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PUBLIC SPEAKING: COMM 201
Department of Communication
Fall Semester 2011
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:30-3:45pm
Forbes 3014
“People's number one fear is public speaking. Death is number two. Does that
seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral,
you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
‐ Jerry Seinfeld
PROFESSOR: DR. KATHLEEN KUEHN
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office: McMurran Hall 259E
E-Mail: kathleen.kuehn@cnu.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Wednesdays 3:00-6:00pm & Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm
Other times by appointment
REQUIRED TEXTS
The textbook is required and necessary for successful completion of the course:
Sprague, J., Stuart, D., & Bodary, D. (2010). The Speaker’s Handbook (9th Edition).
Boston: Wadsworth.
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
One of the most important professional skills a person can possess is the ability to deliver
informative, persuasive, effective and entertaining speeches to a group of people – i.e., public
speaking. The goal of this course is to expose students to the various theories and skills
necessary for successfully delivering oral speeches in public contexts. Accordingly, this class
will teach you how to prepare and deliver an effective speech; you will also learn how to manage
speaking anxiety, actively listen, and thoughtfully critique the speeches of others.
Upon completion of this course, each student should be able to:
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Define and explain basic communication terms, principles and theories
that serve as the basis for competent public communication;
Demonstrate the ability to manage speaking anxiety through the
utilization of appropriate preparation and practice techniques;
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Prepare and effectively deliver informative, persuasive and wellorganized presentations adequately supported by appropriate materials;
Conduct efficient and compelling research that utilizes a variety of
potential sources and thus demonstrates proficiency in research ability;
Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver speeches that conform to
audience needs and/or expectations;
Analyze and critically evaluate public speeches delivered by others - from
mass mediated messages to those of your peers - and to offer written
critiques of these performances;
Apply principles of diversity to public communication situations and
demonstrate competent communication practices that respect diverse
perspectives.
COURSE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Academic Integrity: According to the University Honor Code, students are held to the highest
standards of “academic and social integrity.” I expect all students to adhere to the Honor Code of
CNU:
On my honor, I will maintain the highest possible standards of honesty, integrity
and personal responsibility. This means I will not lie, cheat or steal, and as a
member of this academic community, I am committed to creating an environment
of respect and mutual trust.
Any intentional acts of lying, cheating or stealing are violations of the Code and will be properly
sanctioned. The most common breach of academic integrity committed by students is plagiarism,
or the copying/stealing/modification of someone else’s work without proper sourcing or
documentation. Plagiarism is not only unethical but an insult to everyone in the class. Please
know that any work turned in that is not your own work will be issued a zero grade, and will
result in automatic failure of the course.
For more information, please consult the honor system at:
http://www.cnu.edu/clas/honorsystem.pdf
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance and participation is expected. Since a large part of
becoming a competent communicator involves listening as well as speaking, you are expected to
be present for all classes. During speech presentations, all students are expected to act
thoughtfully and considerately by attending and participating. Regular attendance is not only a
central part of the college experience, but contributes to a positive learning environment.
Attendance is part of your participation grade; as such, you are expected to come to class every
day, on time, prepared and ready to actively listen and participate. There is no attendance policy
for this course with the exception of Speech Days when attendance is mandatory. Attendance
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will be collected at the beginning of class so you must be on time to earn attendance credit for
that day. All Speech Day absences will result in the deduction of 5 points from your
Participation grade for each Speech Day missed.
Please keep in mind that participation points cannot be earned if you are not present to earn
them! In the event you must miss class for any reason, you are solely responsible for knowing
all course material assigned and presented that day; there will be no exceptions to this rule. All
information you need from missed classes must be obtained from another student, not the
instructor (with the exception of documented emergency situations).
Course Format: This course will often be conducted as a workshop. Class time will combine
lecture, group discussion and activities, and will also be utilized for the delivery of assigned
speeches. The instructor and class members will give tactful oral/written evaluations of
presentations.
Email Policy: I will do my best to respond to emails from students within 24 hours during
weekdays. However, questions that require lengthier explanations should be done in office hours.
