get it out so your voice will be heard in the marketplace. It is one thing for women to speak –but  it is more important for you to speak and be heard – that is the key to success.I am Lebanese by birth – I was adopted as a baby from Beirut – I have lived around the world and my American parents settled here in America when I was a young child. I am the president of the Women's Campaign School at Yale University – where many of your trainers teach – I teach the public speaking class at Yale. I am pleased to be a part of this program and I look forward to working with you.

I'm Deb Sofield – thanks for watching – I hope you will take my class.