Fall 2015
MWF 1:05PM – 1:55PM
HU2830
Intro to Speech
Communication
Instructor: Jessica Lauer
E-Mail: jlauer@mtu.edu
Office: Walker 331
Office Hours: M/W 2-3PM
Overview
Required Text
This class is designed to explore the major concepts and social
expectations of presentational speaking. Many of the class sessions will
be devoted to exploring ideas and practicing speaking skills so your
participation is crucial.
The Art of Public Speaking 12th
ed., Stephen E. Lucas
Goals
Assignments + Evaluation
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Understand the basis for speech anxieties
Recognize elements of speech construction and delivery
Identify strategies of audience adaptation and argumentation
Develop critical perspectives and multiple approaches to
public speaking
General Education Goal 5: Second Course in Communication;
course assignments will address the rubrics for oral
communication
Class Policies
Attendance: Your attendance is mandatory. If you do miss more than
two classes, 10 points for each additional missed day will be deducted
from your final score in the class.
Introduction Speech (25 points)
Pecha Kucha Speech (75 points)
Informative Speech (125 points)
Invitational Speech (150 points)
Chapter Quizzes (5 points each)
3 Self Evaluations (5 points each)
2 Peer Evaluations (10 points each)
Class Activities (total of 20 points)
Late Work: You will not be permitted to make up any missed in-class
activities, presentations, or peer evaluations. Presentations and
evaluations will only be re-scheduled in advance if there is a conflict.
Missed speeches will automatically receive a failing grade.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be reported to the Dean of
Students. You are expected to write your own original speeches for this
class, and cite your sources.
All speeches will be video recorded. Recording speeches gives the
instructor a record of your performance to help to assess your
development as a speaker. Video files will be uploaded to Canvas for
peer review, and only members of the class will have access to
viewing the videos.
Intro to Speech Communication
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Assignment Descriptions
Introduction Speech
(2 -3 minutes) Tell a story about yourself so others get to know you a
little bit better. This assignment asks you to tell one of your favorite
stories from your personal history.
Pecha Kucha
(6:40) Each presentation consists of 20 slides at 20 seconds each, with
the slides advancing automatically. Instead of being text intensive,
your slides should be image intensive.
Informative Speech
(10-12 minutes) Teach your classmates about an important aspect of
your culture, heritage, or an area of expertise. Conduct audience
research and analysis to help prepare the appropriate information,
include visual support. (No weapons allowed for this presentation)
Invitational Speech
Presenter will use “invitational” methods of delivery to present a
position statement as a way to facilitate discussion with a small group.
Each discussion leader will have 20 – 25 minutes for presenting and
discussing.
Self Evaluations
After each speech you will reflect on your own presentation. Selfevaluations will be done on Canvas: go to Canvas, watch the video
of your own speech, and respond to the prompts given by your
instructor for each speech.
Peer Evaluations (Immediate and Delayed Feedback)
One speech days you will be required to assess others student
presentations. You will be responsible for offering immediate
feedback (in class), and delayed feedback (on Canvas). A sign up
sheet for peer feedback will available the first week of class.
Intro to Speech Communication
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Participation
Cell phones must be turned to silent during class. Do not text. If you
are using you phone during class, you will be marked absent for
the day.
Be respectful to your classmates as we practice public speaking
and listening together.
MTU Policies
Discrimination and Harassment
Academic Integrity
Intro to Speech Communication
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