Public Speaking & Community Outreach

Course Description:

This course equips students with the skills and knowledge to become confident public speakers and active, positive members of their Muslim communities. Through interactive public speaking classes and practical exercises, participants will gain hands-on experience and receive expert public speaking advice and public speaking tips to communicate effectively in any setting—whether delivering a speech, leading a small discussion, or engaging in casual conversation. The course also encourages students to build confidence while participating in community outreach, fostering joyful and meaningful interactions within both Muslim and wider communities.

The course structure will support students in acquiring speaking, listening, and outreach skills and putting them into practice, including:

– Public speaking assignments related to writing speeches, speaking, and listening to others speak

– Outreach activities focused on involvement in one’s local community

– An extemporaneous speech in class

– A final exam covering topics that have been discussed in class.

– A final project to give a talk in any kind of class or gathering and submit it via video recording.

Course Prerequisites:

Students should be women above the age of 17.

Course Requirements:

Live attendance is recommended whenever possible for the best learning experience. Recordings of the sessions will be made available for registered students who cannot attend live. Students will have access to course forums, recordings, and files until May 31st, 2026.

To be successful in this course, students need to attend the live class or watch the recordings, and complete the coursework as defined in the course syllabus. This may include: weekly assignments or reflections, a term paper, project, or midterm, one or more quizzes, and/or a final exam.

Please note that daylight savings time will begin in the United States on Sunday, March 8, 2025. Depending on where you live, this may or may not affect your class timing. In countries where DST is not applied at all, class will be one hour earlier starting March 8.

This is an online course so students will need:

• Access to internet with an internet speed of at least 2 Mbps recommended for best performance.
• Headphones, camera and microphone may be required for in-class participation.
• To access the live class and recordings, students will need a computer, smartphone, or tablet/iPad with the Zoom app.

Text:

The Captivating Public Speaker: Engage, Impact, and Inspire Your Audience Every Time, by Peter George

Students are responsible for ordering their textbooks before the start of class. Ribaat textbooks are available to enrolled students at a discounted rate through Rabata Bookshop. Once enrolled, students will have access to the discount code through the course forum.

Registration:

Registration fee (non-refundable, non-transferable):

• $125.00 (not including the cost of the course materials)
• $20.00 late registration fee in effect starting January 18 (if seats are available)
• Registration closes February 8th.
• Additional $5.00 auditing fee.

Before enrolling, please read the Registration Fees & Policies.

Contact: For inquiries, contact registration@rabata.org.