PUBLIC SPEAKING SYLLABUS
NORTH PENN HIGH SCHOOL 2015-2016
Teacher:
Email:
Mr. K. Manero
manerokj@npenn.org
Phone: 215-368-9800 Ext 4880
Room Location: K239
9th Period: K24
This syllabus is meant as a general overview of the course and may be subject to change as the semester
goes on.
Description: This course is designed to assist students in becoming better communicators. In a world of
increasing faceless and voice-free media, verbal communication skills are becoming an increasingly lost
art. However, there are many life situations that require effective verbal communication. This course will
help students understand how to execute that effective verbal communication and will enable to students
to examine why some people are more effective and others are less effective public speakers. This course
will focus on improvement in public speaking skills by examining both the how and the why of effective
public speaking.
Goals:
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Understand the need for effective public speaking skills.
Understand the process of communication in today’s world.
Use research skills in the preparation of speeches.
Improve organizational skills in the preparation and execution of speeches.
Effectively critique public speakers.
Develop public speaking skills in a positive, hands on, and practical environment.
Complete various impromptu and planned speeches across a variety of modes of speech.
Develop comfort and confidence in public specking settings.
Implement practical application of public speaking skills outside of the classroom.
Requirements: (quantity of speeches will be determined by class size)
1.
Ping-Pong Ball Baseline Speech Activity - Instructions for this speech will be given on the second
day of class.
2. Speech of Introduction
3. Commencement Speech
4. Several impromptu speeches
5. Group Presentation - Focus on Presentation Media and Skills
6. “The Interview” – Focusing on one-on-one public speaking skills
7. Persuasive Speech
8. Special Occasion Speech
9. Peer Evaluations
10. Self-Evaluations - - All speeches will be video-taped. You will complete a self evaluation after
viewing your speech.
Absences and Missed Speeches: Because of the nature of this course, regular attendance is essential. If
you are absent on days we spend researching or self-evaluating, you will have to make up that time on
your own. It is expected that if you miss any homework assignments you will access the info from my
website or by contacting me via email, and you will have those assignments the day you return.
If you are absent the day you are scheduled to speak, you will receive a zero for the speech, unless there is
a dire emergency. If you are present but not prepared to give you speech on the day it is assigned, you will
receive a zero for that speech. A class cut on the day of a speech is an automatic zero for the assignment.
In Class Conduct:
1. Please arrive to class on time.
2. Never enter a classroom while someone is giving a speech.
3. Turn off all cell phones.
4. Remember, you will all be speaking at some point – so when it comes to constructive feedback/
criticism, listening skills, and respect for others - - -the golden rule is in effect.
Tentative Course Outline (Semester Course) - - SUBJECT TO CHANGE – (It’s your class and your learning, so
you may dictate some changes to this progression)
Week 1:
Week 2:
Introductory Activities , Great Speeches Models and Discussion
The Building Blocks of Effective Speaking and Communication, Battling Fear and Stage
fright
Impromptus, Listening Skills, Commencement Speech
Commencement Speeches
Research Process, Impromptus
Persuasive Speech Overview
Persuasive Speeches
The Campaign Speech Process
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Week 7:
Week 8:
END OF MARKING PERIOD
Week 9:
Week 10:
Week 11:
Week 12:
Week 13:
Week 14:
Week 15:
Week 16:
Campaign Speeches
Overview of the Job Interview Process
Job Interviews
Visual Media and Presentation aids
Mini-Speech Unit
Research, planning and writing final speeches
Final Speeches
Finish Speeches and Evaluations