Course: MAC 317 Techniques of Writing Public Speech and Delivery (2 credits.
Required)
Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15 weeks (30 hours) as taught in the
2011/2012 session.
Lecturer:
Udende, P.
M.A. Mass Communication (Makurdi)
B.A. Mass Communication (Makurdi).
Member, ACCE.
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail:
udendepatrick@yahoo.com
udende.p@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: First Floor, Room 3, Educational Technology Building,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: 11.00am – 1.00pm (Mondays and Wednesdays).
Course Content
Content and effective teaching skills for public speaking course. The rhetorical tradition
and oral critiques.
Course Description
The course deals with meanings of speech and public speaking, steps taken to write a
speech, skills required for effective delivery at different occasions. It also explores the
qualities of a good public speaker as well as methods of delivery.
Course Justification
For members of society to get along with others, effective communication is the best
means at their disposal. It is even more important when one is required to deliver a
speech in a public setting. Against this backdrop the course is designed to induct
students on how to prepare a public speech and possibly acquaint them with the skills
and methods of delivery at different occasions as circumstances demand.
Course Objectives
The objective is to explain the role public speaking plays in our lives as well as the
varied benefits to be derived from its mastery. Specifically, at the end of the course
students should be able to:
1.
Differentiate public speech from other forms of communication;
2.
Acquire the requisite skills for constructing and delivering effective speeches;
3.
Explain the steps taken to prepare a speech;
4.
Highlight different occasions that warrant public speaking;
5.
Explain varying methods of delivery.
Course Requirements
Students are required to:
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Have a minimum of 75 per cent attendance;
Punctually participate in all course activities. These include assignments and
oral discussions;
Submit all assignments in word processed;
Open yahoo e-mail account, join and participate in online discussion group
dedicated to the course;
Submit one print-out page of individual contribution during online discussion.
Methods of Grading
Students will be graded based on the following criteria.
Criteria
Assignment/Practical
Class Test
Online Discussion
End of Semester Examination
Total
Score (%)
15
10
05
70
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The course will adopt the face-to-face discussion approach. There will also be an online
discussion forum for students to participate in.
Lecture Contents
Week 1: General Introduction
Objectives
The lecture will guide students to identify occasions that require public speaking as
well as the principles involved. It traces will also highlight the roots of public speaking
from the ancient rhetorical era.
Description
First Hour
Introduction of the course.
Second Hour
Definitions and analysis of speech.
.
Study Questions
1. Define speech.
2. In what ways is public speaking different from everyday conversation?
3. Give two ways orators used speech for.
4. What problems do beginners of public speakers face?
5. Suggest four ways for a successful public speech.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. McKay4, M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd
edition. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited. ISBN:978-81-3190322-3
3. Verderber4, R.F. & Verderber, K.S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.ISBN:0-534-63937-2
2
4. Littlejohn4, S.W. & Foss, K. A. (2005). Theories of human communication. 8th
edition. Belmont: Thomas Wadsworth. 0-534-63873-2
5. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oratory3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
Week 2: Public Speaking Defined
Objectives
This lecture seeks to explain what public speaking means as well as its purposes or
objectives.
Description
First Hour
Define public speaking.
Second Hour
Objectives of public speaking.
Study Questions
1. What do you understand by public speaking?
2. What are the advantages of public speaking?
3. Give and explain the objectives of public speaking.
4. Explain what you understand by stage fright.
5. How can a beginner in public speaking overcome stage fright?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp323, 385-392, 401-406
ISBN:0-06-041639-4
n4
2. Litfi , D. (1992). Public Speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. pp25-28, 133-135
ISBN: 0-80105675-6
3. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. Eleventh edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth. pp354-355 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
4. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public speaking 3 Accessed on 24th September,
2010
Week 3: Occasions for Public Speaking
Objectives
This lecture will state and discuss the various occasions that warrant a public speech.
Description
First Hour
Occasions suitable for a public speech.
Second Hour
Discuss how different occasions influence the type of speech to be made.
Study Questions
1. State and explain any three occasions that could warrant a public speech.
2. Why does the tone of presentation vary from one speech to another?
3
3. How does size of audience affect one’s speech?
4. What are the three cardinal traits of a good acceptance speech?
5. If you are to introduce another speaker, how will you accomplish the purpose?
Reading List
1.
