NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
“We grow, and as we grow we must find new and better ways to express ourselves.” HLP
Department: Language & Developmental Studies
Instructor: Tia Madison
Telephone: 259-8963
Email: tmadison@napavalley.edu
Office: Room 865, building, 800
Office Hours: M 11-12; T 3-4; W 2-4; TH 3-4
Required Text:
Ronald Adler & Jeanne Elmhorst, Communicating at Work.
Description: In this course you will improve your communication skills in the workplace. This
course will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the research and theory of
communication, and to practice the skills necessary for effective communication in an
organizational setting.
Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:
 Utilize critical thinking skills and an understanding of interpersonal dynamics to
effectively communicate verbally and nonverbally in the workplace.
 Create effective resumes and demonstrate interviewing proficiency.
 Demonstrate effective leadership, decision-making, problem-solving and conflict
resolution skills.
You Need:
 The Textbook
 Two (2) Scantron Forms & #2 Pencils for exams
 3x5 index cards
 Portfolio (1 per group)
 3 sheets of résumé paper
 An Open Mind
Attendance & Participation: Attendance, promptness, and positive participation are absolutely
crucial in this class. You must attend every class and arrive on time. Your classmates depend
and need your feedback. A safe and supportive atmosphere is mandatory to craft an exciting
and productive semester. To get the most out of this course, show up on time with a positive
attitude, and ready to work. All presentation assessments depend upon the students’
achievement, rather than effort. It is the responsibility of the student to come to class prepared.
You should read your text, complete your assignments, and read your syllabus.
Course Standards: Napa Valley College is committed to providing access to education for
students with disabilities. If you have a disability or medical condition that requires
accommodation, please see me as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.
Students in need of accommodations in the college learning environment:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a
learning disability should contact Learning Services in the Library and Learning
Resource Center (LLRC), room 1766, phone (707) 256-7442. A Learning Disability
Specialist will review your needs and determine appropriate accommodations.
If you need accommodations for physical or other types of disabilities, schedule an
appointment with DSPS Counselor, Sheryl Fernandez, in the Counseling Department
located in the 1300 building, phone (707) 256-7220 for appointment. All information and
documentation is confidential. Please feel encouraged to make an appointment with me
privately to discuss your specific learning needs in my class.
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NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
Visit the class webpage~ http://www.napavalley.edu/people/tmadison/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Classroom Conduct
 Turn off all pagers, cell phones, and any other gadgets that ring or buzz before entering
the classroom.
 If you are tardy to class on a presentation day, and someone is giving a presentation,
please wait outside the classroom until the speech is completed.
 Plagiarism/Cheating: Napa Valley College trusts each student to maintain high
standards of honesty and ethical behavior. All assignments submitted are required to be
the student’s own work.
In this course your writing, organization, and grammar are skills that are very important. If you
need assistance in improving your skill Napa Valley College’s Writing Center can help.
The Writing Center can:
 Help you with all stages of the writing process
 Individually tailor assignments to meet your specific writing needs
 Help you improve your grammar
 Help you generate, develop, and organize your ideas
 Let you know if you are communicating your ideas clearly
 Help you develop editing skills so you can correct your own papers
The Writing Center will not:
 Tell you what to write
 Write your paper for you
 Predict a grade on a paper
 Edit or proofread your papers for you
In the Writing Center you can sign up for a half-hour appointment. Appointments must be made
or changed in person, Room 1027, Building 1000A. Be sure to come on time; if you are ten
minutes late (or more), the appointment will be cancelled.
Policy for grades/assignment return: I will not post grades. All of your assignments will be
returned to you. So keep track of your progress.
Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will become available throughout the semester.
Assignments
 All reading assignments are listed in the syllabus and must be read prior to class.
 All written assignments must be typed, and will be evaluated based on content, and
organization.
 All papers should include a title page, including author’s name, class, and instructor’s
name.
 Proofread all papers. Papers filled with spelling or grammatical errors will result in
the rejection of your paper or partial credit.
 I do not accept late assignments unless arranged individually prior to due date. Late
assignments will receive a 10-point grade reduction for each day late. Late assignments
will not be accepted (3) three days after due date.
Exams: Exams cannot be taken late without a valid reason approved by the instructor. There
will be two (2) exams.
2
NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
“We grow, and as we grow we must find new and better ways to express ourselves.” HLP
Department: Language & Developmental Studies
Instructor: Tia Madison
Telephone: 259-8963
Email: tmadison@napavalley.edu
Office: Room 865, building, 800
Office Hours: M 11-12; T 3-4; W 2-4; TH 3-4
Introduction Speech (Individual Assignment)
Express yourself! Who are you? What are your likes and dislikes? You have two minutes to
introduce yourself to the class. What are the important details of your life that you would like to
share?
Assignment Style: Informal Oral Presentation (in circle seated)
Written Requirements: NONE
Presentation Aides: Not Required
Cultural Cuisine (Individual Assignment)
In the workplace, as well as the classroom, we will work and communicate with people of
diverse backgrounds. You will be required to examine your culture and the cultures of your
classmates. During the cultural cuisine we will explore differences, similarities, stereotypes, and
superstitions. Bring a dish from your culture. Bring enough to share with the class.
