COM 101: Principles of Oral Communication
Spring 2015
Professor:
Pat Baker
Office: #6 Jackson Court
pabaker@davidson.edu
Cell/Text: 704-572-3898
Office hours:
By Appointment
Email or text me to schedule.
Required
Textbook
Public Speaking, Osborn & Osborn, Ninth Edition,
Allyn & Bacon, ISBN-13: 978-0-205-77844-7
Purpose of the Course
This course will develop your ability to prepare and deliver an effective speech. Class time will
focus on concept application, through numerous informal and formal speech assignments.
Attendance
Because this class is interactive and experiential, attendance is essential. Excessive absences
and/or frequently entering class late will reduce your grade. It is particularly important to be
present and on time on all formal speech days, whether or not you are scheduled to speak.
If you are scheduled to speak and cannot be here due to a reason beyond your control, such as
an accident or illness, you may be allowed to make up the speech. Otherwise, you may not.
Extensions are not granted based on student workload because everyone in the class
is busy. Use this syllabus and those from other classes to plan how to meet deadlines.
If you are involved in college-sponsored events or representation that may require you to miss
class, please discuss your schedule with me in advance so we can figure out how to maximize
your experience in the course.
Smart Phones, Tablets and Laptops
Smart phones must be silenced and out of sight during class time. Laptops and tablets are not
allowed in this class unless there is a specific need approved by the professor in advance.
Assignments
Formal Presentations: 50%
There will be five formal presentations this semester: a short introductory speech (evaluated
informally), an informative speech (10%), a persuasive speech (15%), a ceremonial speech
(5%), and a final speech (20%).
Using PowerPoint in COM 101
PowerPoint will be used for chapter speeches. For all other speeches, the software
may be used to carry presentation aids, such as photos, but not including words
unless they are an integral part of the graphic. Sources must be cited verbally within
your speech so they connect to the information, not listed on a slide at the end.
COM 101 – Spring 2015
Topics
Each speech topic must be approved in advance in order for you to deliver your speech. Submit
your topic on Moodle before midnight on the date specified. You will receive an email approving
your topic or noting the need to discuss if the topic has already been chosen or if I foresee other
problems. After approval, it can be changed only by discussing your reason with me and
receiving approval for the new topic. Your topic may not be changed if your speech is less than
one week away. If you are an athlete and wish to give a speech about your sport, your approach
must be creative in order to deliver new information to the audience. Topics must be varied, not
on the same general theme as previous speeches.
Outlines
The formal outline must be submitted on Moodle one week prior to your speaking date. To avoid
a penalty for being late, you must be sure the outline is uploaded by midnight on the due date.
The required format for the formal outline is found in Chapter 9 in the textbook.
Missing a deadline will deduct 5 points from your grade for that speech. If you are late with both
topic and outline, you are down 10 points. I will be glad to help you brainstorm and refine topics.
Stop by during office hours, make an appointment or send me an email if you would like to
discuss this or any other question.
Your Speeches
Speeches must be new and not previously delivered in high school or on any other occasion.
Extemporaneous delivery using key words is required. Index cards are best, to avoid shuffling
papers.
Practicing your speech beforehand in the Speaking Center is required for the
informative speech. Ten points will be deducted if this requirement is not met. The Center,
located in the Center for Teaching and Learning in the library, is open 8-11 pm Sunday –
Thursday.
The library offers one-on-one research help: Students can schedule a consultation and work
with a librarian one-on-one. They also offer drop-in consultations (no appointment needed).
Chapter Topic Speech & Self Evaluations: 5 %
Each student in the class will present an informal speech with PowerPoint based on a chapter
from the textbook. Once you have signed up, you are committed to your scheduled date unless
you’re able to trade with a classmate. Please notify me if you trade. The class schedule does not
allow this assignment to be made up on another date; if you are not prepared, I will present the
chapter. See attached instructions and talk with me if you have questions.
The Chapter Topic speech is an overall summary, not a comprehensive study replacing reading
the text. Taking notes during presentations may help you and is encouraged, but you will still
need to study the chapters to do well on the reviews.
