PUBLIC SPEAKING
SPCH 1311
Instructor:
Timothy J. Mc Cray, MA, MS
Email Address:
Timothy.McCray@hccs.edu
Phone Number:
832-496-1969
Office Hours:
After class or by appointment
Class Time:
Fridays 5:00-8:00 PM
Text:
Prerequisites:
ENGL 1301 or department approval
Credit:
3 (3 Lecture)
Course Description:
Public speaking is designed as an overview course of public speaking and communication
principles. Students will gain insight into how to listen and communication more effectively in a
variety of settings, including culturally diverse situations. Students will also develop skills in
public speaking, including topic development, research, organization of ideas and presentation.
Objectives:
 To have a thorough understanding of the communication process and its applications.
 To research, organize, and present ideas effectively.
 To analyze an audience and occasion, and in turn to present an appropriate, tailored message.
 To learn strategies for managing communication anxiety.
 To learn to listen well and to critically analyze messages of other speakers.
Core Curriculum Objectives:
This course fulfills the following core intellectual competencies: critical thinking, reading,
writing, computer literacy, listening and speaking. A variety of teaching and testing methods are
used to assess these competencies, specifically through:
 Critical Thinking: Group discussions and problem solving, research analysis, organization of
ideas into a coherent pattern for speaking or writing
 Reading: Daily assignments from texts, research materials
 Writing: Enrichment activities, short essays on exams(s)
 Computer Literacy: Internet research, powerpoint, word processing
 Listening: Active listening to lectures, students’ comments in class and student presentations
 Speaking: Assigned presentations, informal group and impromptu presentations.
Class Policies
Please do not take this course if you cannot meet the following requirements:
Attendance
This is a participation based class; as such attendance is crucial. Success as a
speaker depends heavily on the audience and feedback from your peers.
Listening skills are a part of public speaking as well, and your presence on
speech days is mandatory. If you are absent on a speech day there is no
guarantee that you will be able to make up the speech. If extenuating
circumstances prevent your attendance, please contact me within 24 hours of
missed class time (in person, phone or email will do). Absences equivalent to
one week of class will result in failing this course. 4 delivered speeches are
required to pass this class with a C or better.
Tardiness
Because arriving to class on time helps create a positive, cohesive learning
environment and is respectful to others, attendance will be taken at the
beginning of each class. If you are not in class when attendance is taken, it is
your responsibility to see me during that class period otherwise you will be
marked absent. Three tardies is equivalent to one absence. One the day of
speeches, if you are more than 10 minutes late, your grade will result in a
zero.
Late Work
Assignments may be turned in up to one class period late, however a deduction
of 10% will be taken. No assignment will be accepted after one week of due
date. I DO NOT accept any work via email.
Grade
Dispute
If you do not agree with the grade that you receive on an assignment or
speech, please schedule an appointment with me within one week to
discuss. Be prepared to present your dispute/argument in writing (an email will
do) and I will expect you to practice the skill of persuasion and evidence when
refuting a grade. I WILL NOT discuss grades in class with any student.
Courtesy
Courtesy is always expected. Respectful and active listening skills are as
important as professional speaking skills. You are expected to give speakers
your undivided attention. Food and beverages are acceptable so long as they do
not disrupt the class. Please respect the views of others in the class and help
create an open, trustful environment. Disagreement is expected however please
remember to disagree with the ideas rather than the person. I will not tolerate
snickering, whispering, or other derogatory/disrespectful behaviors.
Please do not talk or work on other assignments/material during class/speeches.
Do not enter or leave the room during a speech, wait until the speaker is
done and you hear applause. Entering or leaving the class while someone
is speaking will result in 10 point deduction from your grade. Cell phones
must be on vibrate during class.
Children
I understand that childcare issues arise. Children are permitted in class
occasionally when these issues arise. Please bring supplies appropriate for
your child to keep him or her occupied during class.
Class Structure
*****************Please note that the following items are subject to change with the discretion of the
professor.*******************
Assessment:
 50% Speeches
 20% Research Paper, Quizzes
 20% Final Exam
 10% Attendance
For each assignment you will receive a rubric on how you will be graded for that assignment.
Chapter Quizzes
At the end chapters there will be a quiz to test your knowledge of things learned from the professor,
students and ultimately yourself. The numbers of questions on the quiz are contingent on the
participation of the students during the class discussion.
Final Exam
The final exam will be a cumulative examination from the chapter quizzes. Every chapter that is covered
in the class will be on the final, please make sure that you are reading chapters daily.
Class Participation
You will be given a schedule for the class; it is the responsibility of the student to read all information
before attending class. Doing such, will allow the class to flow in quicker pace.
Drop Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to do the necessary paperwork to add or drop this class. The instructor
will not ‘drop’ students who are not attending class; however, they will receive a grade of ‘F.’
Students wishing to drop courses must drop themselves over the web. Students should consult with a
Counselor/Advisor before dropping courses. Students starting college for the first time in fall 2007 or
after may only receive six grades of W ( grade received from a course dropped after the census date) from
all Texas public colleges and universities attended. Grades of W in developmental courses or courses
taken while in high school will not count in the six grades of W. After six grades of W are received,
students must receive grades of A, B, C, D, or F in all courses. There are other exemptions from the sixdrop limit and students should consult with a Counselor/Advisor before they drop courses to determine
these exemptions.
Conduct Policy
It is the policy of this class to provide students with an appropriate and adult learning atmosphere.
Questions and comments should be brought forth in a respectful and orderly manner. We thrive on class
discussion and questions. Appropriate dress is also required. **Any student who is disorderly,
disrespectful or sleeps in class will be asked to leave the class. If a student is disruptive to the class, he
or she is subject to being dropped from the course.
Conduct During Speeches
It is important that while others are speaking you give them the same courtesy that you would like.
Therefore, please turn off all cell phones, please refrain from walking while others are speaking, and
lastly please do not enter the class if you are late and others are speaking. If you walk in or out of the
room while someone is speaking, 10 points will be deducted from your speech grade for each occurrence.
On every assignment please type or write the following statement and sign:
On my honor, I have neither given nor received aide on this assignment.
Acceptable Assignments:
All written assignments should be free of spelling, syntax, and grammatical errors. Papers must be
typed, double spaced (excluding outlines), using a 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins
all around. Citations must be done in American Psychological Association (APA) style.
Academic Integrity
HCC is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a
part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to
uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or
projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of
credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from
another student’s exam, orally communicating or receiving answers during an exam, having another
person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other
materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an
exam. Plagiarism means passing off as ones own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving
proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report or project that
someone else has prepared, in whole or in part. Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on
assignments designed to be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive.
When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or misrepresentation, a faculty member
will take disciplinary action including but not limited to: requiring the student to retake or resubmit an
exam or assignment, assigning a grade of zero or “F” for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of
“F” for the course. Additional sanctions including being withdrawn from the course, program or
expelled from school may be imposed on a student who violates the standards of academic integrity.
E-mail
All students have an HCC e-mail account. You are required to use it or another e-mail address to
communicate with the instructor and classmates as needed. Please allow at least 24 hours for e-mail to be
returned. Please be careful to keep e-mail correspondence limited to class purpose only. While I am
happy to look at outlines and papers in advance, please allow me time for turnaround.
Sexual Harassment:
HCC is strongly committed to providing a professional and educational setting that is free from sexual
harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is illegal. Sexual harassment most
often exploits a relationship between individuals of unequal power and authority, but may also occur
between peers. Sexual harassment is also unprofessional conduct that interferes with the pursuit of
learning and the conduct of employment responsibilities. HCC will not tolerate any form of sexual
harassment or attempt to retaliate in any way against a person who has brought a complaint alleging
sexual harassment.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective
college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. If you have any questions, please
contact Dr. Becky Hauri, Disability Counselor for the Southwest College, at 713-718-7909.
Assignments (Overview)
Speeches:
Research
Paper
You will need to write a 5-7 page research paper. This paper must be typed, double
spaced, 12 inch font: Times New Roman or Arial. Topic: The Importance of
Communication in your field of study.
Brown Bag
This assignment is designed to give you practice speaking in front of a group. You
will bring in and present three objects to the class: one that represents your past, one
that represents your current life, and one that represents your future. Articulation
and thoughtfulness will be the graded components.
This will be a 2-4 minute speech.
Informative
In this assignment, you will give an informative presentation on an issue that evokes
your interest. You must make your point understood through clear organization and
highlight the crucial information of the topic. A proper outline is a graded
component. You will need three sources with APA style citations. Visual aids are
required but will not be graded. You will record this speech for evaluation.
This will be a 4-6 minute speech.
Persuasive
In this speech, you will attempt to persuade and shape your audience’s opinions on
a relevant topic. This assignment will be research-oriented. Five credible sources
must be used with APA style citations. Opposing viewpoints must be
acknowledged and expressed. You will also be required to use visual aids during
this speech. A proper outline, credible research with proper citations, and
relatable/appropriate visual aids are graded components.
This will be a 5-7 minute speech.
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ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IS TO BE ON YOUR DESK WHILE LISTENING TO
SPEECHES
Exact speech requirements to be handed out in class
Speech order to be determined by students
Outlines and pre-assessments are due on first day of speeches (even if you are not
presenting that day)
If you miss your speech day, there is no guarantee you will be able to make it up,
therefore you risk losing your delivery points and potentially failing the class.
To speak well,
prepare well
Course Calendar – (subject to change and most likely will)
Class Schedule
HCC-Spring 2011
Week #1
Course Introduction
Syllabus
2
Chapter 1: Connecting Process and Principles
Chapter 2: Connecting Perceptions and Communication
Chapter 3: Connecting Self and Communication
3
Chapter 4: Connecting through Verbal Communication
Chapter 5: Connecting through Nonverbal Communication
4
Brown Bag Speeches- Discussion
Speech #1: Brown Bag Speeches
Quiz #1 (Chapter 1-5)
5
Chapter 6:Connecting Listening and Thinking in the Communication Process
Chapter 13:Interpersonal Communication
Chapter 14: Developing Relationships
6
Chapter 7: Selecting a Topic and Connecting to the Audience
Chapter 8: Gathering and Using Information
Chapter 9: Organizing and Outlining Your Speech
7
Quiz #2: 6-9 & 13-14
8
Chapter 10: Managing Anxiety and Delivering Your Speech
Chapter 11: Informative Speaking
9
Research Day
10
Speech #2: Informative
11
Chapter 12: Persuasive Speaking
12
Quiz #3: Chapters 10-12
13
Speech #3: Persuasive Speeches
14
Research Paper Presentations/Final Exam Review
15
Final Exam Review/Final Exam
Criteria Used for Evaluating Speeches
The average speech (grade C) should meet the following criteria:
1.
