Assignments & Speeches
Group Introduction Speech: Your group will present a speech that answers the
question, “How did you become who you are?” You will discuss the role of
communication in your presentation as well as examine who or what influenced you:
family? school? gender? culture? friends? media? religion? a particular event in
your life? Determine and discuss what influenced the person you are today. Use
your personal experiences and Chapters 2 & 3 for support. The presentation should
not be more than 10 minutes per group (or about 2 minutes per speaker). Prepare
an introduction and conclusion for the group speech as well as transitions between
speakers. Each speaker may use a note card. Using a visual aid is optional for this
speech. (20 points)
Reaction Papers & Quizzes: Over the semester you will write at least 5 reaction
papers and take 12 quizzes; topics for the papers will be given to you in class. You
will not have advanced notice about the quizzes or papers. Be sure you read the
assigned chapters. No make ups on reaction papers or quizzes. (150 points total)
Informative Speech: You are to inform the audience about how something is made,
created or works. Choose a topic that interests you. Use 2-3 sources besides
yourself, visual and/or audio aids are required. You may use note cards or a
keyword outline. This speech will be delivered (NOT READ) with energy and
enthusiasm. Keep your speech to 4 - 6 minutes in length; turn in the informative
worksheet outline before you begin your speech. The outline must include your
thesis statement, main points, references, etc. Turn in your note cards after your
speech. Refer to the calendar about when your informative speech topic is due. You
email me your topic. (50 points)
Phrase Outline of Paper: Refer to the calendar for the due date. (10 points)
Computer assignment/speech critique: You will critique another student’s
informative speech. The critique should be written in paragraph form and it should
be emailed to me. In your critique include the speaker’s name and be sure to
identify yourself. Use the student evaluation on the web page as a guideline for
your critique. (10 points)
Dyad Report: Your group will present an oral analysis of the relationship between
two fictional characters in a video. Time limit is 3-4 minutes per person, about 20
minutes per group. Additional information will be available later in the semester.
(50 points)
Persuasion Speech: You will present a 4-5 minute persuasive speech on topics
given in class the week before. A visual aid is required. (80 points)
Group Project: Your group will present an analysis of group dynamics based on
fictional characters in a video. The presentation should be at least 15-20 minutes
per group. Each group must have a visual aid. More information about the project
will be available later in the semester. (100 points)
Exams: There will be four exams (400 points total) and will be group exams with
individual essay responses. See the class calendar for dates. Study guides will be
available for exam 1. Exam 1 covers chapters 1-4; Exam 2 covers chapters 5-7;
Exam 3 covers chapters 14, 16, 17 & 18. The Exam 4 covers chapters 8, 9, 10, 11 &
12.
Impromptu speech: See the calendar for the date….you must speak for at least 60
seconds/one minute. Details will be available later in the semester. (10 points)
Point Total:
950-1000 A
900-949 A870-899 B+
830-869 B
800-829 B770-799 C+
730-769 C
700-729 C670-699 D+
630-669 D
600-629 D599> F
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