Eloquence: an objective of the LEA training
As part of their studies at the University of Strasbourg, Applied Foreign Language (LEA) students must daily prove they can express themselves easily and fluently in French as well as in foreign languages. Two courses of communication skills in 2nd and 3rd year are even dedicated to eloquence training. The animation of conference debates organized by the department is the opportunity for volunteer students to implement their knowledge in a situation close to professional reality.
Conferences and debates at the heart of the LEA curriculum
This project is part of the conferences that punctuate the life of the LEA department. These are firstly the “Meet Your Future” professional meetings: a series of conferences held by former LEA students that illustrate the variety of career paths and professions opened up by the course. They are also cultural meetings dealing with themes related to the LEA curriculum.
A demanding and professionalizing project
Contact, logistics, communication, and reception of the guest(s) are some of their missions, along with the preparation, presentation and moderation of the public debate that follows each conference. Each team of young organisers sets itself a rigorous specification document beforehand to learn to respect the terms and in particular the deadlines of the commitment made with the department. No mistakes are allowed when inviting one or several guests on behalf of the entire educational community!
A training dedicated to public speaking
To carry out their project, students are tutored by a teacher. Public speaking benefits from a particular care through a special training. Role distribution, staging, movements on stage, body language, expressiveness of the voice, opportunity of picking up on what has been said, and vivacity of an improvised speech are some of the aspects taught. The hosts are trained to look at ease and convincing when facing their guests.
Experienced in this type of situation, our animators are ready for many other challenges such as preliminary interviews for an internship or a job.
Meeting professional speakers
The “Meet Your Future” conference cycle thus brought together speakers working for example in the European institutions or in the translation industry during the 2018/2019 school year.
Professionals delivered speeches to advise students on their course and the development of their professional projects. Students will have the opportunity to meet two emblematic figures of public speaking in France. How to be comfortable with public speaking? How to manage stress and improve self-confidence? They will answer all these questions and give them all the tricks to produce successful oral performances.