Public Speaking (SPCH 1315)
Credit: 3 semester credit hours
Course Description
Research, composition, organization, delivery, and analysis of speeches for various
purposes and occasions.
Required Textbook and Materials
1.
Public Speaking Handbook by Steven Beebe and Susan J. Beebe. Pearson
Publishing.
a.
ISBN number is 13:976-0-205-66117-6
2.
1 package of 3x5 or 5x7 index cards
3.
2 Scantrons and a #2 pencil
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
Recognize the importance of and impact of good public speaking skills and
listening skills in everyday life and in the work place. (SCANS: C6, C7, F5)
2.
Develop self-confidence in the presentation of ideas. (SCANS: F14, F7, F7)
3.
Research, organize and develop a persuasive presentation. (SCANS: C6, C7, F7,
F9)
4.
Understand group problem-solving techniques. (SCANS: F6, F9, F16, C10)
SCANS Skills and Competencies
Beginning in the late 1980’s, the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary’s Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills, (SCANS) conducted extensive research and interviews with
business owners, union leaders, supervisors, and laborers in a wide variety of work
settings to determine what knowledge workers needed in order to perform well on a job.
In 1991 the Commission announced its findings n What work Requires in Schools. In its
research, the Commission determined that “workplace know-how” consists of two
elements: foundation skills and workplace competencies.
Course Outline
A. Speaking and Listening
1. Speaking in conversation
2. Speaking in public
3. Ethics in public speaking
4. Listening ethics
5. Listening skills for everyday life
6. Critical listening skills
Approved 01/2010
SPCH 1315
Course Syllabi
Spring 2010
B. Speech Preparation
1. Topic selection
2. Audience analysis
3. Research
a. Gathering material
b. Evaluating material
c. Supporting ideas
1) Types of supporting material
2) Proper citation of supporting material
d. Organizing the body of the speech
e. Beginning and ending the speech
f. Outlining the speech
4. Types of speeches
a. Informative
b. Persuasive
c. The speech to entertain
C. Presenting the speech
1. The use of language
a. Articulation
b. Pronunciation
2. Stance
a. Posture
b. Gestures
c. Movement
3. Style
a. Pitch
b. Volume
c. Rate
4. Nonverbal communication
a. Eye contact
b. Body language
c. Use of space
d. Tone of voice
5. Methods of delivery
a. Manuscript
b. Memorized
c. Impromptu
d. Extemporaneous
6. Visual Aids
a. Types of visual aids
b. Proper display and handling of visual aids
7. Small group discussion
a. Definition of a problem-solving group
b. Problem-solving methods for a group
c. Group activity
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SPCH 1315
Course Syllabi
Spring 2010
Grade Scale
90 – 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
0 – 59
A
B
C
D
F
Course Evaluation
Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Five Speeches
Written Reports
Midterm Exam
Comprehensive Final Exam
Participation in discussion
50%
20%
10%
10%
10%
Course Requirements
1.
Introductory speech, informative. Students will interview a classmate and
introduce them to the audience.
2.
Informative speech, general topic of interest to the student and the audience.
3.
Informative, instructional
4.
Persuasive speech one
5.
Persuasive speech two
6.
Group discussion
7.
Listening Activities (two required)
Course Policies
1.
No food, drinks, or use of tobacco products in class.
2.
Beepers, telephones, headphones, and any other electronic devices must be turned
off while in class.
3.
The students are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process.
Students who stop coming to class and fail to drop the course will earn an ‘F’ in
the course.
4.
Additional class policies as defined by the individual course instructor.
Disabilities Statement
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for
persons with disabilities. Among other things, these statutes require that all students with
documented disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for
reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability
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SPCH 1315
Course Syllabi
Spring 2010
requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)
880-1737 or visit the office in Student Services, Cecil Beeson Building.
Course Schedule
Week of
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Final Exam
Topic
Course introduction and policies
Pre-test
Introduction to Public Speaking
MLK Day, no class Jan. 11
Speaking with Confidence
Previewing the Audience Centered Speech-Making Process
Speaking Freely and Ethically
Listening to Speeches
Interviews for Speech 1
Finish interviews
Speech 1 due
Analyzing Your Audience
Developing Your Speech
Gathering Supporting Material
Using Supporting Material
Organizing Your Speech
Midterm Exam
Listening Activity 1 due
Introducing Your Speech
Concluding Your Speech
Speech 2 due
Speaking to Inform
Designing and Using Presentation Aids
Speech 3 due
Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
Using Persuasive Strategies
Speech 4 due
Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style
Delivering Your Speech
Speech 5 due
Appendix A: Speaking in Small Groups
Group Discussion practice
Extra Credit Speeches
Review for Final exam
Listening Activity 2 due
Final Exams begin
Given on the date and time specified by the official exam
schedule.
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SPCH 1315
Course Syllabi
Spring 2010
Contact information varies by instructor.
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