COMM 115--Professional Communication
Section A- TR 8:00-9:15
Section E- 9:35-10:45
PH 303
Professor:
Susan Dummer
Office:
20A Anderson Hall
Phone: Ext. 7958
E-mail: susan_dummer@georgetowncollege.edu
Office Hours: Mon & Wed 1-3 and by appt.
Course Description: Introduction to the rhetorical dimensions of public communication in
the professional world including the use of technology to enhance multi-media
presentations.
Required Textbook and Supplies:
 Stephen E. Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking, 9th ed.
 2 pocket folder
 VHS video cassette
Policies
Attendance: You are expected to attend every class period. ATTENDANCE IS
REQUIRED. Even on days that you are not speaking you must be in class. Not only is it
important for your classmates to have an audience to speak to, but you become a better
speaker by listening to a variety of speeches. You may have four (4) unexcused absences.
After that, your final grade will be deducted by 3 points for each unexcused absence. You
must be present on your speaking day, or have an excused absence in order to make-up the
speech. Note: By Communication Department policy, a student missing 25% or more of the
total class days available fails the class automatically. For this class, this means you fail if
you have 7 absences.
Work outside of class: This course will require that you read the textbook, conduct
library and online research, compose extensive full sentence outlines with bibliographies,
(each of which must be typed and in final draft form), produce visual aids using power point,
rehearse speeches, give speeches to an audience of your peers and an instructor using a key
word/speaking outline, and review your video tape in conducting a self-evaluation of your
own speech. Continued enrollment in this course is prima facie evidence that you understand
and accept these facts.
Outlines: Each project requires a Preparation/Full sentence outline (this means typed, not
handwritten, composed in complete sentences) in final draft form. The preparation/full
sentence outline is due to the instructor the class period before the day the speech is
to be given. I am very serious about outlines. Failure to turn in the outline before your
speaking day will result in a 10 point deduction from your project grade. Computer
crashes, printer failures, running out of paper, dogs eating papers, etc. indicate a lack of
preparation.
You will NOT speak from your preparation/full sentence outline. All speeches are delivered
extemporaneously from a speaking/key word outline.
Speaking order: On the second Tuesday of the semester, speaking numbers will be
assigned to each student enrolled in the course based upon alphabetical order. The speaking
number you are assigned will remain your number throughout the semester. However, the
order of speakers is alternated for each speech so that a person may speak on the first day
for one speech, the last day for another speech, on a middle day for another speech and so
on. If two students mutually agree to switch speaking days for a particular speech, you
must both inform the instructor in person at least one class period prior to the speech day.
Additional Resources: There are additional references for your use on Blackboard. Please
read these and print off and sign the sheet acknowledging that you have read and
understand these policies, grading criteria, etc.
Basis of the Course Grade:
Speech #1
Speech #2
Speech #3
Speech #4
11 quizzes, drop 1
Homework/classwork
Grading Scale:
1000-930=A
100 points
200 points
200 points
200 points
100 points (each worth 10 points)
200 points
929-880=A/B 879-830=B
699-600=D
829-780=B/C 779-700=C
599-under=F
Projects: There are four graded speeches. Each of the speech assignments has several
ancillary requirements such as a Preparation outline and Bibliography, a Key word/Speaking
outline, and computer generated visual aids. Each speech will be videotaped on the tape
that you provide. After each speech, you will write a self evaluation of your speech,
discussing areas you see that need improvement, things you have improved upon from the
previous speeches, what you have learned, etc. The self evaluation will be included in your
homework/classwork grade.
Quizzes: The quizzes will be unannounced. We will take them first thing when class begins,
so don't be late. They will cover the material from the previous night's reading. There will
be NO make-up quizzes. You will be able to drop your lowest quiz at the end of the
semester.
Homework/Classwork: You are required to complete a self-evaluation after each speech.
It is due the day after you speak, no exceptions. Additionally, you will conduct two peer
evaluations for each set of speeches. Finally, you will complete library research worksheets.
You are to complete one each for speeches 2 through 4. Due dates for these are marked in
the calendar. Finally, you will be required to give a few impromptu speeches. These will not
be graded. If you do them, you get the homework points, if you don't, you don't. The
breakdown for the homework/classwork grade is as follows: Self evaluation forms (4-worth
20 points each, 80 points), Peer evaluations (8-worth 10 points each, 80 points), library
research worksheets (3-worth 10 points each, 30 points), impromptu speeches (2-worth 5
points each, 10 points).
