Public Speaking Syllabus
Items you will need for the class include...
Writing Utensils
Notecards
Highlighters
A portable jump drive may also be useful
Course Objectives:
To give students many speaking opportunities to help them become more relaxed, confident speakers.
To develop critical thinking skills as well as listening skills.
To acquaint students with the different types of public speeches.
To instruct students concerning the importance of how to research, outline, practice, and deliver timed speeches.
To strengthen individual speaker’s weaknesses that inhibit him/her from becoming more effective public speakers.
Evaluation:
Class Participation: Positive involvement in class discussion and the ability to answer questions posed in class. Involvement in oral presentations, debates, group projects and class reports.
Quizzes: Announced and unannounced, based on reading assignments and material presented in class.
Written Assignments: Position papers, short speeches, debate briefs.
Research Paper: On a specific topic for final speech. (Typed, 5 pages, double-spaced).
Appropriate Speech:
Freedom of speech is an important civic right. With it comes great responsibility. You are expected to keep the language and content of your speeches appropriate to the classroom.
Class Rules and Expectations
Respect. You are expected to respect everyone in classroom. Be considerate that others may find public speaking more difficult than you. Treat others with the same respect you wish to receive from them. Respect includes use of appropriate language and content.
Come prepared for class. Bring your notebook, writing implements, paper and all work that is due every day. (Translated this means you should not be printing off speeches at the library at the beginning of class or completing your speaking notes while others are speaking).
Be at class on time. Promptness to class and attendance is expected. If you are late, have a pass. If you are late without a pass expect a detention. If you are absent contact a classmate or the office for your assignments. You are responsible for all work missed during an absence.
Submit work on time. If your work is late you will lose one letter grade per day until the work is no longer accepted.
Speech outlines are to be submitted in written or typed form on the day your speech is to be presented.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IN CLASS
Course Calendar: This schedule is subject to change as deemed necessary.
Week |
Topic |
Presentations |
Week 1 |
Introduction to public speaking; speech and ethics; speaking with confidence
|
Introductions; Presentation of Historical Speeches |
Week 2 |
Outlining Speeches; using note cards
|
About me Speech; Presentation of How To Speeches
|
Week 3 |
Entertainment Speeches |
Presentation of Entertainment Speeches (Fairy Tales)
|
Week 4 |
Informational Speeches |
Presentation of Informational Speeches
|
Week 5 |
Debate structure; Debate etiquette; Discussion of debate styles
|
Impromptu Debates; Team Debates;
|
Week 6 |
Debates
|
Individual Debates
|
Week 7 |
Visual Aids
|
Group sales presentations due; Vote for me Speech
|
Week 8 |
Speaking to your audience
|
Occasion Speeches: Wedding toasts, graduations, eulogies |
Week 9 |
Persuasive Speeches |
Core Assignment: Serious persuasive speech and paper
|
Speech Evaluation Form
Speaker ___________________________________
Type of Speech ______________________________
Topic ________________________________________
|
Needs Work |
Okay |
Well Done |
Excellent |
Organization: The speech had an introduction, body, and conclusion; the speech was easy to follow; the speaker used transitions; the main idea was clear to the audience
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Content: The supporting information was credible; the supporting information was varied and interesting; the speech was appropriate in language and subject matter; the speech met the time requirements
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Delivery: The speaker made eye contact with the audience; the speaker varied his voice and tone; the speaker used appropriate gestures; the speaker had good posture and seemed confident
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Conclusion: The speaker summarized the key points; the speaker ended the speech in a memorable, effective way
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Ethics: The speaker was clear about the true purpose of the speech; the speaker presented viewpoints other than his or her own; the speaker cited sources for information and ideas appropriately
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Visual Aids: The visual aids were attractive and understandable; the visual aids were introduced at appropriate points in the speech
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
_________/ 24=____________
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