Objective: SPC1608 presents principles of oral communication common to speaking and listening. Emphasis is on listening techniques and on preparation and delivery techniques for extemporaneous speaking:
 Understand the process of oral communication and the roles of sender and receiver;

Refine abilities to prepare and deliver messages appropriate to the topic, purpose and audience addressed;
 Refine ability to listen with literal and critical comprehension.
Instructor: Melissa Johnson
E-mail: mjohnson242@valenciacollege.edu
Phone Number: (407) 582-5812
Office Location: 1-245
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8:30 – 10:00 am
Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 – 11:30 am; 1:00 – 2:15pm (virtual)
Friday 9:00 – 11:00am
Expectations for e-mail: When you send an e-mail, remember to include your full name as well as the day and time you have class. Use capital and lowercase letters, correct punctuation, and good grammar. All email will be answered so if you do not receive a reply within 24 hours, assume that you should resend.
Required Text: Dan O’Hair (2013). A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking, Fourth Edition.
Boston, MA: Bedford St Martins. ISBN 978-1-4576-0190-3
USB drive for speech work Materials:
Grading Scale: A= 90 to 100 B= 80 to 89 C= 70 to 79 D= 60 to 69 F= 0 to 59
Meeting Objectives:

Speeches: 40% (100 points each x 4 speeches)
 Tests: 30% (100 points each x 3 tests)

Self and Peer Evaluations: 15% (50 points each x 3 evaluations)

Class Activities/homework assignments: 10% (100 points)
 Electronics and discussion participation (includes attendance) courtesy: 5% (50 points)
Total Possible Points: 1000 points
Important Note: Regardless of scores on individual assignments, you must complete at least three of all major speech assignments to be considered for a passing grade of C.

Specific learning outcomes:
1.
Refine ability to set speaking goal and appropriate thesis;
2.
Make choices appropriate to context and audience;
3.
Manage time;
4.
Research and document ideas;
5.
Evaluate information sources;
6.
Organize message in an effective manner and reflect the plan on an outline;
7.
Use language effectively;
8.
Use presentation aids to support audience comprehension;
9.
Use appropriate strategies to appeal to audience reasoning;
10.
Use a natural, conversational style of delivery;
11.
Refine ability to listen critically to a speaker’s message – which includes considering the logic and appropriateness to context. This also includes understanding the distinctions between informative and persuasive speaking.
Core Competencies:
Valencia faculty has defined four interrelated competencies that prepare students to succeed in the world community. In this course, through classroom lecture and discussion, group work and other learning activities, you will further develop your mastery of these core competencies:
 Value: make reasoned value judgments and reasonable commitments

Think: clearly, critically, and creatively. Analyze, synthesize, integrate and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry

Communicate: with varied audiences using varied means

Act: purposefully, reflectively and responsibly
Expectations for written assignments:
1.
Turning in assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period
Please turn it in to the professor at this time.
2.
If you e-mail assignments to the address on this syllabus, you must include your full name as well as your class day and time. DO NOT submit your work through
Blackboard. Grades for work submitted through e-mail will be returned through e-mail. I typically do this during morning hours.
3.
Assignments (such as speech outlines) completed out of class are to be TYPED on standard 8 ½ by 11” paper.
4.
Work completed in class should be legible. If it is not legible, it will not be graded.
Although you will be allowed to resubmit these non-graded assignments within 7 days, they will be subject to a 30% penalty.