Conform to the kind of speech assigned—informative, persuasive, etc.
2.
Be ready for presentation on the assigned date
3.
Conform to the time limit
4.
Fulfill any special requirements of the assignment—preparing an outline, using visual
aids, conducting research, etc.
5.
Have a clear specific purpose and central idea
6.
Have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion
7.
Show reasonable directness and competence in delivery
8.
Be free of serious errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage
The above average speech (grade B) should meet the preceding criteria and also:
1.
Address a challenging topic
2.
Fulfill all major functions of a speech introduction and conclusion
3.
Display clear organization of main points and supporting materials
4.
Support main points with evidence that meets the tests of accuracy, relevance, objectivity,
and sufficiency
5.
Exhibit proficient use of connectives—transitions, internal previews, internal summaries,
and signposts
6.
Be delivered skillfully enough so as not to distract attention from the speaker’s message
The superior speech (grade A) should meet all the preceding criteria and also:
1.
Constitute a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the
audience
2.
Sustain positive interest, feeling, and/or commitment among the audience
3.
Contain elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language
4.
Be delivered in a fluent, polished manner that strengthens the impact of the speaker’s
message
Absolutely no reading of the speech
5.
The below average speech (grade D or F) is seriously deficient in the criteria required for the
C speech.
Public Speaking
Extra Credit Assignment (Option 1)
Due Date: By last day of class
Possible Points: 10 points
Paper Length: 3 pages
Requirements: 1. Instructor Approved Speaking Event
2. Ticket and or flyer from event attached to paper
Analyze a Public Speech
Answer the following questions:
1.
Describe the rhetorical situation (the overall occasion or environment.)
2.
Who is the audience?
3.
How did the speaker gain the attention of the audience?
4.
How did the speaker relate the topic to the audience?
5.
What was the thesis statement of the speech (or the main purpose)?
6.
Did the speaker use preview points? List them.
7.
How well did the speaker use supporting material? Give examples.
8.
Discuss the speaker’s conclusion. How well did he or she summarize the main
theme? Did the speaker review the major points? To what extent was the conclusion
creative?
9.
Discuss the speaker’s use of the language. Was it clear, concise, creative?
10.
Discuss the speaker’s delivery (e.g., eye contact, gestures, vocal variety).
11.
In what parts of the speech could the speaker have improved this presentation?
12.
End with a free-write. Tell me what you took away from this event and/or
relate/reference class lecture, activities, information learned.
Guidelines:
This paper must be typed, doubled spaced and academically sound (i.e., grammatically correct,
APA style for reference if appropriate, page numbered, etc.)
Public Speaking
Extra Credit Assignment (Option 2)
Due Date: By last day of class
Possible Points: 10 points
Paper Length: 3 pages
Speech Analysis Paper
Your paper should detail the process you followed in developing and delivering your
Informative Speech. You will find it much easier to answer each question after you have
completed that step due to the fact that it is difficult to retrace your steps after the speech process
is already over. At least take a few notes while you are in the speech making process because it
will only aid and benefit your as you begin to write your final paper. You can utilize your preassessment and video self-assessment. Many of the questions need to be answered prior to the
delivery of your speech otherwise your perceptions may be altered after you have already given
the speech. Your paper should read like a continual log of your work, from the onset of your
speech preparation and the inception of your topic to your delivery and finally, your final
reactions to the entire process itself.
□ Your paper should be at least 3 pages in length.
□ Your paper should be free of any spelling, syntax, and grammatical errors.
□ Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, 12 point with a standard font.
Before the Speech:
□ Explain the process you went through in selecting your speech topic. What other topics
did you consider and then reject? How did you narrow down your topic?
□ How do you think the audience will respond to this topic? How much prior knowledge do
you think they have about your topic? Will they agree or disagree with your perspective
on the topic? Why? How do you intend to relate your topic to your audience (i.e. why
will they care about your topic?)
□ How did you research your topic? What sources were the most helpful? The least? What
problems, if any, did you encounter during your library research? How did you solve the
problem?
□ How many times did you practice the speech out loud? As a result of your practice, what
changes did you make in the overall speech? Did you have problems with the assigned
time limits on your speech? If so, how did you keep your speech within a manageable
time limit?
□ What are the primary issues that you need to focus on in order for you to improve on this
speech before you deliver it in class?
After the Speech:
□ Now that you have completed your speech, how do you feel about your work? What did
you like about it? What did you dislike?
□ If you could start the speech process over again, what would you do differently?
□ Would you choose the same topic? Do more research? Utilize a different organizational
pattern?