Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major
course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general
description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended
readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides
institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information
specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to
enrolled students.
Course Title: Public Speaking
Course Prefix & Number: SPCH1315
SectionNumber:.404,
.406
Lecture Hours: 48
Term Code: 142S
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Course Description (NCTC Catalog):
This course focuses on the process of oral communication and its relation to communication.
Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speaking in and both individual and group formats.
Course Prerequisite(s):
Course Type:
 - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)
 - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
 - WECM Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Tiffany Messerli
Corinth 201/FLM 107
940-498-6282/ 972-899-8400
tmesserli@nctc.edu
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
Kristen Weinzapfel
Gainesville Campus
940-668-7731, Ext. 3342.
kweinzapfel@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS:
A Pocket Guide To Public Speaking, O’hair, Rubenstein, Stewart, Fourth edition
1
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded
Course
Graded Course Elements
Elements
1
Demonstration Speech
2
Group “Historical” Speech
3
Informative Speech
4
Midterm
5
Persuasive Speech
6
Special Occasion Speech
7
Attendance/Participation
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE
Percentage or
Points Values
100 points
200 points
200 points
100 points
200 points
50 points
150 points
1,000 points
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS




A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.
Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the
lower division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.
Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled
occupations, and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading
to certificates and associate degrees.
Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development
as a mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.
PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT: CORE CURRICULUM
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering quality general education curriculum in all
associate degrees by offering a core of general education courses designed to help students
achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. Acquiring knowledge, thinking critically, and
utilizing the methodologies of various disciplines exposed students to experiences that serve to
advance their personal growth. The chief focus of the General Education Core Curriculum at
NCTC is to emphasize Exemplary Educational Objectives and Basic Intellectual Competencies.
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language provides quality instruction to
students pursuing their academic and career goals.
STATEMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE EXPECTED OF NCTC GRADUATES
2
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to
help students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General
Education Core Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad
intellectual perspectives.
CORE CURRICULUM COMPONENT AREA: COMMUNICATION
The overall objective of the Communication component area is to enable the student to
communicate effectively in clear and correct prose in a style appropriate to the subject,
occasion, and audience.
COMMUNICATION: EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (EEOs)
 (C1)
To understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through
invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
 (C2)
To understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select
appropriate communication choices.
 (C3)
To understand and appropriately apply modes of expression, i.e. descriptive,
expositive, narrative, scientific, and self-expressive, in written, visual and oral
communication.
 (C4)
To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and
reflective thinking and responding.
 (C5)
To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving,
and technical proficiency in the development of exposition and argument.
 (C6)
To develop the ability to research and write a documented paper and/or to give
an oral presentation.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
EEO Student Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate the ability to present information and opinion in formal fashion to an
C1,
audience.
C2
2.
C5
Create a coherent outline.
3. Defend and support controversial ideas.
4. Demonstrate the ability to make effective contributions to a small group
discussion.
5. Report a lower level of communication apprehension.
3
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
C6
6. Integrate credible source material in support of a speech topic.
7. Compose an appropriate Works Cited using MLA format.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION
Topic
General Description of Subject Matter
Ethics
The importance of ethics in public speaking
Confidence
Tips to help improve confidence
Listening
The importance of listening
Audience Analysis
How to effectively gauge an audience
Speech topics
In-depth research tips
Support and Evidence
How to effectively use verbal supports and credible
evidence
Delivery
All aspects including language and performance
Visual aids
How to effectively include visual aids to aid audience
understanding
BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES FOR THIS COURSE
 READING – Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety
of printed materials – books, articles and documents. A core curriculum should offer
student the opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and
specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
 WRITING – Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent
prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling,
and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they do not automatically
ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of anything to
say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic
and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These
abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.
 SPEAKING – Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent,
and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this
competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through
experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the
media.
4
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
 LISTENING – Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various
forms of spoken communication.
 CRITICAL THINKING – Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and
quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate
arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the
applications of critical thinking, used to address an identified task.
 COMPUTER LITERACY – Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use
computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring
information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems,
and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools necessary
to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.
Last day to Withdraw April 9, 2015
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states
that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the
contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student
conduct. These rules and regulations are published in the Student
Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog. All
students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted
authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and
regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a
test, plagiarism, and collusion.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Disability Services (OSD)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a
documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville
Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and
online campuses should call 940-668-4209.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal
opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments
Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 935
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
112). http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx
Support Services
Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as
College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and
College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style
Strategies, Career Exploration), and much
more. http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx
Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7
online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing
computer lab services for prospective students. First generation students can also participate
in TRIOwhich offers specialized support services.
http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx
Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more
information. http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx
Early Alert/CARES
The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or
withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing
assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic
performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then
contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing
your course successfully.
