Speak Strong: Communication Skills Courses
Explore professional development opportunities to enhance your communication skills, supported by TSAF funding. The Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF), a €50 million fund launched by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Simon Harris TD, on 20 July 2023, provides targeted support for initiatives critical to the strategic development of Ireland's technological sector. Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), TSAF supports quality, excellence, and capacity building across technological universities, aligning with the objectives of the Technological Universities Act 2018 and the recommendations from the TURN report and OECD review.
As part of MTU's allocation of TSAF funding, we will be offering the following two courses:
- Speak Strong: A Vocal Wellness Mini-Course
- Speak Strong: Clear & Confident Speaking Skills for Professional Success
Speak Strong: A Vocal Wellness Mini-Course
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Summary: Enhance your vocal health and communication skills in this interactive 4-session programme for educators.
Description: Join Speak Strong: A Vocal Wellness Mini-Course to discover how to protect, strengthen, and sustain your voice for effective communication. This engaging programme combines the science of vocal health with hands-on practice to help educators maintain vocal resilience and confidence.
- Learn how your voice works and how to care for it.
- Practice techniques to improve projection and clarity.
- Build vocal endurance and manage fatigue.
- Gain personalised feedback and create a sustainable vocal wellness routine.
Course Schedule
- Session 1 (Online): Thursday, 16th January 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Session 2 (In-Person):
- Cork: Thursday, 23rd January 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Seminar Room, Melbourne Building)
- Kerry: Friday, 24th January 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (U306 Boardroom)
- Session 3 (In-Person):
- Cork: Thursday, 30th January 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Seminar Room, Melbourne Building)
- Kerry: Friday, 31st January 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (L106 Solas, Nursing Building)
- Session 4 (Online): Friday, 7th February 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Registration Details
- Limited Capacity: 40 participants (20 from Cork, 20 from Kerry).
- Registration Link: Register Now
Speak Strong: Clear & Confident Speaking Skills for Professional Success
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Summary: This course is designed to help you overcome speaking challenges, refine your communication skills, and enhance your confidence in both online and in-person settings.
Description: This interactive course helps university staff develop the skills to communicate confidently in any setting. Through practical exercises, tailored feedback, and supportive coaching, participants will enhance their vocal strength, clarity, and engagement while learning to overcome speaking challenges.
- Proven techniques to reduce speaking anxiety and build confidence.
- Skills to craft clear, concise, and impactful messages.
- Tools to use vocal variety and body language to captivate your audience.
- Practical experience with constructive feedback in a supportive environment.
Course Schedule
- Session 1 (Online): Thursday, 20th February 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Session 2 (In-Person):
- Cork: Thursday, 27th February 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Seminar Room, Melbourne Building)
- Kerry: Friday, 28th February 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (U306 Boardroom)
- Session 3 (In-Person):
- Cork: Thursday, 6th March 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Seminar Room, Melbourne Building)
- Kerry: Friday, 7th March 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (U306 Boardroom)
- Session 4 (Online): Thursday, 13th March 2025, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Registration Details
- Limited Capacity: 30 participants (15 from Cork, 15 from Kerry).
- Registration Link: Register Now
Presenter Bio
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Irene O'Mara is a lecturer in Acting and Voice at the Cork School of Music, where she works with undergraduate students on the BA Theatre & Drama Studies and BA Musical Theatre programmes. With over five years of experience at MTU, Irene specialises in teaching acting skills, movement, and practitioner techniques, preparing her students for careers in the performing arts and creative industries.
Her passion for education is evident in her approach to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Irene is deeply engaged in enhancing her teaching methods and creating innovative learning experiences. She coordinates learning communities, such as a collaboration between the BA Theatre & Drama Studies programme and the Everyman Theatre, fostering meaningful engagement between students, staff, and the local arts scene.
Beyond her teaching, Irene actively pursues professional growth. Recent highlights include her participation in the Elevate Experiential Leadership programme and upcoming practitioner training for EMCC accreditation in coaching. Irene's commitment to CPD reflects her belief in staying sharp and evolving as an educator, which benefits both her students and colleagues.
Known for her collaborative spirit, Irene values the role of community in education and actively supports initiatives that bridge academic and professional practice. She encourages new staff to embrace CPD as a means to enrich their careers and positively impact their teaching and learning environments.
For more information please contact: Irene.omara@mtu.ie