Videos of your speeches will be posted online for your review. A short written assessment of your
own speech is due on Moodle five days after each speech except the final one.
The Chapter Speech is valued at 2.5% and self-evaluations, 2.5% toward your final grade.
Three Reviews: 15 % each = 45%
Reviews will be closed book, take-home and will focus on information from the textbook and
topics covered in class. There may be material covered on reviews that have not been discussed
in class but are found in textbook readings. Your final speech is the final exam and the
opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned in this class.
Principles of Oral Communication Class Schedule: Spring 2015
Date
Topic
Assigned Reading
T
Jan. 13
Introductions and Course Overview
None
Th
Jan. 15
Finding Your Voice
Managing Your Fear of Speaking
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
T
Jan. 20
Your First Speech
Becoming a Better Listener
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Th
Jan. 22
Practice Davidson Experience Speech – Class does not meet.
T
Jan. 27
First Speech, 2-3 minutes, not graded
Topic: “A Davidson Experience”
Th
Jan. 29
Adapting to Your Audience & Situation
Developing Your Topic
T
Feb. 3
Review due by 3 pm at P Baker’s office. Chapters 1-6.
Class does not meet on review days.
Th
Feb. 5
Informative Speaking
Building Responsible Knowledge
Informative speech topic due on Moodle.
Chapter 13
Chapter 7
T
Feb. 10
Supporting Your Ideas
Chapter 8
Th
Feb. 12
Structuring & Outlining Your Speech; Presentation Aids Chapters 9 & 10
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
** Reminder: Visit the Speaking Center to practice your informative speech. Ten
points will be deducted if this requirement is not met.
T
Feb. 17
Review due at P. Baker’s office by 3 pm
Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10 & 13
Th
Feb. 19
Informative Speeches
(5-7 minutes; Presentation Aid required. Turn in index cards.)
T
Feb. 24
Informative Speeches
(5-7 minutes; Presentation Aid required. Turn in index cards.)
Th
Feb. 26
Informative Speeches
(5-7 minutes; Presentation Aid required. Turn in index cards.)
Feb. 28 – March 9: Spring Break – Enjoy!
T
March 10
Persuasive Speaking
Building Sound Arguments
Persuasive Speech topic due on Moodle.
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Th
March 12
Guest: Dr. David Buck, a professional speaker
T
March 17
Meet with professor during class time to discuss your informative speech.
COM 101 – Spring 2015
Th
March 19
Putting Words to Work
Presenting Your Speech
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
T
March 24
On stage with a mic! Impromptu Speaking
This class will be held in Tyler-Tallman Hall, Music Building
Th
March 26
Persuasive Speeches, 5-7 minutes, Q&A. Turn in note cards.
Presentation aid optional.
T
March 31
Persuasive Speeches, 5-7 minutes, Q&A. Turn in note cards.
Presentation aid optional.
Th
April 2
Persuasive Speeches, 5-7 minutes, Q&A. Turn in note cards.
Presentation aid optional.
April 4-7: Easter Break
Th
April 9
Ceremonial Speaking
Final Speech topic due
Chapter 16
T
April 14
Ceremonial Speeches (3-4 minutes)
Class meets in The Carolina Inn on Main Street
Th
April 16
Review Due by 3 pm: Chapters 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16.
Note: This review or any other review may be turned in early.
T
April 21
Final Speeches: Informative or Persuasive, 7-9 minutes.
Dress professionally.
Presentation aid required. Turn in formal outline and note cards.
This class held in Hance Auditorium, Chambers Fourth Floor.
Th
April 23
Final Speeches: Informative or Persuasive, 7-9 minutes.
Dress professionally.
Presentation aid required. Turn in formal outline and note cards.
This class held in Hance Auditorium, Chambers Fourth Floor.
T
April 28
Final Speeches: Informative or Persuasive, 7-9 minutes.
Dress professionally.
Presentation aid required. Turn in formal outline and note cards.
This class held in Hance Auditorium, Chambers Fourth Floor.