As a lifelong skill that will help you throughout any career, proper email etiquette should be
used. Remember, the way you communicate face-to-face and over email reflects who you are as
a person. Therefore, I ask that you use relatively formal style and language: salutation (e.g.
“Hello Kathleen,” “Dear Dr. Kuehn,’ “Sincerely, Ian”), spell check, signature, proper grammar
etc. (e.g., please avoid using “r” for “are;” “u” for “you…”). When emailing me, remember it’s
not a text message!
Grade Appeal Process: I’d like this to be a fair and equitable process, so if you do not agree
with your grade on any assignment you may type a 1-2 page argument (in a Word document, not
an email) within one week of the graded assessment and I’ll take another look at it. Appeal
papers must clearly explain why you feel your grade is unfair. They should also include specific
examples, citations, or other relevant course material to support your argument. This may not
result in a higher grade – I may agree with my original assessment – but it will never result in a
lower grade.
Students may also discuss concerns about grades and assignments in-person; however, meetings
must be scheduled no earlier than 24 hours AFTER grades are distributed. I will not discuss
any grade prior to the 24 hour waiting period. Students who do not respect this time frame will
not receive a reevaluation of their grade. I expect students to use this 24 hour period to reflect
upon the assignment parameters, recognize their responsibility in terms of the particular
assignment, and to prepare for thoughtful, engaging dialogue with me about the assessment.
On Being Considerate: In order to foster an environment of consideration and mutual respect,
please turn off all cell phones, iPods, etc. For this particular course, they must be off – not on
vibrate, but off (i.e. no text messaging, no voice mail notifications). The disruption of speeches is
not only distracting, but it is also rude. Please show your colleagues and the instructor respect by
turning off all electronics before entering the classroom. Also - please pick up your newspapers
and trash after class. Please recycle.
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Personal Problems: If you are having problems of any sort throughout the semester that makes
your attendance, participation and/or preparation for this course difficult, please let me know as
early as possible! You may NOT come to me during finals week with excuses for absences or
missed assignments and expect to receive a passing grade. In the case of an emergency situation
(life happens, after all), I will gladly work with you in any way I can so long as you make the
attempt to notify me of in some advance of finals week. I am here to help, but you must be
forthcoming.
Special Needs Accommodation: If you believe that you have a disability, you should make an
appointment to see me to discuss your needs. I am happy to accommodate any special needs you
may have throughout the class, however, you must be registered with the office of Disability
Support Services at (757) 594-8763 (online at http://www.cnu.edu/advise/services.html). They
will help you arrange a time for testing that will determine what types of accommodations will
best suit your individual learning style, and then provide information about how best to help you
throughout the semester.
COMM 201, p. 5
COURSE GRADING & ASSESSMENT
The following assignments will be completed by each student. The points system should allow
you to calculate your standing in the course with relative accuracy.
This course has a total of 500 points.
Exams
Points Possible
50
50
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Speech Assignments
Any Old Bag Speech
Speech 1
Speech 2
Speech 3
Assignments
Speech 1 Self-evaluation
Class Participation
Total
50
75
75
75
25
100
500
Final Grades will be determined on the following scale:
A:
A-:
B+:
B:
B-:
C+:
100 - 93%
92 - 90%
89 - 87%
86 - 83%
82 – 80
79 - 77%
500 - 465 pts
464 - 450 pts
449 - 435 pts
434 - 420 pts
419 - 400 pts
399 - 385 pts
C:
C-:
D+:
D:
D-:
F:
76-73%
72-70%
69-67%
66-63%
62-60%
59% - 0
384 – 365 pts
364 – 350 pts
349 - 335 pts
334 – 315 pts
314 – 300 pts
299 - 0 pts
Exams (50 points each): You will complete two exams (a midterm and a final) assessing your
grasp of the course material (readings, discussions and assignments). Exams will consist of
multiple choice and short answer questions. The final exam will be cumulative and cover the
entire semester’s course material. Missed exams cannot be made up and will receive a zero.
Speech Assignments (50-75 points each): You will complete four speeches over the course of
the semester. For Speeches 1-3, a typewritten outline must be handed in at the beginning of the
first Speech Day for that assigned speech, regardless of when you present. Each outline is worth
up to 10 points of the total speech grade. Late outlines will not be accepted and points will be
deducted accordingly. Please note: There are no speech make-ups. If you are absent on the day
you are scheduled to present your speech, you will automatically receive a zero for that
presentation – NO EXCEPTIONS.
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Any Old Bag Speech – For this speech you will create and deliver a 2-4 minute speech
about yourself. You must bring in and describe an item that represents something from your past,
something from the present, something from the future; you will also describe the bag in which
these items are held (i.e., the bag should tell us something about you, as well). The purpose of
this speech assignment is to get you comfortable speaking in front of an audience in an
extemporaneous mode of delivery.
Speech 1: Informative Speech – The purpose of this speech assignment is to introduce
you to basic skills needed for designing effective oral presentations. In this speech you may
inform your audience about how something works, explain a concept, describe an object, report
an event, news story or any other task in which the goal is to “objectively” convey knowledge
and understanding about something specific. Speeches should be 5-7 minutes and delivered
extemporaneously.
Speech 2: Informative Group Speech – The purpose of this speech assignment is to
expand your research to include topics of global concern and will be delivered as a group
presentation that utilizes visual aids/materials (e.g., Powerpoint, Prezi, etc.). In this speech, you
will present information about a culture other than your own. This can relate to any aspect of
culture (politics, labor, food & drink, customs, popular culture, relationships, etc.) but must be
focused enough to convey an in-depth understanding of the topic in the allotted time frame.
Students will be broken into small teams and mutually decide their topic; outside meetings and
research will be required. Speeches should be delivered extemporaneously in 10-12 minutes with
speaking time divided equally amongst each group member. Speeches will be followed with a
five-minute question and answer period which will also be graded.
Speech 3: Persuasive Speech – The purpose of this speech assignment is to connect your
newly learned public speaking skills to topics of concern in your daily life. You will take a
position on a critical issue of concern to young adults, which should focus on the U.S.
specifically or common global concerns for young adults. The topic for this speech must be
narrow and focused and should attempt to form, reform or reinforce the audience’s attitudes,
values and/or beliefs about a particular issue. While students may select their own topics, I ask
that you refrain from issues pertaining to the death penalty and abortion. Speeches should be
delivered extemporaneously in 6-8 minutes.
Speech 4 (Optional): Ceremonial Speech – You may opt to deliver a ceremonial speech
to replace your lowest speech grade (it is not required). The speech topic must be specific and
may be real or fictional, serious or humorous, but should commemorate an individual (alive or
deceased), event (past or present), or revolve around some other emotional, inspiring or
ceremonial subject. Speeches should be well-planned and delivered in 4-5 minutes. This optional
assignment cannot be used to replace a zero grade. You must also let the instructor know what
speech grade you are replacing prior to delivering the speech. Please note that this assignment
completely replaces the original grade and therefore does not guarantee a higher score.
Self-Evaluation (25 points): After completing Speech 1, you will write a 1-2 page evaluation
that critically assesses your speech performance. Evaluations should thoughtfully assess the
strengths and weaknesses of your speech delivery (voice, diction, grammar, pronunciation),
COMM 201, p. 7
speech content (clear purpose, clarity, intro/body/conclusion; supporting points), level of
preparedness and an assessment of perceived audience impact.
Class Participation (100 points): Throughout the semester, we will have numerous directed inclass activities designed to enhance your learning, including impromptu speeches, peer
evaluations, topic workshops and review sessions. Active and engaged participation in these
activities counts toward these general points. Simply “being in class” does not constitute
participation; you must actively engage to earn credit. In addition, the amount of critical thought
put into these exercises directly impacts your grade. For example, peer evaluations that simply
say “good job” are not useful to your peers and thus would not receive credit.
You are also expected to contribute to a constructive, collegial classroom environment by
actively participating in each class with demonstrated preparation. You are also expected to show
appropriate respect to your instructor and classmates. Infringements on respect and participation
might include behaviors or actions such as: discrediting another student’s perspective, failing to
come to class prepared, arguing in a disrespectful manner with the instructor or other students, or
failing to sufficiently contribute to group projects and in class assignments.
COMM 201, p. 8
COMM 201 Weekly Work Schedule (TR)
Date
Week 1
August 23 (T)
August 25 (R)
Topic
Readings/Assignments Due
Introduction to the Class
Overcoming Speech Anxiety
Active Listening
Ch. 1-4 (pp. 1-58)
Learning Contract Due
Chapters 6 & 7 (pp. 70-100)
September 1 (R)
Selecting Topics
Connecting to Audiences
Any Old Bag Speech
Preparing & Planning Your Speech
Week 3
September 6 (T)
Speech Organization
Ch. 12-14 (pp. 170-195)
Bring Speech 1 Topics
Modes of Delivery
Informative Speeches
Ch. 21 (pp. 302-308)
Ch. 23-26 (pp. 335-378)
Week 2
August 30 (T)
September 8 (R)
Week 4
September 13 (T)
Informative Speech Workshop
September 15 (R)
Speech #1: Informative Speeches
Week 5
September 20 (T)
Speech #1
September 22 (R)
Speech #1
Week 6
September 27 (T)
Speech #1
September 29 (R)
Week 7
October 4 (T)
October 6 (R)
Ch. 9-11 (pp. 129-169)
Developing Your Speech
Presentation Strategies
Ch. 17-19 (pp. 256-290)
Ch. 27-29 (pp. 379-406)
MIDTERM EXAM
Due at the end of class
Research & Credibility: Supporting
Your Ideas
Ch. 8 &15 (pp. 103-130; 203220)
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Week 8
October 11 (T)
Research: Gathering & Using
Information (Guest Speaker)
October 13 (R)
Research Day & Group Meetings
Week 9
October 18 (T)
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS
October 20 (R)
Speech #2: Group Informative
Week 10
October 25 (T)
Speech #2
October 27 (R)
Persuasive Speaking
Week 11
November 1 (T)
Persuasive Speaking Workshop
November 3 (R)
Speech #3: Persuasive Speeches
Week 12
November 8(T)
Speech #3
November 10 (R)
Speech #3
Week 13
November 15 (T)
Speech #3
November 17 (R)
Speaking to Commemorate
Online Module (No Class – out of
town for NCA Conference)
Week 14
November 22 (T)
Speech #4 (Optional): Ceremonial
November 24 (R)
Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASS
Week 15
November 29 (T)
Speech #4
December 1 (R)
Course wrap-up & Review
FINALS WEEK
December 6 (T)
FINAL EXAM (2:00-4:30pm)
Chapters 20 & 22 (pp. 291-300
& 310-324)
Ch. 33 (pp. 433-436)
Due at the end of class
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COMM 201 STUDENT LEARNING CONTRACT
I, __________________________________, having reviewed the policies for Dr. Kuehn’s
course hereby certify that:
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I fully understand how to contact Dr. Kuehn, when and where her office hours are held.
I fully understand which texts are required for the course.
I fully understand the policies of the course with respect to attendance, the completion
and submission of coursework, grading, and academic support.
I fully understand what constitutes plagiarism and that any form of academic misconduct
will result in an F for the entire course.
I fully understand that I must take all exams at the official designated time.
I fully understand that if I fail to attend and present a speech on my assigned date that I
will automatically receive a zero for that assignment.
I fully understand that the failure to attend class directly impacts my overall participation
grade for the course, and I will lose five points for each class missed on Speech Days.
I fully understand that it is solely my responsibility to notify Dr. Kuehn immediately of
any problems – personal, mental, physical or otherwise – that may be prohibiting my
active participation in this course.
I fully understand that as a member of the CNU academic community, I am required to
participate in a constructive, collegial, and supportive classroom environment, which
means that I must have assignments completed on time and must respectfully and
thoughtfully participate in class activities.
By signing this contract, I acknowledge that I agree to the policies stated above, and that I am
eager to participate in this course. By choosing to stay in the course, I agree to the above
requirements and vow to complete the assigned coursework throughout the semester.
Signed _________________________________________________ Date __________________
Printed Name _________________________________________________________