Introduction to Speech Syllabus
Ms. Marlow
Room: E207
E-mail: mmarlow@RTHS.K12.il.us
Course Description:
Throughout the semester students will be required to give at least seven formal
speeches. These speeches are designed to give students experience in a range of
speaking situations. Speech class is unlike many other classes in that it directly
applies to students’ lives both now and in the future. Public speaking skills are
invaluable no matter what your profession or goals. Students will receive direct
instruction on how to write speech outlines, present speeches, use visual aids,
and make audience centered presentations. Students will know speech dates at
least a week before the speech is to be given. Speech should be fun, but can be
intimidating. The best way to ease the pressure of speech is to be prepared. Any
student with concerns about giving speeches should see me at least 48 hours
before the speech and we can discuss any concerns that may arise.
Speeches to be given:
1. Personal Experience Speech
2. Demonstration Speech
3. Informative Speech
4. Pet Peeve Speech
5. Interviews
6. Persuasive Speech and Debate
7. Final: “I am from…” Speech
Grade Break Down:
50% Speeches
20% Outlines
15% Quizzes
15% Class Work/Homework/
Participation
Speeches Graded For:
20% Preparation—self grading
40% Content
30 % Performance
5% Visual Aids
5% Improvement
Classroom Expectations




Be Prepared for Class—bring books, paper, writing tools, and anything else
necessary for class. Students will not be sent back to their lockers for
forgotten items.
Complete all assignments before the class period in which they are due.
Be in your seat and ready to begin (no talking) when the bell rings.
I will not tolerate any remarks at another person’s expense. Anyone
making disparaging remarks about another student will receive a warning
and then a detention if necessary.
Classroom Procedures



Students have the opportunity to earn extra credit points each week. On
Monday a list of ten trivia questions will be listed on the board. Answers
to the TFTG (Ten for Top Grades) questions are due to the black bin by
3pm Friday. Each correct answer will receive one extra credit point (up to
ten each week). TFTG is individual and optional.
Any student wanting to leave the classroom during class must ask for and
receive either a two-part pass or a passport. Any student that leaves the
classroom without permission will receive an automatic detention and/or
disciplinary referral.
Students needing a tissue may get one without asking as long as he/she
can do so without disrupting the class. Students needing to sharpen
pencils should do so before class, or wait until a work period that will not
disrupt class.
Class Work and Grading







Grades are earned according to particular assignment requirements. All
major assignments will be accompanied by a grading rubric.
Late work will drop one letter grade for each class day late. Work is
considered late if it is not complete when you enter the room. Outlines
may be turned in for late credit any time before the next speech is given.
All speeches must be given on the day assigned. Any speech not given on
the day assigned will drop a letter grade for each class day late. Once a
speech is more than one week late it becomes a 50%--this is still better
than a 0%. Make-up speeches must be scheduled by the student with me
at least 24hours in advance.
Quizzes and participation points cannot be made-up. You cannot
participate in class if you are not present. Missing too much class (even
when excused) will lower your overall grade. Participation grades are
earned through daily class participation. I will not announce which days I
am taking a participation grade, so everyone should participate everyday
during classroom discussions and activities.
Homework assigned during an excused absence is due two class periods
after the excused absence per school rules. Homework missed due to an
unexcused absence is due by the end of school the next day, and will be
counted as late work. You must ask for missed work either before or after
school, or during homeroom. I will not spend class time on missing work;
I will not hunt you down to give you missing work you did not ask for.
You are welcome to e-mail any assignments to me, but these will be
counted late if sent after the due date (without an excused absence) or
cannot be opened.
Most grades are negotiable; however, you must have a strong argument for
raising the grade. The moment you raise your voice, the negotiation is
over. You must wait at least 24 hours and bring your graded assignment
rubric for a grade negotiation. I will not consider another students grade
when discussing raising your grade.
Speech Procedures


Speech is meant to be informative and often entertaining. I encourage
each of you to have fun with your topics and presentation. Anyone
concerned about the appropriateness of a speech topic should clear
his/her topic with me. All speeches must be clean and legal.
Students are required to listen attentively to all speeches as well as to
complete a form for each speech. Students participating in disruptive
behavior during a speech will be given one warning (this warning may not
be verbal—it may come in the form of a look), if a second warning is
required the disruptive student(s) will receive a classroom detention. If a
third warning is necessary, the student(s) will be sent to the dean.
Library/ Lab Procedures


Some speeches will require research. I expect that in the library students
will speak only when necessary to complete the assignment, and will speak
in low voices. It is important that students stay on-task while in the
library, as we will not be spending excessive time there. Any students
acting inappropriately will receive one warning before receiving a
detention.
All school library and Internet rules are to be obeyed at all times while in
the library and computer labs.
Substitute Procedures

Hopefully I will not have to leave the classroom often. However, if the
situation arises that I must miss class, all students should be helpful and
cooperative for the substitute. Any discipline/ detentions given by a
substitute will be doubled upon my return. I expect nothing but perfect
behavior in my absence.
Return the portion below within three class periods for extra credit points.
I have read and understood the information covered in this syllabus.
Student ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian______________________________
______________________________