Assignment Style: Informal Oral Presentation
Written Requirements: Cultural Cuisine Questionnaire (provided)
Presentation Aides: A food or beverage from culture.
Dream Job Interview Package (Individual Assignment)
This assignment is designed to assist you in preparing for your future. Where and what do you
want to be? Do you know what it takes to get there?
Job Posting: Locate a current posting for a position that best identifies what you want to do with
the rest of your life.
Résumé: Develop a résumé that reflects the education and skills that you presently have, but
also identify what is needed for the position and give an estimate as to when you will have those
requirements met. You should include your current academic, professional, personal
experience, and abilities. The résumé should be professional in nature and provide you with a
tool for future interviews. Résumé will be evaluated on visual appearance, clear organization,
clarity, and use of active voice, accuracy, and professionalism.
Cover Letter: Create a cover letter that reflects the position in which you are applying. This
should be a professionally typed letter that reflects your strengths as they relate to the job
posting. Your cover letter will be evaluated on clarity, professionalism, content, and accuracy.
Assignment Style: Written
Written Requirements: MLA Format; Typed (Cover letter, Résumé on resume paper & printed
Job posting with details highlighted)
Informational Interview (Individual Assignment)
An informational interview should be an integral part of your networking and job-hunting plan.
An informational interview involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to
gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry -- and to build a network of contacts in
that field.
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NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
Visit the class webpage~ http://www.napavalley.edu/people/tmadison/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Identify one or more occupations you would like to investigate. Assess your own interests,
abilities, values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify the best fields to
research. Read all you can about the field before the interview.
Decide what information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry.
Prepare a list of questions that you would like to have answered. Find out as much information
as you can about each place before setting up an interview.
Contact the resource person preferably by telephone or letter. You can also try to have
someone who knows the interviewer make the appointment for you. Identify yourself as a
student seeking an informational interview. Never ask for a job.
During the interview only ask those questions that are appropriate and important to you. You will
convey your motivation and interest to the employer by acknowledging that the information the
interviewee is giving, is important.
Assignment Style: Written
Written Requirements: APA Format; Typed (2-3 pages)
Step 1: Identify your occupational interests
Step 2: Locate a person/s in that field
Step 3: Contact the person and set an appointment
Step 4: Prepare questions for interview
Step 5: After the interview prepare an outline overview of the interview, and
questionnaire for submission.
Step 6: Have the person interviewed fill out evaluation form (provided)
Mock Interviews (Group Assignment)
Interviewee’s:
You will be provided a copy of the job description to customize your resume to reflect your
strengths for this position and organization. This résumé should be an actual résumé that you
would use in securing a professional position.
You will provide a copy of your résumé (on plain paper) to your interviewers. If you do not have
your written material ready you will not be allowed to interview.
Prior to the interview you will create a résumé that reflects your actual experiences in work and
academia.
You will interview with a selected organization and provide an honest response to all interview
questions. Your goal is to be the candidate the interview panel recommends for hire (20 points
extra credit for the candidate hired). The panel can hire one candidate, only
There will be no make-ups for interviews. As an individual you will choose a position to
interview for.
Assignment Style: Formal Oral Presentation
Written Requirements: MLA Format; Résumé, Typed
Presentation Aides: Professional dress, Résumé
Interviewers: (Group Assignment) - Each group will develop a specific job description and series
of interview questions to fit the employment interview process. The interviewees will receive the
job description prior to the mock interview. The Organization's Mission Statement and Overview
of the organization will provide the interviewees adequate information to prepare an interview
plan and relevant questions. The description may include management style, nature of the
business, and positions of the members of your group. Each group will have 6 copies of job
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NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
“We grow, and as we grow we must find new and better ways to express ourselves.” HLP
Department: Language & Developmental Studies
Instructor: Tia Madison
Telephone: 259-8963
Email: tmadison@napavalley.edu
Office: Room 865, building, 800
Office Hours: M 11-12; T 3-4; W 2-4; TH 3-4
description to hand out to interviewees. This assignment should be typed and double spaced in
accordance with syllabus.
Assignment Style: Formal Oral Presentation
Written Requirements: MLA Format; Job posting (week nine) Typed; Interview questions, typed
Presentation Aides: Questions for the interviewee’s
Evaluators: Each group will evaluate the performance of the interviewee’s as well as the
interviewers.
Assignment Style: Written
Written Requirements: Interview evaluation (provided)
Organizational Product (Group Assignment)
This semester your group will create and design a not for profit business. This project should be
no more than 30 pages in length and must integrate graphic and presentational materials to
make your final product visually appealing. Your group should examine various organizations’
coverage of existing informational and promotional materials. You may model your organization
after an existing organization, but group creativity is a qualitative element that have made group
presentations stand out in the past. This project should reflect your most professional effort.
