School of the Arts
PUBLIC SPEAKING
2015-2016
Instructor: Ms. Marcy Gamzon
School phone: 242-7682
Home phone: 544-7245
email address: mlgamz@aol.com or marcy.gamzon@rcsdk12.org
Rm. A239 Per. 6 40 Weeks,
Course blog: publicspeakingsota.blogspot.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Course Description: This course is designed as an introduction to the principals of oral communication;
both the creation and receiving comprehension of verbal messages is emphasized. Particular attention will
be placed on Informative and Persuasive presentations. The class will be structured to allow for as much
speaking time in class for formal as well as informal exercises. Second semester will also feature debate,
model congress, spoken word and slam poetry, and dramatic presentations.
OBJECTIVES:
Course Objectives: The main purpose of this course is to improve the oral communications skills of the
students and to aid them in applying those skills to their chosen profession. Among the subsidiary skills
and anticipated outcome goals in this class are:
1. To reinforce each student’s confidence in his or her own speaking ability
2. To teach the ability to research and construct support for an argument claim
3. To teach the use of language eloquently, persuasively, logically, and honestly
4. To enhance he student’s ability to assess the validity of another’s arguments or presentations
5. To show the relationship between the written and the spoken word
6. To practice and explore the methods of adapting to presenting to different audiences
7. To develop and practice good organizational and editing skills
8. To develop good outlining and research source-citing or bibliographic techniques
COURSE FORMAT AND MATERIALS:
The required text is an open-access web text (that means free!) called The Public Speaking Project.
The chapters can all be downloaded here: http://www.publicspeakingproject.org/ There will also be regular reading
from newspapers (usually the NY Times, and other sources). Quizzes and exams will be based on the readings, on
classroom discussions, and lecture material. Whenever you're not giving your speeches, class time will be divided
equally between lecture, discussion, and speech-related exercises. Students should come to class prepared to ask and
answer questions, challenge and motivate each other (and their instructor). The requirements and evaluative criteria
(rubrics) for each speech or presentation will be specified before their delivery. Speeches will always be evaluated
through a combination of content, organization, research, length, audience adaptation, and delivery skills. Typed
speech outlines and any note cards are collected on the day of your speech.
TEXT: SPRING SEMESTER SPEECH:Exploring Communication by J. Regis O’Connor
GRADING:
Quizzes 25%
Attendance and class participation 25%
Speeches and projects 50%
Final grades will be determined as follows: 100-95% = A+, 94-90 = A, 89-85 = B+, 84-80 = B, 79-75 = C+, 74-70 =
C, 72-70 = C, 69-65 = D, 64-below = F. Quizzes are given almost EVERY SINGLE DAY to make sure that
students keep up with readings and classwork.
The quizzes will not be difficult as long as you do the reading and take notes during class.
COURSE SCHEDULE
FALL SEMESTER 1
SEPTEMBER
Course introduction and overview. Speeches of Introduction, Impromptu Speeches
Read Speaking Project Ch. 1: Intro to Public Speaking.
Speaking Project Ch. 2: Origins of Public Speaking. NY Times reading #1.
Read Speaking Project Ch. 4: Listening Effectively. Begin Impromptu speech #1
Finish Impromptu speech #1
Read Speaking Project Ch.8 & 9. Organizing/Outlining & Intros/Conclusions.
Read Speaking Project Ch.11 & 12. Speaking with Confidence / Delivery.
Read Speaking Project Ch.10. Using Language Well. NY Times reading #2.
NARRATIVE SPEECHES (approx. 3-4 minutes in length)
Read Speaking Project Ch.15: Informative Speech.
Read Speaking Project Ch.16: Persuasive Speech. Brainstorm topic ideas for informative/persuasive speech.
NY Times reading #3.
Read Speaking Project Ch.3 & 6: Ethics in Public Speaking & Critical Thinking and Reasoning.
OCTOBER
Read Speaking Project Ch.5: Audience adaptation and questionnaire construction.
NY Times reading #4.
Rough version of questionnaire brought to class/paired with other students for discussion.
Audience analysis day. Students must bring copies of questionnaires to class.
Read Speaking Project Ch.7 & 13: Supporting Your Ideas & Visual Aids.
NY Times reading #6.
INFORMATIVE/PERSUASIVE SPEECHES. (approx. 5-6 minutes in length)
PERSUASIVE SPEECHES. (approx. 5-6 minutes in length)
NOVEMBER
NY Times reading #7.
Read Speaking Project Ch.14: Speaking to a Global Audience.
Impromptu speech #2 (based on NY Times discussions)
DECEMBER/JANUARY
OCCASIONAL SPEECHES
FINAL SPEECHES (approx. 5-10 minutes)
MIDTERM
SPRING SEMESTER
FEBRUARY Ch. 5
DEBATE AND PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE (Model Congress, Mock Trial)
MARCH Ch. 6
MASS COMMUNICATION RADIO AND TELEVISION
APRIL/MAY Ch. 7
PERFORMING ARTS: ORAL INTERPRETATION (Spoken Word and Poetry Slam) AND DRAMA
JUNE
(TBD) and FINAL
CONTACT:
For parents: Please contact me at school, at home, or by email with any questions or concerns
you have about your student’s progress. I will try to respond as soon as possible so that we
can ensure your student's success in this course. Please register with PARENT/CONNECT for
information about your student’s progress and assignments.
For students: Questions are good and are encouraged. Feel free to talk to me in class or set up an appointment
for a conference regarding your concerns. Involvement and meeting the given requirements are very important
for student success in this course. Please sign your name to indicate that you understand the requirements of
this course.
Failure to comply with the above expectations will result in a meeting between you and me to discuss
how to improve the problem area. Please sign below to indicate that you understand the
expectations of this course.
Please sign, tear off and return.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________
email:____________________________________________________________
I am/am not registered with PARENT/CONNECT. (Please indicate if you are registered or not)
Student Signature : _________________________________________________
Email : ____________________________________________________________
Comments, questions :
Classroom Plan
Be on time, Be prepared, Be engaged.
Early is on time!  On time is late! 
Cell phones and all Electronics are prohibited in ALL classrooms.
To include but not limited to: ear buds, headphones, IPODS.
The Dress code will be strictly enforced.
To include but not limited to: Hats, hoodies and bandanas as well as what is prescribed
by the school handbook and posters.
Disrespect/Disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
To include but not limited to: bullying, profanity, food consumption and personal
grooming.
POSITIVES:
Choice Day
Extra Credit
CONSEQUENCES: To include but not limited to:
Verbal/non-verbal warning/contact log
Move the student’s seat
Parent contact
Lunch detention
After school detention
Conference with administrator
NON-NEGOTIABLES – Immediate removal from classroom
To include but not limited to: Fighting; both physical and verbal, vandalism, theft,
chronic disruption, and suspicion of being under the influence of illegal substances.
SEVERE CONSEQUENCES: To be determined by administration