The Art of Public Speaking

Captivate. Don't just communicate.

Kursen är producerad av Kulturakademin med stöd av Västra Götalandsregionen och Region Halland.

Course description

This course is not about becoming someone else — it’s about becoming more of yourself, on purpose, in front of others.

Aimed at creative professionals, artists, and cultural workers who are looking to strengthen their voice as public speakers, regardless of experience. It's for those who want to communicate with greater clarity, presence, and intention — whether you're presenting a project, leading a conversation, or stepping onto a stage.

Led by Abel White Buko — a seasoned speaker, linguist, and performance artist who has worked with organizations like TEDx and Apple, and performed everywhere from SXSW and Google to intimate storytelling gatherings and underground bunkers — this course invites you to explore the art of speaking as a tool for expression, leadership, and connection. With a background spanning corporate training, advertising, and creative production, Abel brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility and practical technique to the learning experience.

Through a blend of live workshops, online modules, and guided reflection, you’ll explore the craft of speaking as not just a tool but an art form. You’ll work with your own material and context, and develop your ability to shape narratives, engage audiences, and speak with confidence in a variety of formats. The course is grounded in a pedagogical approach that values process, practice, and peer learning. You’ll receive individual feedback, engage in collaborative exercises, and be supported in translating your personal voice into professional expression.

By the end of the course, you will have reached these learning outcomes:

• Understand and manage insecurities of public speaking
• Identify and develop your personal speaker style
• Structure and deliver presentations with clarity
• Adapt your message to different formats, audiences, and contexts
• Use storytelling, visuals, and performance techniques to enhance your communication
• Reflect on your own development and apply feedback to grow as a speaker and communicator

Course structure 

The course blends theory and practice to help you grow as a speaker from the inside out. Each session builds on the last, guiding you through fear, form, and performance. You will work with your own material and context, supported by tools, reflection, and feedback. You will engage with reading materials, practical tasks, and live sessions – all designed to support your personal and professional development as a speaker.

Course Timeline:

• Course Start (Online)
  Self-paced introduction on Kulturakademins learning platfrom Learnster with reading list, tools, and welcome materials.
  
  
• Introduction Session (Online)
  Live session to meet the group, set intentions, and introduce the course journey.
  
  
• Workshop 1: The Power of Gathering
  Learn the pillars of influence – content, delivery, visuals, and tech – and how they shape your performance.
  
  
• Workshop 2: Facing the Fear
  Explore speaker styles, address public speaking anxiety, and begin shaping your voice.
  
  
• Workshop 3: Why this? Why now? Why here? (Online)
  Clarify your motivation and adapt your message to different formats and audiences.
  
  
• Workshop 4: Narrative Architecture
  Develop your narrative, structure your script, and work hands-on with visual storytelling.
  
  
• Feedback Session (Online)
  Receive peer and instructor feedback on your presentation draft.
  
  
• Workshop 5: The Performance
  Final presentations with coaching on delivery, stage presence, and performance techniques.
  
  
• Summary Session (Online)
  A wrap-up session with Q&A, reflection, and next steps in your speaking journey.

Target group

This course is open to professionals, creatives, and cultural workers who want to strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills. No prior experience in public speaking is required, but a willingness to reflect, participate actively, and work with your own material is essential.

The course is suitable for participants at a basic to intermediate level – whether you're just starting to speak in front of others or looking to refine your presence and delivery.

Important information

• If you are accepted into the course, you will receive a login to Kulturakademin’s learning platform Learnster, where all course materials are collected.
• The course includes both online and in-person components – attendance and active participation are expected.
• You will be working with your own material and are encouraged to bring real-life contexts into the course.
•  The course is free of charge, but a no-show fee of 500 SEK will be charged for late cancellations.

Questions about the course? 

Please feel free to contact Sixten at sixten@kulturakademin.com.

Abel White Buko

Abel White Buko is an American-Swedish speaker, linguist and performance artist with over 17 years of experience in corporate training, performance and advertising. He has worked with global brands like Apple and serves as a speaker coach and digital producer for TEDxGöteborg. Through his company, he supports individuals and teams in developing their voice, presence, and storytelling in both creative and professional contexts.

For more information about Abel's work, please visit www.soapbox.se