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[Catina]

Provider: Sophia
Course: Public Speaking
Course content: Like a few of the courses, there are no videos. It is all PDFs that Sophia provides
Final exam format: Multiple choice. I think that there were fewer than 30 questions. A Touchstone (the second speech) has to be done, too.
Final exam content vs course content/practice exams: I'm not sure that I like the way questions are asked in this course. While I think that the questions are worded in such a way as to see if you understand the material - as opposed to being able to search a PDF document during the test - I found some of them to be unclear. IMHO, the questions were more confusing than searching for depth of understanding.
Time taken on course: It's not a tough course, but because of life getting in the way, I asked for, and was granted, a 30-day extention.
Familiarity with subject before course: While I had been a member of Toastmasters, the material was different in this course. I would probably have passed - barely - the final without reading the PDFs.
Pitfalls, high points, things others should know: If you don't like speaking in public, THIS is the course for you. Know your subject, NOT your speech. Practice a bit before the mirror when brushing your hair or teeth. Try it about 5 times. Then, film. You've got your camera in the Selfie mode, so it's just like talking to yourself in the mirror. The hardest part for me was uploading the darn things! (There were two speeches.) Whatever your topic is, find some aspect to be urgent about it. Gardening? "Plant your bulbs NOW!" Talking about how to change your car's oil? "Check it NOW!" When you do your second (which is a repeat of the first) speech, add an chart or something, and practice including it in your speech. My feedback from my instructor was specific and helpful after both speeches.

Update — Public Speaking now requires 4 Touchstones.  1 is basically an outline for a special occasion speech. No speech required.   2 is a set up with sources for an informative speech.  (Reminded me of a research paper outline).  3 is writing an actual pursuasive speech and 4 are the corrections.  NOTE: it is taking up to 12 days per touchstone to grade...........