Litfin4, D. (1992). Public speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. pp60, 284-285 ISBN: 0-8010-5675-6
2. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp436-450 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
Week 4: Steps involved in Preparing a Public Speech
Objectives
The lecture will state and explain the steps one takes to prepare a speech.
Description
First Hour
Steps in preparing a speech.
Second Hour
Skills involved in writing a speech.
Study Questions
1. What factors determine selection of a topic?
2. Why is it advisable to limit the number of main points in your speech?
3. What are transitions? Give two examples.
4. How can you get information about an audience?
5. State the demographic traits of audiences you know.
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp323-332 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th Edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp102-108 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
3. McKay4, M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd
edition. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited.
pp265-270
ISBN:978-81-319-0322-3
Week 5: Outlining
Objectives
This topic will expose students to how an outline for public speech is developed.
Description
First Hour
Guidelines for the preparation outline.
Second Hour
Samples of preparation outline and speaking outline.
Study Questions
1. What do you understand by an outline?
4
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why is it significant to outline a speech?
In one sentence differentiate preparation outline from speaking outline.
Give the guidelines for writing a preparation outline.
In what ways do guidelines for speaking outline differ from those of preparation
outline?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper
Collins Publishers. pp353-358
ISBN:0-06041639-4
2. Litfin4, D. (1992). Public speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. p176 ISBN: 0-8010-5675-6
4
3. Lucas , S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp238-252 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
4
4. McKay , M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd
edition. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited. pp273-275
ISBN:978-81-319-0322-3
Week 6: Speech Divisions
Objectives
The lecture seeks to explain the different segments of a speech from beginning to the
end.
Description
First Hour
Speech divisions.
Second Hour
Characteristics of speech segments.
Study Questions
1. Give the various segments of a speech.
2. In what ways can a speaker get attention and interest at the beginning stage?
3. What is the significance of conclusion in a speech?
4. Give two major objectives of the conclusion of a speech.
5. What techniques can a speaker use to reinforce his/her central idea in the
conclusion?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. p341 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
4
2. Lucas , S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. p233 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
3. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth. pp348-354 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
Week 7: Speech Setting
Objectives
This lecture will explore the size and physical setting of the occasion.
5
Description
First Hour
Size of speech setting.
Second Hour
Physical setting.
Study Questions
1. Define situational audience analysis.
2. In what specific ways does size of audience affect your language and use of
visuals?
3. State two factors a public speaker needs to consider in situational audience
analysis.
4. Why is it important for the speaker to visit the venue before date of actual
presentation?
5. What is the speaker expected to do if the environment is not conducive for a
public speech?
Reading List
1. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp108-112 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
2. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth. pp290-292 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
Week 8: Methods of Delivery
Objectives
This lecture will expose students to different methods of delivering a public speech.
Description
First Hour
Methods of delivery.
Second Hour
Skills involved in delivery of public speech.
Study Questions
1. What is good speech delivery?
2. State the four methods of speech delivery.
3. What is a pause? Give one advantage and one disadvantage of a pause.
4. State the aspects of voice a speaker can control his or her speech
5. Why is nonverbal communication important in public speech?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. p371 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp284-288 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
Week 9: Characteristics of a Good Public Speaker
Objectives
This lecture seeks to acquaint students with the qualities of a public speaker.
6
Description
First Hour
Effectiveness of communication.
Second Hour
Attributes of a good public speaker.
Study Questions
1. Why is it important to establish credibility at the beginning of your speech?
2. Give three qualities of a good public speaker.
3. State four unethical examples a dishonest speaker may indulge in.
4. What implication does egocentrism of audiences hold for a public speaker?
5. How does personal appearance affect the speech of a speaker?
Reading List
1. Litfin4, D. (1992). Public speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. p28 ISBN: 0-8010-5675-6
2. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth. pp376-378 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
3. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public speaker3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
Week 10-11: Adapting to the Audience/How to Gain Acceptance
Objectives
The lecture will explain how the speaker can carry the audience along before and
during the speech.
Description
First Hour
Audience adaptation before the speech delivery.
Second Hour
Audience adaptation during the speech delivery.
