Speaking skills

Basic techniques of voice command and speech articulation: breathing, pitch and tone management, articulation mechanisms.

Czech language as means of communication

The basic structure of Czech language. Differences between formal Czech language and other structural forms of the national language. Differences between passive and active vocabulary and between written and spoken Czech. Stylistic structure of language and expressing ideas adequately to a specific communication situation.

The art of speech

Linguistic improvisation in unprepared speeches, aiming at quick, prompt, precise and apt formulation of an idea.

Basic rhetorical skills

Practicing the use of rhetorical figures. The basic structure of a presentation of an informative and argumentative type. Using examples, similes, working with rhetorical questions and other possibilities of speech facilitating listeners’ perception.

Preparation of the informative type of presentation

The structure of a speech aiming at informing others. The lead-in and conclusion of the speech. The traditional and unconventional approach. Presentation analysis.

Interpretation of the informative type of speech

Students’ presentation of the informative type.

Preparation of the argumentative (persuasion) type of presentation

The structure of a speech aiming at convincing and defending one’s stand. The importance of the framework of the text and logical approach to working with arguments. Argument types (logical, emotional) and their position in a speech with regard to its aim and listener type. The learned items are practiced, and analysis follows.

Interpretation of the argumentative type of speech

Student's presentation of the argumentative type.

Basic negotiation strategies and techniques

Basic negotiation approaches with regard to the negotiator’s general strategy and long-term goal when closing deals. Individual techniques are subsequently practiced.

The importance of the so-called BATNA

(Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Preparation of escape options that give a negotiator necessary serenity. Assessment of a negotiator’s real capabilities and the possibility of success in a negotiation. Preparation of alternative solutions in case of negotiation failure.

Conventional and unconventional negotiation skills

Negotiation possibilities and approaches considered honest (decent) and approaches generally considered as dishonest or manipulative. Approaches are explained via their psychological impact on a listener.

Practicing negotiation skills

Rehearsing negotiation and argumentation by means of model situations and tasks.

Introduction of the school and general academic environment

Explaining the common study agenda. Outlining essential terms and categories used in academic environment and introducing chosen standards of academic life. Organizational structure of a university and the hierarchy of academic degrees.

Academic work essentials and expert sources of information

Explaining the specifics of academic work. Introducing types of expert resources, effective ways of searching among them and possibilities of their use.

An expert text, its importance and working with it

Introducing the principles of writing an expert text. Preparing the research, report and introducing other forms of processing expert information.

Preparing and writing an expert text

Explaining the principles of writing an expert text. Preparation of an expert text, such as a seminar work or project.

Presentation of expert output

Explaining the specifics of the presentation of expert output. Practical application of acquired knowledge during presenting at seminars and in the workshop. The most common mistakes and potential problems that arise during processing and compiling an expert text.