Students with disabilities: Please see me if you require additional accommodations
A word to the wise: There will be no cheating or plagiarizing in any form in this class.
There is nothing I dislike more than finding out that I have been taken advantage of.
DON'T RISK IT! Plagiarism means that you have used ideas or information from another
source and either credited the information as your own or have neglected to give credit to
the proper source. Although it can be done unintentionally, it is still an offense. Plagiarism
is punishable by an F on the assignment, an F for the course, or disciplinary action by the
College. Don't risk it. For specifics, please refer to student handbook or honor code.
Speech Assignments
Project #1:
If you could be anywhere but here, where would you go?
The purpose of this speech is to inform your audience about an exciting place. Think of this
as your opportunity to play tour director. You are not trying to persuade us to go there
with you, you are simply telling us about the wonderfully exotic local you would choose. You
will have at least 2 main points in the body of your speech.
Speech Length: 4 minutes. You will have a one-minute margin on either side. This means
that a 3-5 minute speech is acceptable. At precisely 5 minutes, you must end your speech.
You will only be graded on the portion of the speech that you complete within the allotted
time. A speech shorter than 3 minutes will automatically receive a 5 point deduction in
addition to point deductions for the likely inadequacies created by a short speech. The best
way to avoid time problems is to rehearse out loud and time yourself.
Outlines: This outline will be turned in the class period before you give your speech. Read
Chapter 10 in your Lucas text thoroughly. Compete your preparation/full sentence outline
according to this chapter. Failure to turn in your outline on time will result in a 10 point
deduction from your project grade.
Research: Each main point in this speech will be supported by research. You will submit a
bibliography in APA or MLA format with a minimum of three (3) sources. This means that
you will identify the source of your information about your subject in both written form in
your outline and oral form when you speak as well as on your bibliography.
Delivery: All speeches in this course will be delivered extemporaneously. See Chapter 12
in your Lucas text. You must speak from a key word outline. Under no circumstances may
you have your preparation/full sentence outline with you while you speak. Speaking from
your preparation/full sentence outline will result in an automatic "D" for the speech grade.
Project #2: An informative speech about a person who has made a great contribution
to your chosen career field.
The second assignment also involves informative speaking and will serve as an opportunity
for you to tell us about someone who has made a difference in your career field. Make sure
you tell us about the person and what they have done to change the field. You will have at
least 3 main points in the body of your speech.
Speech Length: 5 minutes. You will have a one-minute margin on either side. This means
that a 4-6 minute speech is acceptable. At precisely 6 minutes, you must end your speech.
You will only be graded on the portion of the speech that you complete within the allotted
time. A speech shorter than 4 minutes will automatically receive a 5 point deduction in
addition to point deductions for the likely inadequacies created by a short speech. The best
way to avoid time problems is to rehearse out loud and time yourself.
Outlines: This outline will be turned in the class period before you give your speech. Read
Chapter 10 in your Lucas text thoroughly. Compete your preparation/full sentence outline
according to this chapter. Failure to turn in your outline on time will result in a 10 point
deduction from your project grade.
Research: Each main point in this speech will be supported by research. You will submit a
bibliography in APA or MLA format with a minimum of four (4) sources. This means that
you will identify the source of your information about your subject in both written form in
your outline and oral form when you speak as well as on your bibliography.
Computer-Generated Visual Aids: Review Chapter 13 in your Lucas text. Review notes
and handouts you have from class. You will generally need one visual aid per main point.
There could be exceptions, but strive for balance. You must use PowerPoint for this speech.
Additional information will be given to you about my expectations for your PowerPoint
presentations.
Delivery: All speeches in this course will be delivered extemporaneously. See Chapter 12
in your Lucas text. You must speak from a key word outline. Under no circumstances may
you have your preparation/full sentence outline with you while you speak. Speaking from
your preparation/full sentence outline will result in an automatic "D" for the speech grade.
Project #3: A persuasive speech regarding a question of policy that is intended to
evoke a responsive action from your audience.
Be creative! You will be searching out Georgetown College policies that you feel need to be
implemented or changed. Special note: This project will be based on guidelines set forth by
Monroe's Motivated Sequence so it will be especially important to be in class the day of
this lecture. Also, make sure to read what your Lucas text has to say about MMS.