Assignment Style: Formal Oral Presentation (30-60 minutes)
Written Requirements: MLA Format; Typed (30 pages)
Presentation Aides: Required
Organizational Portfolio will include:
1. Table of Contents
2. Organizational Overview/ Vision
3. Corporate Mission Statement
4. One to Ten year plan
5. Employment policies
6. Management Style
7. Communication Style
8. Detailed organizational Structure (includes Charts & Descriptions)
9. Products and/or services
10. Culture of the organization
11. Staff & Volunteer Benefits
12. Budget (these should be specific)
13. Aesthetics
14. Marketing
1 pg.
1 pg.
1 pg.
2 pgs.
5-10 pgs.
1 pg.
1 pg.
5-6 pgs.
2 pgs.
2-4 pgs.
4-6 pgs.
1-2 pgs.
2-4 pgs.
2-4 pgs
5
NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
Visit the class webpage~ http://www.napavalley.edu/people/tmadison/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Grading Scale
Introduction Speech
50
5.00%
Cultural Cuisine
50
5.00%
Impromptu
50
5.00%
Interview Package
Informational Interview
Mock Interviews
Group meetings
Organizational
Product/Presentation
Critiques
Quiz #1
Quiz # 2
Total
100
100
100
100
10%
10%
10%
10%
300
50
50
50
1000
30%
5.00%
5.00%
5.00%
100.00%
100900=A
899800=B
799700=C
699600=D
599-0= F
Tia Madison’s Pet Peeves:
Showing up late to class
Letting the classroom door slam
Reading a different textbook during class or doing homework from another class
Taking a nap in class
Not calling or emailing when absent
Trying to submit late work
Showing up late on exam days or presentation days
Having personal conversations during a lecture or speech
Coming to class unprepared
Not reading your syllabus
Giving Excuses “Excuses are tools that build monuments to nothing”
Mistaking my kindness for weakness
Asking for a grade you did not earn
Hand written papers
Papers with no name
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NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE
SPEECH 124: CAREER COMMUNICATION Fall 2013
“We grow, and as we grow we must find new and better ways to express ourselves.” HLP
Department: Language & Developmental Studies
Instructor: Tia Madison
Telephone: 259-8963
Email: tmadison@napavalley.edu
Office: Room 865, building, 800
Office Hours: M 11-12; T 3-4; W 2-4; TH 3-4
Monday & Wednesday Class
Assignments
Due on WED
Week 1
8/19/13
Week 2
8/26/13
Week 3
9/2/13
Week 4
9/9/13
Week 5
9/16/13
Week 6
9/23/13
Week 7
9/30/13
Week 8
10/7/13
Week 9
Week
10
Week
11
10/14/13
Week
12
Week
13
Week
14
Week
15
Week
16
Week
17
Week
18
10/21/13
10/28/13
11/4/13
11/11/13
11/18/13
11/25/13
12/2/13
12/9/13
12/16/13
Day 1 activities, Syllabus
review
Lecture- Chapter 8:
Working in teams
8/21/13
Labor Day Holliday
Lecture- Ch. 5:
Interpersonal Skills
9/4/13
Ch. 8, continued
Lecture- Ch. 9: Effective
Meetings
9/11/13
Introductions
Cultural Cuisine
Lecture- Ch. 2: Comm.,
Culture & Work
9/18/13
Group Work
9/25/13
Ch. 2, continued
Lecture- Ch. 3:Listening
Lecture- Ch. 4:Non/verbal
messages
10/2/13
Ch. 3, continued
10/9/13
Ch. 4, continued
Cover Letter Workshop
Activity- Impromptu
responses
Lecture- Ch. 6 &7:
Interviews
10/16/13
Résumé Workshop
10/23/13
Quiz 1 (1-5 & 8-9)
10/30/13
Ch. 6 & 7, Cont'd
Activity- Mock Interviews
(C&D)
Activity- Mock Interviews
(A&B)
Lecture- Ch. 11:
Verbal/Visual Support
Quiz 2 (6-7 & 10-13)
Activity- Organizational
Product (B)
Activity- Organizational
Product (D)
Finals week/ActivityOrganizational Product (E
& F)
8/28/13
Lecture-Ch. 1: Comm. at
work
11/6/13
11/13/13
11/20/13
11/27/13
12/4/13
12/11/13
Activity- Mock
Interviews (E&F)
Lecture- Ch. 10 & 11:
Presentation Org.
Lecture-Ch. 12 & 13
Delivery
Be Thankful!!!!
Activity- Organizational
Product (A)
Activity- Organizational
Product (C)
Group
Assigned/Policies
Group name &
Function
Org. Portfolio
2&3
Org. Portfolio 4 &
5
Org. Portfolio 6 &
7
Org. Portfolio 8 &
9
Interview
Package
Org. Portfolio 10
& 11
Mock Interview
Job posting
Org. Portfolio 12
+ Informational
Interview
Org. Portfolio 13
Org. Portfolio 14
&1
Complete
Portfolio
12/18/13
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