The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which
may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such
as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a
student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the
safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an email to CARESTeam@nctc.edu. As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or
welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students
who need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to
complete a FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
Tobacco-Free Campus: NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes
cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use
influences underage students which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with
assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco
6
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is
available for students, faculty, staff who wish to
stop using tobacco products. We would
like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or
concerns please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940.668.4240.
Attendance Policy
Public speaking is a transactional process requiring both speakers and
listeners. The only way a speaker can improve presentational skills is
through the presence of an engaged, attentive audience who is willing
to offer constructive feedback. Attendance on speech days is crucial.
It is extremely important for you to be here every class period.
However, I realize that some unforeseen circumstances may arise that
might make it impossible for you to attend class. Therefore, you may
miss up to 5 classes without direct penalty. You are responsible for any
work missed and you are subject to deductions should you miss a
discussion. On your sixth absence your grade will drop by one
letter grade. On your seventh absence you will receive an F.
* NOTE:
I will pass around a sign-up sheet well in advance of the speech dates.
Be prepared to speak when your name is called. If you are unable to
speak on your assigned date you will receive a 50 point deduction. If you
miss a speech entirely you will receive a zero.
Plagiarism:
If you choose to plagiarize any portion of your speech you will receive an
automatic zero and may be turned into the College Dean at my
discretion.
Cell Phone Policy: Please turn all cell phones to vibrate/silent upon entering class. If you
choose to text, etc. while in class you will be asked to leave.
***Please be prepared to speak in front of a camera as I will be
videotaping each of your speeches. This is a reference tool should I
have any questions about a speech. The video will be viewed only by
me and you will have the opportunity to receive a digital copy of each
of your speeches. You will need to bring in a labeled thumb drive if you
feel that you want to see your speeches. This can be a valuable tool
when preparing for your next speech. However, this is NOT a
requirement.
WARREN BUFFET ON WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD STUDY:
“Do anything you can to improve your own skills – you never know
when it is going to pay off later on.” The one diploma Buffet has
7
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
hanging on his wall is from a Dale Carnegie course on public speaking.
Communication skills are what he most recommends developing.
(Dallas Morning News, 5/31/11)
Tentative Course Calendar
Jan 21:
Syllabus, Instructor intro, student intros (LO 1, 4)
Jan 23:
Icebreaker exercises (LO 1, 4)
Jan 26:
Guidelines for Demo Speeches, Discussion (LO 2, 5, 4)
Jan 28:
Listening, Listening exercises (LO 4)
Jan 30:
Audience Analysis
Feb 2:
Work on Demo Speeches (LO 1-7)
Feb 4:
Demonstration speeches (LO 1-7)
Feb 6:
Demonstration Speeches (LO 1-7)
Feb 9:
Demo Speeches Cont.
Feb 11:
Group activity (LO 1-6)
Feb 13:
Controversial Topics (LO 2-6)
Feb 16:
In depth Research Tips for Speech Topics (LO 1-7)
Feb 18:
Use of Support and Evidence
Feb 20:
Group Activity (LO 1-6)
(LO 4)
(LO 1-7)
8
(LO 3, 6)
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
Feb 23:
Delivery, Language and Performance
Feb 25:
Historical Speech Discussion
Feb 27:
Group Work
(4, 5)
Mar 2:
Group Work
(LO 4,5)
Mar 4:
Group Speech Presentation
(LO 1-7)
Mar 6:
Group Speeches Cont.
(LO 1-7)
Mar 9:
Controversial topic discussion (LO 1-7)
Mar 11:
Midterm (LO 1, 3, 6)
Mar 13:
Midterm Cont.
(LO 1, 4, 6)
Mar 16, 18, 20: SPRING BREAK
Mar 23:
Outlining lecture
(LO 1)
Mar 25:
Intro to informative speeches (LO 1-7
Mar 27:
Inform Speech practice.
Mar 30:
Informative Speech Practice
Apr 1:
Informative Speeches (LO 1-7)
Apr 3:
Informative Speeches
Apr 6:
Informative Speeches
Apr 8:
Informative Speeches
9
(LO 5)
(LO 1-7)
(LO 1-7)
Speech 1315.404, .405, .406
Apr 10:
Controversial Topics (LO 1-6)
Apr 13:
Intro to Persuasion (LO 1-7)
Apr 15:
Persuasive videos
Apr 17:
Persuasive videos cont.
Apr 20:
Persuasion Cont.
Apr 22:
Persuasive Activity (LO 1-6)
Apr 24:
Controversial Topics
(LO 1-6)
Apr 27:
Persuasive Speeches
(LO 1-7)
Apr 29:
Persuasive speeches cont.
May 1:
Persuasive Speeches Cont.
May 4:
Persuasive Speeches Cont.
May 6:
Persuasive Speeches, Cont.
May 8:
Persuasive Speeches, Cont.
(LO 3)
(LO 3)
(LO 1-7)
May 13: Finals week: Special Occasion Speeches, Make-ups
10