Speech Length: 6 minutes + 1 min. Q&A. You will have a one-minute margin on either
side. This means that a 5-7 minute speech is acceptable. At precisely 7 minutes, you must
end your speech. You will only be graded on the portion of the speech that you complete
within the allotted time. A speech shorter than 5 minutes will automatically receive a 5
point deduction in addition to point deductions for the likely inadequacies created by a
short speech. The best way to avoid time problems is to rehearse out loud and time
yourself.**At the conclusion of the speech, you will ask for questions. If none are
forthcoming from the audience, I will ask you at least one question.**
Outlines: This outline will be turned in the class period before you give your speech. Read
Chapter 10 in your Lucas text thoroughly. Compete your preparation/full sentence outline
according to this chapter. Failure to turn in your outline on time will result in a 10 point
deduction from your project grade.
Research: Each main point in this speech will be supported by research. You will submit a
bibliography in APA or MLA format with a minimum of five (5) sources. This means that
you will identify the source of your information about your subject in both written form in
your outline and oral form when you speak as well as on your bibliography.
Computer-Generated Visual Aids: Review Chapter 13 in your Lucas text. Review notes
and handouts you have from class. You will generally need one visual aid per main point.
There could be exceptions, but strive for balance. You must use PowerPoint for this speech.
Additional information will be given to you about my expectations for your PowerPoint
presentations.
Delivery: All speeches in this course will be delivered extemporaneously. See Chapter 12
in your Lucas text. You must speak from a key word outline. Under no circumstances may
you have your preparation/full sentence outline with you while you speak. Speaking from
your preparation/full sentence outline will result in an automatic "D" for the speech grade.
Project #4: A persuasive speech arguing a question of fact or value.
For this speech, I want you to find articles from local or national newspapers and magazines,
letters to the editor, etc. Then, I want you to persuade your audience that the argument
made by the author of the article is wrong. Essentially, this is a speech of refutation--you
are disagreeing with an argument and will set up a speech to refute it.
Speech Length: 6 minutes + 1 min. Q&A. You will have a one-minute margin on either
side. This means that a 5-7 minute speech is acceptable. At precisely 7 minutes, you must
end your speech. You will only be graded on the portion of the speech that you complete
within the allotted time. A speech shorter than 5 minutes will automatically receive a 5
point deduction in addition to point deductions for the likely inadequacies created by a
short speech. The best way to avoid time problems is to rehearse out loud and time
yourself.**At the conclusion of the speech, you will ask for questions. If none are
forthcoming from the audience, I will ask you at least one question.**
Outlines: This outline will be turned in the class period before you give your speech. Read
Chapter 10 in your Lucas text thoroughly. Compete your preparation/full sentence outline
according to this chapter. Failure to turn in your outline on time will result in a 10 point
deduction from your project grade.
Research: Each main point in this speech will be supported by research. You will submit a
bibliography in APA or MLA format with a minimum of five (5) sources. This means that
you will identify the source of your information about your subject in both written form in
your outline and oral form when you speak as well as on your bibliography.
Computer-Generated Visual Aids: Review Chapter 13 in your Lucas text. Review notes
and handouts you have from class. You will generally need one visual aid per main point.
There could be exceptions, but strive for balance. You do not have to use PowerPoint for
this speech, but you must have a visual aid.
Delivery: All speeches in this course will be delivered extemporaneously. See Chapter 12
in your Lucas text. You must speak from a key word outline. Under no circumstances may
you have your preparation/full sentence outline with you while you speak. Speaking from
your preparation/full sentence outline will result in an automatic "D" for the speech grade.
Calendar
August 2931
Introduction to the course, Communication defined
Ethics
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Sept. 57
Listening and Topic Selection
Research
Ch. 3 & 4
Ch. 6 & 7
12
14
No Class----Use this time for researching sp. 1
Organizing
Ch. 8 & 9
19
21
Outlining
Audience Analysis
Ch. 10
Ch. 5
26
28
Speech #1
Speech #1
3
5
Language
Delivery
10
12
Visual Aids
Speech #2
17
19
Speech #2
Speech #2
24
26
Persuasion
Monroe's Motivated Sequence/Persuasion Con't
31
2
Reasoning
Refutation
7
9
Speech #3
Speech #3
14
16
Speech #3
(Library Research Due)
NCA Conference--No class
21
23
Speech #3
Thanksgiving--No class
28
30
Speech #4
Speech #4
5
7
Speech #4
Speech #4
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
(Library Research due)
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13
(Library Research Due)
Ch. 15
Ch. 16