Course Syllabus: ENG-110 Oral Communication; Sections (02), (03), (05); 108 Jewett
Text: Public Speaking for College and Career 10th edition by Hamilton Gregory
Inclusive Dates: Monday January 13 through Wednesday May 7 or Friday May 9
Instructor: Carol Ann Olsen, MA, Adjunct Instructor
Phone: (207) 799-7740
E-mail: smccspeech@gmail.com
Course Description: This course in public speaking includes organization of speech materials, practice of
oral reading, presentations of informal talks and formal speeches, interviewing, and group work as well as
interpersonal communication if time permits.
Course Goals: To increase students’ understanding of the different types of communication, and to
improve their ability to communicate in different situations.
Course Objectives: Depending on class size and term length, upon successful completion of this course,
students will be able to:
A. Speak before an audience in a variety of speaking situations.
B. Listen actively to other speakers.
C. Actively participate in group discussions, decision-making, and consensus.
D. Select a topic, research it, and organize a speech.
E. Examine audience analysis and demonstrate its importance.
F. Improve their interpersonal communication skills through role-playing and empathic listening if time
is available.
G. Identify different forms of non-verbal communication.
H. Understand intrapersonal communication and its importance.
Course Outline: Chapters will not be covered in chronological order
Part 1: Foundations of Effective Communication: Introduction, Managing Nervousness, and
Listening (Chapters 1 – 3)
Part 2: Developing a Focus: Reaching the Audience, and Selecting the Topic * Purpose * Central Idea
(Chapters 4 & 5)
Part 3: Preparing Content: Finding Information, Evaluating Information and Avoiding Plagiarism,
Supporting Ideas, and Presentation Aids (Chapters 6 – 9)
Part 4: Organizing the Speech: Body of the Speech, Introductions and Conclusions, and Outlining the
Speech (Chapters 10 – 12)
Part 5: Presenting the Speech: Wording the Speech, and Delivering the Speech (Chapters 13 & 14)
Part 6: Types of Public Speaking: Speaking to Inform, Speaking to Persuade, Persuasive Strategies,
Special Types of Speeches, and Speaking in Groups (Chapters 15 – 19) and
Part 7: Interpersonal Communication, as time permits: Pre-employment Interviewing through
Information Interviews; Emotional Intelligence; Family Communication through Description,
and “I/You” messages.
Course Activities: The emphasis of this course is to relate the cognitive aspects of speech communication
to practical, daily communication experiences. Students will participate in a variety of formal and informal
speaking situations, such as giving instructions, delivering informative and persuasive speeches, and
anecdotal short talks. Interviewing, small group, and organizational communication will also be studied as
well as exercises in role-playing interpersonal situations as time permits. Dates of assignments and when
they are due are found on the course schedule.
Feedback: Written feedback that is anonymous, dated, and timed is requested at the end of each class to
assist the teacher in weekly class development, and to be sure there is good understanding of the
assignments. This feedback will be published with written comments from the instructor and returned the
following class session.
(over)
-2
Course Grading and Requirements:
Speeches: students will complete all speeches assigned during term and turn
the speeches in with notes/outlines.
Textbook knowledge: students will demonstrate knowledge of their reading
through their speeches, class oral and group activities, and assigned text questions
which may be submitted electronically, no attachments.
Attendance: students will arrive to class on time, and legibly sign the attendance
sheet; signing the attendance sheet is proof that the student was in class.
Effort: students will assume responsibility for attending classes on time;
speaking with the instructor regarding make up speeches/class work;
completing speeches/class assignments on time without asking for extensions;
supporting peers in group work and speech delivery;
incorporating the instructor’s suggestions to make speech improvements;
submitting daily written anonymous feedback;
turning cell phones off during class to eliminate texting and electronic intrusion; and
demonstrating a positive class attitude.
50 %
25 %
15 %
10 %
The final three speeches (informative, demonstration, and persuasive) each count as a double grade. All
assignments are due on the date listed on the course schedule. Late assignments will be reduced by one
letter grade, unless the instructor has been given advanced 24 hour notice, or given permission prior to the
assigned class. Extensions without penalty must be made up at the next class session. Assignments
missed because of sickness or non-attendance must be made up at the end of the semester at the
instructor’s discretion. The instructor also reserves the right to revise the class schedule as necessary to
accommodate class cancellations, needs and interests of the class, as well as to consider unusual and/or
extenuating circumstances with regards to grading and attendance. If students receive an “unsatisfactory”
or “needs improvement” during the early warning period they must discuss the grade with the instructor.
Attendance Policy: Students are responsible for legibly signing in as proof of attendance, and for keeping
track of their absences. Attendance is required for developing good speaking, listening, and supporting
skills. Individual and group activities involve all students, whether they are in an advisory capacity or a
supportive one. Classes meeting 3/week earn 6 excused absences; 2/week earn 4. Each absence above
those limits result in -3 points subtracted from the total class average. Three absences in a row without
contacting the instructor will incur an LDA, which automatically rolls to an AF and may be expunged only
with the permission of the instructor, and by completing all work by the first class of the last week. Failure
to attend the last class to deliver 2 impromptu speeches will result in 2 zeros added to the speech average
and a -5 points subtracted from the student’s class average.
Expectations: Students are expected to attend all classes, to sign in legibly, to keep track of their
absences, and to have their work completed on time. If a problem arises students may notify the instructor
twenty-four hours in advance to receive an extension, and avoid a ten point late penalty. Only one
extension per assignment will be granted. All cell phones are to be turned off during class. If there might
be an emergency, please notify the instructor, and turn your cell phone to vibrate only. Please: do not
enter or leave the room while a student is giving a speech (unless it is an emergency); or talk while
someone is addressing the class or asking a question.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notification: SMCC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
institution and employer. For more information, please call 207-741-5798; TDD 207-741-5667. If you have
a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to SMCC’s
programs and services, you must register with the Disability Services Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, at 207741-5923. Course policies about online testing are modified to suit each individual’s accommodations.
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