Expectations for electronics and participation courtesy: If you choose to attend class, then you must do your best to maintain the learning atmosphere of the class. Work with people in the classroom – not outside the classroom!
1.
Again, participation requires good listening and a sincere effort to process what other people are saying. Please focus on the discussion and do your best to share your own view. When speaking, project your voice so everyone involved may hear.
2.
No matter what we are doing – lecture, group activity, etc. – you may NOT text or otherwise use your cell phone.
3.
You will be asked to turn off your laptop if you choose to do anything other than take notes.
4.
All other electronic devices are a distraction. Leave them completely out of sight.
5.
In the event of an emergency, STEP OUT IN THE HALL to deal with the message.
Expectation for class activities and discussion:
1.
Take notes. If you need instruction on a good note-taking style, please let me know and I will be happy to help you. Taking notes will be very helpful for you. Please study these notes before you return to class.
2.
DO NOT take pictures with your phones; write information down instead.
3.
The expectation for this class is that EVERY STUDENT will ask and answer questions.
This course is your opportunity to become a good communicator, so don’t hold back.
Even if it doesn’t come to you naturally at first, by the end of the semester our efforts will pay off.
4.
Participation requires good listening and a sincere effort to process what other people are saying. Please focus on the discussion and do your best to share your own view.
5.
Class discussion is crucial for the understanding of the concepts. Think of your attendance as proof of your engagement and commitment to this class.
6.
Keep in mind that we will do a lot of group work and do not fall victim to distractions.
For example, do not take out your phone or work for other classes. You will be asked to
leave. Most importantly, you can learn from each other only if you listen to each other.
7.
Please follow the guidelines for good group participation that will be provided in class.
Late Assignments:
1.
All of the assigned readings must be completed BEFORE you get to class (see the course calendar). This will help you to participate in the activities and discusssions.
2.
How to turn in late assignments: You may submit your late assignment to the instructor or e-mail it to the professor at the address listed on this syllabus.
3.
A missed test can only be taken on make-up day. Please check the course calendar for the specific date.
4.
Written evaluations and homework assignments will only be accepted up to seven days late. Please note that any late assignment is subject to a 30% penalty.

5.
Only one speech may be delivered late and only on Make-Up Day (see policy) and is subject to a 25% penalty. Unless you are ON TIME to Make-Up Day, you will not be allowed to make up the speech. There are no make ups for speech four.
Blackboard: Check Blackboard for any announcements, prior to coming to class. Your updated grades will also be posted on Blackboard.
24 hour Grade Dispute Policy: Students who wish to discuss any of their grades should contact the instructor within 24 hours of grades availability. Do not wait until the end of the semester to question grades or request special considerations. After the twenty-four hour mark ALL grades are final.
Attendance:
1.
You will not be dropped from class for low attendance, unless you request it;
2.
However, poor attendance will affect your grade for the semester. After 3 absences/tardies, you will lose 5 points for every absence and 2 points for every tardy.
This will come out of the 50 points allotted in the discussion and attendance courtesy.
3.
You are expected to keep attendance by signing the attendance sheet during each class.
You may not sign this sheet once the class has ended.
4.
A total of three tardies/absences will be accepted for the semester. After this, 5 points will be deducted from your attendance courtesy grade for each tardy and/or absence.
Expectations for tests: Tests are scheduled and listed on the Course Calendar. You’ll want to study your class lecture notes, handouts, and assignments related to the quiz topics.
1.
Only one test may be made up and only on make-up day (see course calendar).
2.
Tests will always be taken at the beginning of the class and will be completed within
30 minutes, so please be on time or you may not be allowed to finish.
3.
During tests you may not communicate with anyone else in the class, you may not use electronic devices, and you may not have out any of our class materials. Doing any of these things may result in a zero for your score.
4.
Please read the directions provided on the test.
Expectations for speeches:
1.
Speeches are due when they are due (see the calendar.) You will be given a sign-up sheet to choose your speaking position but once you choose this position it will be
“locked in.” If you are absent on the day of sign- up, you will have to take whatever positions are left.
2.
Special scheduling: Whether it is a speech or a test, if you know at least two weeks ahead of time that you will be unable to be in class for an acceptable reason, then we can “resechedule.” This is simply normal professional practice. However, the final test/speech will not be rescheduled.

