"Good
communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just
as hard to sleep after." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Pasadena City College
Speech 1: Fundamentals of Speech
Section: 4375
Instructor: Diana Solorzano
Email: dsolorzano3@pasadena.edu
Atl: deesolorz@hotmail.com
Office Hours: Available on request
Class Dates: T-TH
Course Textbook (optional)
 Lucas, E Stephen. The Art of Public Speaking. 11th edition.
Course Description:
Principles and practices of public speaking, speech composition, organization, audience
analysis and listening skills. Recommended proficiency in spoken English. Total of 54
hours lecture. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the communication process
through invention, organization, outlining, revision, editing and presentation.
2. Students will be able to exhibit an understanding of listening skills and audience
analysis techniques.
3. Students will be able to practice effective verbal and nonverbal delivery skills in the
context of different speaking occasions.
4. Students will be able to present and participate in public presentations that reflect
diversity in culture.
Student Performance Objectives:
1. Recognize and explain the place of rational speech in a democracy.
2. Evaluate trends in modern speech-making.
3. Demonstrate basic patterns used in public speaking - composition, organization, and
audience analysis.
4. Prepare and deliver an informative speech.
5. Prepare and deliver a persuasive speech.
6. Criticize public speeches by developing proper listening skills.
ASSIGNMENTS
SPEECH OF SELF-INTRODUCTION:
In the second week of the semester, each member of the class will be giving a 2-3 minute
speech of self-introduction. In the self-introduction speech, you will share with the class a
glimpse into your identity. Tell us about your pet peeves, astrological sign (if you’re into
that sort of stuff), fun facts, or a life changing experience. This is not biography so let’s
cut “general” information out. 5 points will be deducted for every thirty seconds the
speech is under or over time.
DEMONSTRATIVE SPEECH:
This speech allows you to call upon your own experience in order to teach the audience
how to do something. The key to organizing this speech is to take it step by step. It
should follow a chronological pattern. Also, try to impress us with something you think
would be of special value or interest. Allow yourself to be creative. For example, we
probably already know how to tie a shoe or brush our teeth! (3-4 minutes) 5 points will
be deducted for every thirty seconds the speech is under or over time.
GROUP INFORMATIVE ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES:
1) Gather into groups of 3-6 based on one of the following criteria: shared academic
interest or professional/career interest. An example of an academic interest would be
biology or humanities. An example of professional/career interest would be nursing or
public relations.
2) As a group develop a presentation that surveys the various professional positions that
would be available within that academic or career field. For example, if Group A shared
an academic interest of chemistry, they could present on careers in forensic science,
pharmaceuticals, and chemical engineering. If Group B shared a professional interest in
law enforcement, they could present on careers in criminal law, drug enforcement, and
immigration and customs.
3) Each member of the group must speak for a minimum of 4 and no more than 6
minutes. Thus, a 3-person group would present a 12-18 minute presentation. A 4-person
group would be 16-24 minutes etc. The speaking time of a group member does not have
to be all at once, but it must be as equally shared as possible.
4) A minimum of 3 research sources per group member must be used and integrated into
the presentation. Thus, a 3-person group would require 9 sources, a 4-person group 12
sources etc.
5) A minimum of 1 presentation aid per group member must be incorporated into the
presentation that relates to the professional position they are discussing. Students are
encouraged to use media for their presentation aids such as PowerPoint or Prezi, however
other methods such as objects, audio, or traditional poster-images are acceptable.
6) Group presentations will utilize and execute the basic introduction-body-conclusion
format.
7) An outline will be submitted to your instructor on the day of the presentation.
Additionally, a properly formatted bibliography (using APA) should be attached.
8) Group members will submit an evaluation of the overall experience. This is a chance
for each group member to evaluate the other members and assess their overall
contribution to the assignment.
9) A minimum of 1 week before the presentation deadline, groups will check in twice
with their instructor for a progress check-up. In one meeting each group member will
present a folder of his/her research contribution. This material should be printed up in full
for the instructor to review and approve. The second check in will be to submit a rough
draft of the groups presentation outline including bibliography. The rough draft must be
typed.
GRADING CRITERIA
The better speech (meaning: one which will earn an “A”) will adhere to the following
elements:
 Has a strong introduction, conclusion, and an effectively organized body.
 Is adequately researched with information coming from credible sources.
 Incorporates presentational aids that enhance the understanding of the group’s
topic area.
 Is not memorized, but practices an extemporaneous style of speaking
 Will not pull from a text that slanders, libels, insults, degrades or in any way
marginalizes members from a particular race, creed, religion, or sex.
 Has been practiced so that speakers are not stumbling, stopping & starting etc.
Cohesion and comprehension are the keys to this assignment. The successful group is one
that is able to articulate topic material in accessible manner, is organized, and has a clear
theme that focuses the exploration of potential careers as they relate to a particular
academic field of professional area. The group will receive one score that applies to all
members.
PERSUASIVE SPEECH:
Each member of the class will be performing a 5-8 minute persuasive speech. 10 points
will be deducted for every thirty seconds the speech is under or over time.
As with the informative speech, an outline is due at the beginning of the class period in
which you are due to speak. The guidelines concerning the outline for the informative
speech apply for the persuasive speech as well. Remember that the outline is worth 25
points. Guidelines for this assignment will be posted on MyPortal.
GRADING:
Assignment
Possible Points
Your Points
Self-Introduction
Demonstrative
Group Informative
Persuasive
Outline
Final Exam
25
50
75 + 25 (Outline)
100
20
50
Course Policies
Interruptions
Please avoid the use of phone and other electronic devices during lecture or presentations.
If you absolutely MUST make/take a phone call, please leave the classroom quietly and
continue outside. All devices must be on silent.
Special Needs
If you have special needs (such as learning or physical disabilities) then see me as soon as
possible so that arrangements can be made to accommodate you.
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism is generally defined as the act of using someone else’s ideas, words, or
organization without giving them due credit. Any student caught plagiarizing material
will be prosecuted to the full extent of the college’s guidelines. (Please see the student
handbook). You must clearly distinguish your ideas and words from the work of others.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
1. If you have a SERIOUS problem that can be properly and timely documented/verified
and that keeps you from presenting a speech assignment on time, please contact me
immediately. I will determine if the seriousness of your problem warrants an exception to
the late assignment rule. There are NO make-ups for outlines or the research assignment.
These assignments MUST be submitted on time.
2. Attendance on speech dates: Everyone deserves an audience. Failure to be present will
result in a reduction of points for that assignment (commonly a letter grade). Please be
prepared to show proper documentation.
3. Be a respectful audience member. That means putting all electronic devices away
during presentations and lectures.
Class Schedule: *subject to change
Date
Readings/Assignments
Week One: 8/26 -28
Introductions, CH 1 & 2/ Self-Intro Speech Due
Week Two: 9/2 - 4
CH 4, 5, 6/ Demonstration Speech Assigned.
Week Three: 9/9 -11
Informative Assigned
Demonstration Speech Due/ CH 7, 8, 14 Group
Week Four: 9/16 - 18
Rough Drafts Due
Career Orientation / Peer Workshop: Outline
Week Five: 9/23 – 25
INFO G1/ INFO G2
Week Six: 9/30 -10/01
CH 15 & 16 Persuasive Assigned / CH 12 & 13
Week Seven: 10/7 – 9
PERS G1/ PERS G2
Week Eight: 10/14 – 16
FINAL REVIEW / FINAL EXAM