Course detail

Presentation Skills

FAST-NZB013Acad. year: 2026/2027

The course focuses on developing presentation and professional communication skills required for both academic study and the professional practice of engineering graduates. Students will acquire the principles of planning, structuring and delivering professional presentations, learn to use verbal, non-verbal and visual communication effectively, and design high-quality presentation materials. The course includes the preparation and delivery of professional presentations, interacting with the audience, managing discussions, and providing constructive feedback. Emphasis is placed on practical training, self-reflection, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly to different target audiences in academic and professional situations. Teaching is based on practical exercises, discussions, and simulated presentation situations.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Lucie Strnadová

Department

Institute of Social Sciences (SPV)

Entry knowledge

The course does not require any specific prior knowledge. Students are expected to have basic communication skills and a willingness to participate actively in practical exercises.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The scope of supervised instruction and the method of its implementation are defined by an annually updated directive issued by the course guarantor.

Aims

The aim of the course is to develop students' ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations in both academic and professional contexts. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to create a logically structured presentation, adapt its content to a target audience, and use verbal, non-verbal and visual communication effectively and appropriately. They will be able to present professional topics clearly, respond to audience questions, provide and receive constructive feedback, and reflect critically on their own presentation performance. Students will also be able to tailor their presentations to a range of academic and professional communication situations.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

HUGHES, John and Andrew MALLETT. Successful Presentations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.  (EN)
REYNOLDS, Garr. Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. 3rd ed. Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2020. (EN)
Studijní materiály zpracované garantem předmětu jsou dostupné v kurzu NZB013 v systému Moodle. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NPC-SIV Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPC-SIM Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPC-SIK Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme NPC-GK Master's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme CZV1-AKR Lifelong learning

    specialization PNM , 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Lucie Strnadová

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to presentation skills. Professional communication in civil engineering. Presentation situations in academic and professional contexts. Audience and communication objectives. Audience analysis. Adapting presentation content, style and length.
  2. Structure of a professional presentation. Key message. Content organisation. Argumentation. Selection of key information. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Voice delivery. Body language. Managing presentation anxiety.
  3. Visual support in presentations. Presentation design and visual layout. Use of images, graphs, diagrams and technical drawings. Presentation of technical information. Interpretation of visual materials. Clear communication of specialist information.
  4. Types of professional presentations. Academic, project, defence and decision-making presentations. Briefing. Elevator pitch. Team presentations. Team communication. Role allocation. Coordination of presenters.
  5. Audience interaction. Professional discussion. Argumentation. Responding to questions. Presentation assessment. Assessment criteria. Constructive feedback. Self-reflection.
  6. Presentation technologies. Presentation software. Online and hybrid presentations. Remote communication. Artificial intelligence in presentation preparation.
  7. Responsible use of sources and AI in presentation preparation. Referencing. Copyright. Academic integrity. Summary of principles of effective professional presentations.

Exercise

13 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Lucie Strnadová

Syllabus

  1. Introductory presentation. Analysis of presentation situations. Assessment criteria. Audience analysis. Adapting specialist information to different target audiences. Choice of communication strategy.
  2. Developing a presentation outline. Formulating the key message. Creating a logical presentation structure. Practical presentation delivery. Voice techniques. Speaking in front of an audience. Managing nervousness. Presenting with a microphone.
  3. Creating visual support for presentations. Design and evaluation of presentation materials. Presenting technical information using visual materials. Interpretation of graphs, diagrams and technical drawings.
  4. Preparation of professional presentations. Simulation of professional presentation situations. Elevator pitch. Practical audience interaction. Leading a professional discussion. Responding to questions.
  5. Practical use of presentation technologies. Creating and editing presentation materials using AI tools. Preparation and delivery of a team presentation. Role allocation. Collaboration between presenters.
  6. Student presentations. Presentation assessment. Constructive feedback.
  7. Student presentations. Final assessment and course summary.