Key facts
UNE unit code: THEA134
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Public speaking is a vital skill in almost every field. Whether it’s a speech to an audience of thousands, a pitch presentation to a client, or a tea room farewell to an office colleague, at some stage in your career you will be required to stand in front of an audience and deliver a coherent speech. The way you present yourself to your audience affects the way they see you. If you are able to express your ideas confidently, you will be seen as a stronger leader, a proactive citizen, and a more valuable employee.
In this unit you will be trained in effective, oral communication skills (in English), for public presentation in a variety of “real world” environments and online. You will develop skills in speech writing and analysis, vocal techniques and body language, and the use of appropriate presentation technologies.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit is designed for native speakers of English. Students who have English as a second language are welcome, but the unit is not intended to help with difficulties caused by unfamiliar accents.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate effective cognitive and communication skills, speaking to diverse audiences;
- script and deliver effective speech presentations on their individual fields of knowledge; and
- prepare audio/audio-visual texts and utilise technologies to enhance oral presentations, face-to-face and online.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Introductory Speech and exegesis. No. Words: 750 (equivalent) |
Assessment 2 | No | 10% | All offerings | Online Discussion: Structured forum participation. No. Words: 1000 |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Powerpoint Speech and exegesis. No. Words: 1000 (equivalent) |
Assessment 4 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Major Speech and exegesis. No. Words: 1250 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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