Ural Federal University Students Taught the Art of Self-Presentation

The Ural Federal University has completed a series of classes of the course “Self-Presentation as an Opportunity to Share Important Things”, which lasted throughout the academic year. The course was attended by students with special needs and students of the UrFU Research and Educational Center (REC). They met several times a month and improved their skills. The tutor of the course was Olga Belyashova, a psychologist at the UrFU REC. There were neuroworkouts with various exercises and neurotrainers for the students.

Each student gained something. They learned how to overcome the fear of public speaking, how to perform in front of an audience, how to make their speech more emotional and structured, and how to reflect on their own self.

“I really liked the self-presentation course, it was useful and effective for me. The classes were interesting. Olga Belyashova always surprised me with new trainings. Whenever I needed help, she always helped me and made suggestions. I also enjoyed getting to know the amazing and very talented students. This course is a great opportunity to improve yourself and meet new interesting people,” said Maria Kurazheva, a student and one of the course participants.

At the last two meetings, participants tried their skill at imitating famous speakers. Everyone began by pretending to be Steve Jobs and then reflecting together on the way he spoke. Then each participant was asked to choose their own character and try to imitate his or her speech as closely as possible. It was important to consider everything from pacing and style to posture and gestures. Thus, in the last session of the course, the “speakers” were two Lincolns, Napoleon, Coco Chanel, Mikhail Zadornov, Charlie Chaplin, two Fainas Ranevskayas, and even a pet cat.

“From the first class to the last, my confidence and the firmness of my voice grew almost imperceptibly. I was able to reach a new level of discussion because the practice of the classes was transferred to everyday life. Olga Belyashova has an excellent understanding of the art of self-presentation and shows it by personal example. I look forward to seeing the participants and our wonderful teacher again,” said Nikita Kodiakov, a student and one of the participants.

The event was organized by the Center for Inclusive Education of the UrFU Department of Academic Development.