3.
Recording: Please note that the professor will make a recording of a speech so that you can evaluate your delivery and connection with the audience. You will need to bring a jump drive to class for this purpose. Only the professor and you will see this recording.
4.
One speech make up: You may make up ONE missed speech on Make-Up Day (see calendar). This will result in a 25 point reduction on the speech grade unless you have acceptable documentation that clearly indicates you were unable to deliver the speech at the scheduled time. Acceptable documentation includes physician’s note, paperwork indicating a court-related activity, funeral notices, and other documentation of this caliber. Parents: If you need to stay home with your child on speech day, that’s understandable but please bring documentation from the child’s pediatrician. a.
The final speech of the semester must be delivered on time or you will receive a zero (no make-ups). b.
Note: Car problems, including accidents that did not occur at the time of the speech, are not acceptable excuses for missing a speech. Documentation is necessary.
5.
Be on time for speeches: Students who are late by more than 10 minutes to the class on the day they are to present their speeches will receive a 10 point deduction on their grade. The same goes for students who leave early.
No Show Policy: It is assumed that a student who has not attended the first two classes of the course is a “no show” and will be dropped from the roll.
Withdrawal Policy: The withdrawal deadline is November 13, 2015. You may withdraw yourself from the course until that date. However, consider speaking with the instructor about your options before withdrawing. Please note that the instructor will NOT withdraw you for absences without your consent.
Speech Communication Department Academic Honesty Policy:
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism (purposeful and accidental), cheating, furnishing false information forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All speeches and assignments must be your original work. Any sources used in any assignment must be properly cited (this includes both direct quotes as well as information that you synthesize and report in your own words). Consequences according to Valencia Policies and
Procedures include:
( http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=193&volumeID_1=8&n avst=0
1.
Failure of the assignment
2.
Failure of the course

3.
Being reported to the Dean of Communication which may result in expulsion from the college
Students with Disabilities: “Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accomodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determine accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (SSB 102, ext.1523).”
Syllabus Disclaimer: Having read and gone over this syllabus and by remaining enrolled in the course, you are entering into a contract to complete the course requirements and respect classroom policies. The above information, as well as the course calendar, is subject to written or verbal change at the discretion of the professor. Changes made to course requirements or the course schedule will be announced in class.
Part of exercising the Act Core Competency at Valencia is taking full responsibility for yourself and for your work. Communication with your instructor is of the utmost importance should you encounter personal issues, computer problems, or health problems that prevent your regular attendance or timely work. I am happy and eager to help you succeed in this course, but ultimately you and only you are responsible for your success in this course.

Week 1
08/31 – 09/04
Week 2
09/07 – 09/11
Week 3
09/14 – 09/18
Week 4
09/21 – 09/25
Week 5
09/28 -10/02
Week 6
10/05 – 10/09
Week 7
10/12 – 10/16
Week 8
10/19 – 10/23
Week 9
10/26 – 10/30
Week 10
11/02 – 11/06
Week 11
11/09 – 11/13
Week 12
11/16 – 11/20
Week 13
11/24 – 11/27
Week 14
11/30 – 12/04
Week 15
12/07 – 12/11
Week 16
12/14 – 12/18
Course Introduction
Labor Day (No Monday Class)
Speech Anxiety
Methods of Delivery
SPEECH 1 –
Introductory /Career Speech
Sources
Special Occasion Speeches
Outlining Your Speech
Test #1
SPEECH 2 –
Special Occasion Speech
Informative Speech
Choosing your Topic
S P R I N G
B R E A K
Supporting Material
Introductions/Conclusions
Test #2
SPEECH 3 –
Informative Speech
Thanksgiving Break
(No Classes Wed/Thurs/Fri)
Persuasive Speaking
Using PowerPoint
Test #3
Make – Up Speech Day
SPEECH 4 –
Persuasive Speech
Self-assessment due
(From O’Hair, Dan, Hanna Rubenstein, and
Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public
Speaking. 4 th Edition)
Read Chapter 1: Becoming A Public Speaker
Read Chapter 2: From A to Z: Overview of a Speech
Read Chapter 3: Managing Speech Anxiety
Read Chapter 17: Methods of Delivery
Read Chapter 5: Listening
Read Chapter 12: Organizing the Speech
Read Chapter 10: Credible Sources on the Internet
Read Chapter 11: Citing Sources
Read Chapter 25: Special Occasion Speeches
Read Chapter 14: Outlining
Read Chapter 6: Audience Analysis
Read Chapter 23: Informative Speaking
Read Chapter 7: Topic and Purpose
Read Chapter 8: Supporting Material
Read Chapter 15: Intros and Conclusion
Read Chapter 24: Persuasive Speaking
Read Chapter 22: Microsoft PowerPoint