Study Questions
1. Why is it necessary for public speakers to be audience-centered?
2. What pertinent questions do you need to ask to adapt to audience needs while
presenting?
3. Why is it important that speeches be organized clearly and coherently?
4. What are the three methods you can use to avoid abstractions in your speech?
5. Give the tips for using statistics.
Reading List
1. Litfin4, D. (1992). Public speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. p71 ISBN: 0-8010-5675-6
2. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.
pp116-119, 256-272, 289-294
ISBN:0-534-63937-2
7
Week 12: Channels Relevant for Public Speaking
Objectives
The lecture dwells on body language and distance.
Description
First Hour
Channels involved in nonverbal communication.
Second Hour
Kinesics and distance in communication.
Study Questions
1. What are the major aspects of nonverbal communication that affect the outcome
of speech?
2. What significant role does personal appearance play in speech making?
3. What is the relationship between gestures and speech?
4. Why would you say face is more or less influential than other means of
communication?
5. Some nonverbal channels are more effective than others. Do you agree? Why?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. pp376-377 ISBN:0-06-041639-4
4
2. Lucas , S. E. (2001). The art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. pp297-301 ISBN:0-07-231569-5
4
3. McKay , M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd edition.
4.
New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited. pp182-183 ISBN:978-81-319-0322-3
Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition. Belmont:
Thomson Wadsworth. pp406-412 ISBN:0-534-63937-2
5. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body language3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
Week 13-14: Presentation
Objectives
The lecture is to provide students the opportunity to practically demonstrate the skills
they have acquired in public speaking.
Description
First Hour
Presentation
Second Hour
Questions/answers/critique
Week 15: Revision Exercise
Objectives
The objective is to revise what has been taught with a view to highlighting on grey
areas.
8
Revision Questions
1. Speeches for special occasions aim to fit the special needs of the occasions.
Drawing from the three traits of brevity, humility, and graciousness provide
an example of an acceptance speech.
2. Speaker apprehension is probably the commonest handicap that people
suffer. What factors are responsible for it, and how can speaker
apprehension be controlled?
3. Craftily format a sample Preparation Outline. Remember to include a
specific purpose statement, to identify the central idea, to label the
introduction, body, and conclusion, to use a consistent pattern of
symbolization and indentation, to state the main points and sub-points in full
sentences, and to label transition and internal summaries.
4. With appropriate examples explain how proxemics, gestures, paralanguage,
and facial expressions can make or mar a speech.
5. Discus Alan Monroe’s motivated sequence, and bring out its usefulness in
speeches.
6. What is the fundamental purpose of a commemorative speech? Why does a
successful commemorative speech depend so much on the creative and
subtle use of language?
7. A good speech of introduction can be a good delight to hear and can do
much to ease the task of the main speaker. What steps would you take to
achieve these objectives?
8. Explain how a speaker can build and sustain credibility while delivering a
public speech.
9. Make a reflection on any Public Speech you have listened to and analyze it
on the basis of:
(a) purpose/objective (b) channels of communication (c) challenges faced by
both the speaker and audience (d) steps taken to adjust to message (e)
strategic steps the speaker could have taken for better performance
10. As a public speaker what specific audience demographic characteristics
would you consider in an attempt to deliver an effective speech?
11. Why is it significant to analyze your audience?
Reading List
1. DeVito4, A.D. (1991). Human communication: The basic course. 5th edition.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN:0-06-041639-4
2. Litfin4, D. (1992). Public speaking: A handbook for christians. 2nd edition.
Michigan: Baker Book House. ISBN: 0-8010-5675-6
3. Lucas4, S. E. (2001). The Art of public speaking. 7th edition. Boston: McGrawHill Higher Education. ISBN:0-07-231569-5
4. McKay4, M., Davies, M. & Fanning, P. (1995). Communication skills. 2nd
edition. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers Limited. ISBN: 978-81-3190322-3
5. Verderber4, R. F. & Verderber, K. S. (2005). Communicate. 11th edition.
Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.ISBN:0-534-63937-2
6. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public speaking3 Accessed on 24th September,
2010
7. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oratory3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
8. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body language3 Accessed on 24th September, 2010
9
Key
1
Available in the University library
2
Available I local bookshops
3
Internet sources
4
Personal collection
10