FAQs
What resources do I need to complete this course?
You will need a computer with internet access. In addition, if you prefer to print out the Toolkit and complete it by hand, you will also need access to a printer. You may also want to record your rehearsals and talk. If so, you will need a camera.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
It is estimated that the course will take between 6 and 8 hours over a period of 7 to 10 days. However, you can work at a pace that’s right for you. You have access to the course and materials for a period of 12 months.
What is the teacher’s background?
Cliff Kennedy has been creating high-impact audience experiences for over 30 years. His background as a creative director, writer, and executive producer of large-scale corporate events gives him unique insight into what engages, empowers, and energizes an audience. Cliff believes that every time a speaker stands before an audience, great things are possible. Whether you’re on a big stage, in a conference room, or connecting via a screen, the potential of every communication opportunity is limitless. Connect with Cliff at: Cliff Kennedy | LinkedIn.
Why a five-minute talk?
A five-minute talk is the perfect length to start your Communication Success: Beginnings journey. It’s long enough so you need to use the full Communication Success process, but short enough to make the learning more efficient and direct. Also, your five-minute talk can then become a building block for longer talks and presentations as well as help you prepare for shorter talks, like elevator pitches or dynamic conversations.
Can I do a talk that is longer than five-minutes?
If you want to, yes. The tools and approaches in this course are applicable to all types of communication opportunities. However, developing and delivering a five-minute talk is recommended to begin with. You can then apply what you’ve learned to longer and shorter talks.
What’s in the Toolkit?
Your Toolkit is a fillable PDF file that you will download to your own device or preferred cloud storage. After each video lesson you will work through a series of questions and prompts designed to guide you through the process of developing your best possible talk. In each tool, you will complete a Reflect, Ideate, Evaluate, and Commit section. Once you’ve committed, you then move on to the next lesson. You can work in a digital environment or print out the Toolkit and use a pencil or pen. Work in the way that’s best for you.
Do I have to complete each section of the Tool?
In order to receive the full benefit of the course, yes. However, you should move at a pace that’s best for you. If you do choose to skip a Tool or section within a Tool, it would be beneficial to, at least, review the content and contemplate how it adds to your learning experience.
What are some typical-use cases for the five-minute talk?
Your five-minute talk can be used for a wide variety of communication opportunities, including keynote speeches, breakout sessions, panel discussions, sales pitches, media events, team meetings, one-to-ones, and presentations to management. You may also create a talk for a personal communication opportunity, such as a school project or a wedding toast.
Can I do this with a partner?
Absolutely! You can coordinate with other Communication Success: Beginnings participants to work together on multiple talks with the same topic or merge individual talks into a longer, multi-topic talk. This is an excellent way to work and learn together. One note, however, the goal of the course is still for each participant to develop and deliver their own talk.
How can I use this with my team?
This is one of the unique benefits of Communication Success: Beginnings. Have your team work together to create talks on the team’s culture, mission, or vision. Or create a series of talks to help onboard new team members. By having all the members of your team participate in the course, you will raise the overall effectiveness of the team’s communication. We call this creating a Culture of Communication Success. A better-communicating team is a better-performing team.
Can I use the program to develop and deliver more than one talk?
Yes. This course will leave you with a repeatable process that you can use for every communication opportunity. This leads to ongoing improvement of your communication performance. You may access the course and materials for a 12-month period.
What if I have been assigned a topic for my talk?
This is very common if you are participating in Communication Success: Beginnings as part of a team or larger organization. You should still complete the Toolkit sections related to your topic to learn how an effective topic is determined.
Can I deliver my talk virtually?
Yes. The Communication Success: Beginnings course is designed to help you improve your performance in different communication modes, including live, virtual, and hybrid. The secret to delivering a better virtual talk is to deliver a better talk.
How long will it take to complete the course?
It is estimated that the Communication Success: Beginnings course will take 6–8 hours to complete over the course of 7–10 days. However, you should work at a pace that is right for you.
Is the information I share secure?
Yes. First, by downloading and using the Toolkit on your own device, you are not sharing your work with Kennedy Speech Communications or Knowadays, the Learning and Development platform hosting the course. It is entirely within your control. Second, any information you provide in registering for or managing the course is secured by Knowadays using industry standard practices. Learn more about Knowadays security processes here: Privacy – Knowadays.
Will there be additional Communication Success courses?
Yes. Communication Success: Beginnings is just the first in a series of courses designed to improve individual, team, and organizational communication performance. These include more advanced communication approaches that focus on content development, rehearsal, and delivery, as well as “micro-learnings” that can be effectively applied to specific communication opportunities. Do you have a suggestion for a course? Please contact us at cliff@kennedyspeech.com.