The essence of intelligence is skill in extracting meaning from everyday experience.
-Unknown
Speech and Debate
Mr. Jeff Caivano
http://www.northwestern.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=47 (website)
caivanoj@nwls.education (e-mail)
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: The purpose of this class is to give an in-depth look at various forms of oral communication and strategies.
Students will be taught how to holistically research a topic, while crafting a perspective based upon the situational objective. Students will
analyze the similarities and differences between differing viewpoints, so that the audience can understand where opinions diverge and why.
This course will encourage and prepare students to speak clearly, confidently, and rationally.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 Paper (Spiral notebook or loose leaf)
 Pen or Pencil
 (1) 2-pocket folder
 Pack of Index cards (lined or unlined)
 Some sort of highlighter (used during the research portion)
 Box or two of tissues (this is, optional but greatly appreciated)
 Flash Drive (this is optional; yet, I would highly recommend one because it could be utilized in all classes)
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE: The first rule in my class is TO BE PREPARED, meaning that every student needs to have their materials
when they come to class. This class is independently driven, requiring the students to be self-motivated and strong budgeters of
their own time. The students will spend the majority of the time in class working on their speeches, by researching and organizing
their material. There are minimal assignments, which puts the majority of the emphasis for the student’s grade on the speeches
themselves. While a large amount class time will be dedicated to allowing the students to work on their speeches, the students are
responsible to make sure that they are prepared to give their speech. I would highly encourage parents to volunteer to listen to their
student’s. Deadlines are set in ample time, allowing students sufficient time to be ready, so if a student does not have their work
completed by the required due date, 25% will be automatically deducted from their assignment. If the work has not been turned in
after the 24 hour period, the student will receive an automatic failing grade, yet will still have to give their speech (regardless of
how much or little they have completed). Students will be able to select their topic on most of their speeches; however, I do
provided guidance based upon the ability of the student and the quality of the topic. If a parent is ever concerned about the topic of
their student’s speech, please feel free to reach out to me either by e-mail or by phone.
SEMESTER OVERVIEW:
 FIRST QUARTER
 Communication and Speech: The Basics
 ROCK- Research, Organize, Communicate, Know
 Informative Speech
 Pros and Cons of Power Point Presentations
 Argumentative Speech
 Using and Sourcing Facts
 SECOND QUARTER
 Persuasive Speech
 Using Language as a Motivator
 Policy Debate
 Teamwork and how to make it an advantage
 Lincoln/Douglas Debate
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PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN SYLLABUS BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST
I understand the goals and expectations stated above, and I am aware of my role as an active student in speech and debate.
Student Name (Print) __________________________________________________
Student Signature _____________________________________________________
I understand and am aware of my child’s goals and expectations as it pertains to his/her role as an active student in speech
and debate.
Parent Signature ______________________________________________________________________
The essence of intelligence is skill in extracting meaning from everyday experience.
-Unknown
Speech and Debate
Mr. Jeff Caivano
http://www.northwestern.k12.oh.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=47 (website)
caivanoj@nwls.education (e-mail)
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: The purpose of this class is to give an in-depth look at various forms of oral communication and strategies.
Students will be taught how to holistically research a topic, while crafting a perspective based upon the situational objective. Students will
analyze the similarities and differences between differing viewpoints, so that the audience can understand where opinions diverge and why.
This course will encourage and prepare students to speak clearly, confidently, and rationally.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 Paper (Spiral notebook or loose leaf)
 Pen or Pencil
 (1) 2-pocket folder
 Pack of Index cards (lined or unlined)
 Some sort of highlighter (used during the research portion)
 Box or two of tissues (this is, optional but greatly appreciated)
 Flash Drive (this is optional; yet, I would highly recommend one because it could be utilized in all classes)
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE: The first rule in my class is TO BE PREPARED, meaning that every student needs to have their materials
when they come to class. This class is independently driven, requiring the students to be self-motivated and strong budgeters of
their own time. The students will spend the majority of the time in class working on their speeches, by researching and organizing
their material. There are minimal assignments, which puts the majority of the emphasis for the student’s grade on the speeches
themselves. While a large amount class time will be dedicated to allowing the students to work on their speeches, the students are
responsible to make sure that they are prepared to give their speech. I would highly encourage parents to volunteer to listen to their
student’s. Deadlines are set in ample time, allowing students sufficient time to be ready, so if a student does not have their work
completed by the required due date, 25% will be automatically deducted from their assignment. If the work has not been turned in
after the 24 hour period, the student will receive an automatic failing grade, yet will still have to give their speech (regardless of
how much or little they have completed). Students will be able to select their topic on most of their speeches; however, I do
provided guidance based upon the ability of the student and the quality of the topic. If a parent is ever concerned about the topic of
their student’s speech, please feel free to reach out to me either by e-mail or by phone.
SEMESTER OVERVIEW:
 FIRST QUARTER
 Communication and Speech: The Basics
 ROCK- Research, Organize, Communicate, Know
 Informative Speech
 Pros and Cons of Power Point Presentations
 Argumentative Speech
 Using and Sourcing Facts
 SECOND QUARTER
 Persuasive Speech
 Using Language as a Motivator
 Policy Debate
 Teamwork and how to make it an advantage
 Lincoln/Douglas Debate
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PARENT COPY