Barrington High School
Rhetorical Expressions: Speech 2015
Mr. Brian Denesha
e-mail: bdenesha@barrington220.org
6th Per E353
Phone: (847) 842-3200 ext 5098
Conference period: 8th Period or by appointment
Office: C-376
Welcome to Speech! I am excited to have the opportunity to work with each of you
this semester while helping you explore the various elements of speech and giving you
the opportunity to challenge yourselves academically. This semester we will focus on
the fundamentals of public speaking and presentation, while strengthening our skills as
strong communicators and performers. It is my goal to help you become confident
readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers; while continually providing you with
assignments and activities that will hold your interest and prove to be academically
rewarding.
Essential Questions for the Semester:




How do we present information so that we clearly communicate our message?
How does audience impact the receiving and presenting of our message?
What makes a powerful speaker?
How can we use communication to impact change?
Materials:
Class handouts, loose-leaf paper/notebook, and one folder (specifically for this speech class), a
pen or pencil, a highlighter, and note cards.
Classroom Expectations:




Respect your teachers, staff, peers, classroom, school, and self. Be courteous.
Take responsibility for your words, actions, and decisions.
Participate frequently. Listen and ask questions.
Challenge yourself.
Speeches For The Semester May Include:
Partner Introduction
Me Bag- Personal Introduction
Informative
Great Speech Analysis
Persuasive
Pet Peeve
Impromptu
Demonstration
Ad Campaign
Literary Interpretation
Classroom Practices:
Punctuality- Be on time to class. Not being in the class when the bell rings will result in being
marked “tardy.” Our classroom policy on being tardy follows that addressed in your student
handbook. Three tardy marks will result in a “tardy probation” and a detention.
Restroom- Please use passing periods to go to the restroom and get a drink of water. If you
feel that you need to do so during class ask without being disruptive.
Food- No food can be consumed in the classroom seeing as it often poses a distraction to
those speaking or presenting.
Materials-All the above listed materials and handouts passed out during class should be
brought to class each day unless otherwise specified.
Computer Time- It is expected that students use their computers appropriately. This includes
quietly researching, conferencing with the teacher, and accessing websites that are necessary
to their presentation/speech. Any student choosing to visit inappropriate sites, or interfere with
others completing their work, will lose their computer privileges and will have to complete their
work outside of class.
Homework- Late Work and Missed Homework-Late Work- Any work that is not turned at the beginning of class, or whenever it is requested,
is considered late. Class assignments, homework, or speeches that are late must be turned in or
presented the following day to receive partial credit. Work not turned in on the second day will
be marked as a ZERO. Your homework is your responsibility; make sure you get it done on
time. Not doing homework is the easiest way to lower your grade and possibly fail the semester.
-Missed Work- Students will be allowed to make up any work that is missed due to sickness or
other excused absences. It is the responsibility of the student to ask for any missed work upon
return to class. Do not expect me to track you down to make sure that you have your missed
work. This is YOUR job & responsibility as the student.
Tardy and Absence Policy-The class will follow any and all School based Attendance policies. The bottom line is that you
cannot learn if you are not in school. Be on time and ready to learn and this will not be an issue.
If you must enter the room tardy, please respect the learning environment and get situated
quickly so as to not miss further instruction. Our time together is of the utmost importance.
Grades:
Students will be assessed using a variety of means including writing assignments, tests,
quizzes, homework, research preparation, speeches, and class participation.
Semester Work = 85%
Final Exam = 15%
A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=59 and below
“What we say is important…for in most cases the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
-Jim Beggs
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson