WELCOME TO SPEECH 1315
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Spring 2008
I. SPEECH 1315
Section # 22246, Room 1123
Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-2:20
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Linda Brown
CONTACT INFO
Phone: 831-5841 Office location: # 1234
Email: lbrown1@epcc.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Tues/Thurs: 9:30-11:30 AM, 2:30-5:00
Mondays: 1:30-2:00 Valle Verde, Room B240
Weekend dates/hours: January 25, 26, 27; February 8, 9, 10; February 22, 23, 24
Fridays: January 25, February 8, 22 - 5:00-5:30, 9:30-10
Saturdays: January 26, February 9, 23 – 7:30-8:00, 5:00-5:30
Sundays: January 27, February 10, 24 – 12:30-1:00, 5:00-5:30
II. TEXTBOOK
Nelson. P., Titsworth, S., Pearson, J. (2007) Public Speaking: A guide for the Engaged
Communicator. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
The textbook has an excellent review at the end of each chapter. There are also sample
quizzes, videos, flashcards, and web resources available online.
Online Student resources: www.mhhe.com/nelson
Student Edition…no password necessary
The textbook website address is also on the back of your textbook.
You can also access class materials by visiting our class SmartStart
online site which I will demonstrate in class. You have an EPCC email
address. Be sure to check it for EPCC and class info.
III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
EL Paso Community College Core Values
We, the faculty, staff, and students of El Paso Community college
Are committed to the philosophy and principles of a Learning College.
As such, we affirm and embrace the following Core Values:
Communication: We value and encourage the open, interactive exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Competence: We value excellence as our standard in teaching and learning.
Integrity: we value honesty, ethical behavior, and professionalism in meeting our mission.
Personal Growth: We value the journey of faculty, staff, and students n becoming more
conscious, productive, and contributing members of the community.
Respect: We honor and value each other in our diversity.
Student Success: We value a learning environment that enables students to succeed.
Trust: We value relationships based on honesty, reliability, and compassion.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? Ask yourself that question about every class you take.
This class will be a valuable experience for you. You will not only learn important life
skills in this class... but you will have FUN doing so! You will learn skills in this class
that you can use in other classes, in the workplace, and in your everyday social
interactions. You are capable of becoming an effective, dynamic, speaker if you
choose to do so. You will participate in non-threatening, positive activities that will
help you to gain the confidence and skills necessary to fulfill future public speaking
requirements. My job is to help you accomplish your course goals. Make it your goal to
get an A in this class and to learn to LOVE public speaking! Grading criteria and/or evaluation
forms will be provided for all assignments. Record your grades on the grade sheet below.
Assignment/activity
Maximum Points
Introductory Speech
(3 min)
25
Smart Start login: send me an email 10
Review Online Student resources:
15
www.mhhe.com/nelson
Library activity
My grade
______ due January 24
______ due any time before January 25
______ due any time before January 25
25
_______
Informative speech
Printed copies of Resources
On-time Draft Outline
Final Outline
100
50
25
25
______
______
______
______
Persuasive speech
Printed copies of Resources
On-time Draft Outline
Final Outline
100
50
25
25
______
______
______
______
75
25
______
______
Special topic speech
Complete Speaking text
Quizzes
1,2,3,4
120 pts
_____
7,8,9,10
117 pts
_____
275
11, video, persuasion
38 pts
_______
Written Speech evaluation
Peer Evaluations
Attendance
Total points available
Grading Scale: A =900-1000
25
25
50
due January 24
______
Final quiz option to replace quiz #1 or #2
120 pts
______
_______ In-class video or local speech review
_______
_______
1000
Extra credit
_____
_____ ______
B =800-899 C = 700-799 D = 600-699 F = Less than 600
IV. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ATTENDANCE AND DROP POLICY: Attendance is optional. So is success. Participation in
this class is necessary in order to succeed. You cannot participate if you do not attend.
Participation is not optional if you choose to succeed. Therefore, you cannot succeed in this
class if you do not attend. So, in reality, attendance is not optional. I do take attendance
at the beginning of class because participation is very important in this class and it is not
possible to make-up the group class activities we engage in during class. Attendance is a
factor in your grade, as noted on your grade sheet. You are an important player in this class.
Your questions and input are valuable to others.
It is not necessary to call me to tell me that you will not be in class or that you were not in
class. If you are absent and you think it is important to let me know why you were not in
class, put it in writing. I do not document phone calls I receive regarding absences. If you
are working on a group speech or debate, you are expected to contact a group member
regarding absences.
If you have more than three absences, I reserve the right to drop you from class. However,
you are responsible for officially dropping the class if you decide to quit attending. I realize
that some students have a tremendous amount of communication apprehension – or stage
fright. That is normal. DO NOT drop this class for that reason. I assure you that I
can help you overcome your communication concerns and fears. Also, I realize that your
work schedule may change or that childcare, personal, or medical issues may arise over the
course of the semester. Talk to me about your needs and concerns and be sure to speak to me
before dropping the class due to any reason.
Always to talk to your instructor before dropping any class. Two Texas State and
College mandates are now being applied as of Fall 2007: (1) First-time enrolled
students can have a limited number of course WITHDRAWALS over the entire period of
their combined college and/or university experience; (2) registration fees for enrollment
in the same course for a third time will be triple the regular cost. Financial aid cannot
be applied to registration fees for the same course for a third time.
Classroom courtesies: Please be on time to class as a courtesy to other students. Also, I
sometimes give “on time” extra credit quizzes in the first couple minutes of class. You will
miss the quiz if you are late. Please do not use electronic devices in class.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: You must present your speeches as scheduled. If you have an
emergency on the day you are scheduled to present, you will be allowed to present at the next
opportunity we have time in class. You will need to be prepared to speak EVERY class meeting
until you have presented your speech. Please bring me documentation of the emergency.
QUIZZES: If you are not in class to take Quiz #1 or Quiz 2 for any reason, you can take the
final quiz at the end of the semester to replace a “missed” quiz grade. There are no make-up
quizzes available for Quizzes # 1, 2, or 3. If you take Quizzes 1 and 2 and want to REPLACE
one of those grades, you can also take the Final Quiz for that purpose. The Final quiz is not
required unless you choose to take it for one of the reasons stated above.
PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s language or ideas as your
own. We will discuss this in class. Be very careful to acknowledge/give credit to your sources
of information. Plagiarism falls under Academic Dishonesty in the Student Handbook and can
result in suspension from school.
CENTER FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: EPCC offers a variety of services to
promote success to persons with documented sensory, mental, physical, or temporary disabling
conditions. If you have a disability, you are encouraged to contact the Center for Students with
Disabilities to discuss your needs with a counselor. All discussions and documentation are kept
confidential. The office is located in room 1400 and you can reach staff at 831-5808. Let me
know how I can be of assistance.
OPPORTUNITIES: Let me know if you are interested in the EPCC Forensics Team, Honors
Program, Phi Theta Kappa, or Student Government Association. Be sure to check out other
opportunities and organizations on campus! I recommend that you pickup a student handbook
at the student activities office. It is free and full of valuable information!
Service Learning: If you are interested in providing volunteer service to a local nonprofit
agency or institution, you might be able to develop oral presentations around the agency’s
mission to fulfill course requirements and receive service learning credit at the same time.
Examples of two options: (1) develop an EPCC recruitment speech and present it to local
high school classes. (2) Develop & present persuasive materials/speeches for a local
politician.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: The library houses several tutoring programs. The College
provides these programs as a service to you. Take advantage of these free services! If you are
looking for a job, be sure to check the College website. There are also lots of financial aid and
scholarship opportunities available to you. Be sure to explore these options.
There is a textbook on reserve for your use at the checkout desk
in the TM library under my name.
V. CALENDAR
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Your success is very important to me.
Don't hesitate to ask me, come see me, or call me anytime you have a question!
This is a tentative calendar. I will follow it as closely as possible but it is subject to revision
based on student progress during the semester. It includes an overview of all assignments and
due dates for each assignment. Any changes made to the syllabus will be made in your best
interest. Don’t be concerned if we are “off schedule” by a day or two during the semester.
Please read the chapter or reading material to be discussed each day, as indicated by the
calendar, before coming to class. You will be expected to discuss or otherwise demonstrate
your understanding of the material. The topic of discussion for each class meeting is noted
below. It is your responsibility to read the textbook. We will not cover the book page-bypage in class. There are good chapter summaries at the end of each chapter and Powerpoint
summaries of each chapter are posted in EPCC Smart Start. Online, at www.mhhe.com/nelson
you will find chapter summaries, flashcards, practice quizzes, and crossword puzzles as
chapter study aides.
In the “real world” it is appropriate to dress “one level better” than your audience members
when presenting a speech. That also applies on the day that you present your speeches. Your
attire has an impact on your audience’s perception of your credibility.
Course theme options: politics; money; medical issues
I will provide a list of related topic ideas.
Speech Minimum Time Limits: Informative 6-8 minutes; Special Topic 4-5 minutes; Persuasive
7-9 minutes. These time limits are subject to change based on class enrollment
JANUARY
15 Course overview, syllabus, nametents, student assessment, plagiarism
Complete student information form and bring to next class.
Begin reading chapters 1-5 and preparing your Introductory Analogy speech.
Assignments:
 See Chapter 3: Selecting a topic. Bring 5 topic ideas, including 2 main ideas
each, for informative and persuasive speeches to class on Thursday. BRING 2
COPIES OF YOUR LIST. (Not necessary to type the lists)
 Go online or to a library and scan magazines and journals for topic ideas. Also, look for
topic ideas in Opposing Viewpoints, SIRS, the CQ Researcher, and sites listed below.
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm
California State University Library site http://www.csulb.edu/library/subj/opposing/
EPCC Library - Online database collection - SIRS and other databases
http://www.epcc.edu/library/electro.htm#Collections
January
Smart Start login: send me an email
Review Online Student resources:
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10
15
______ due any time before January 25
______ due any time before January 25
Review online textbook site and in an email to me identify 3 things you find
interesting
Online Student resources: www.mhhe.com/nelson
Student Edition…no password necessary.
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Login to our course site via SMART START. Go to College webpage: epcc.edu; click
on STUDENTS; click on SMART START; login using your ID/password.
Send me an email letting me know you found the Smart Start course materials
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Complete student information form and bring to next class
Begin reading chapters 1-5
17 212: Extra Effort = More Success
Bring 2 copies of your topic ideas to class today. (See assignment above)
Selecting a topic (Chapters 3, 1, 6)
Information form due
22 Library Orientation: Meet downstairs in library classroom at the back of the library.
Bring topic ideas today. See library activity/assignment: 25 points (Due next class)
(Chapter 5)
24 Model of Communication (Chapter 1)
Overview of Speechmaking (Chapter 2)
Listening, Interference (Chapter 4)
Informative topic, thesis and 2 main ideas due next class.
Groups identified
CENSUS: Jan 24
29 Introductory analogy speeches due (3 minutes)
Informative topic, thesis and 3 tentative main ideas due today
Write down 3 communication concerns and bring to next class.
31 Communication Concerns & Relaxation techniques (Chapter 1)
Audience analysis (Chapter 5)
FEBRUARY
5 Understanding your audience: personality types, building rapport (Chapter 4)
Audience analysis
7
Outlining and Organizing your speech (Chapters 6 & 7)
Sample outlines provided for review
Introductions and Conclusions
Informing (Chapter 10)
Video example
12 Guest speech presentation for your analysis
Revised topic, thesis and 3 main ideas due today. Bring all research materials for
Informative speech to class today-books, magazines and copies of journal articles/online
resources. I will review your materials during class and return them to you today.
14
Nonverbal communication, Sample speeches
Quiz preview
19 Quiz: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
You can bring one 8 ½ X 11 page of notes to class for use during the quiz
We will go over quiz answers today after everyone has completed the quiz
Final Informative topic and draft outlines due today.
Persuasive topic ideas due today: Turn in 3 persuasive topics you are considering. Include
3 tentative main ideas for each topic. If you have already confirmed a topic with me,
turn in the topic, thesis statement and 3 main ideas.
21
Language and meaning (Chapters 7 & 8)
MLK I Have a Dream extra credit analysis due at the beginning of class
today. You will need to read chapters 7 & 8 before class to complete the
analysis.
26 Visual Aids (Chapter 9)
Quiz review
28 Quiz 7, 8, 9, 10
You can bring one 8 ½ X 11 page of notes to class for use during the quiz
MARCH
4 Positive Thinking, Visualization
6
Informative Speeches due
(5-7 minutes)
Quizzes returned today
11 Informative Speeches due
Group 1
Group 4
#3 critiques
#2 critiques
Group 3
Group 2
#4 critiques
#1 critiques
13 Informative Speeches due
18
Persuasion
Begin research on Persuasive speech
Video examples
20 Persuasion: Fallacies & How numbers are used to persuade
March 21-31
SPRING BREAK…NO CLASSES
Enjoy
APRIL
1
Persuasive speeches due
(6-8 minutes)
3 Persuasive speeches due
Group 2
Group 3
#1 critiques
#4 critiques
Group 4
#2 critiques
Group 1
#3 critiques
8 Persuasive speeches due
10
Final Quiz Option today
15 Complete written analysis of speech(s) I will provide in class. (25 points)
Bring your book to class
Analysis due next class
17
Quiz: Persuasion
Written analysis due today.
22 Special Topic Speeches due: Motivational/Persuasive/Sales/Etymology/Political
Demonstrative speech/Oral Interpretation/Humor/Infomercial
Groups 2 & 4
24
Special Topic Speeches due: Motivational/Persuasive/Sales/Etymology/Political
Demonstrative speech/Oral Interpretation/Humor/Infomercial Groups 1 & 3
29
Special Topic Speeches due: Motivational/Persuasive/Sales/Etymology/Political
Demonstrative speech/Oral Interpretation/Humor/Infomercial Groups 1 & 3
MAY
1
Extra credit Speech Analysis videos due today: political, TV,
movie examples
8
FINAL CLASS DAY
1:00-3:00
We do NOT meet on May 6th: During Finals Week, classes do not meet during
regularly scheduled times.
ASSIGNMENTS
Your syllabus includes a schedule that designates the days that you are assigned to present
your speeches. You are required to present your speech as scheduled. If you foresee a
scheduling conflict after reviewing the schedule, see me immediately so we can reschedule
your speech. Due to time constraints and class size, you might not be able to present your
speech at all if you do not present it as scheduled.
INTRODUCTORY SPEECHES USING AN ANALOGY: You will introduce yourself to the class
using an analogy to describe yourself. For example: My name is Robert Johnson and I'm like a
lion. I'm fearless, proud, and protective. (1) I'm fearless. I'm not afraid of the competition
(examples), (2) I'm proud of my accomplishments (examples), and (3) I take care of (protect)
others (examples). In this speech you are also required to incorporate an applicable
passage/quote from a book, a poem, or a song, etc. A visual aid that symbolizes or represents
something you value or is related to the analogy is also required. At the end of your
presentation other students will have the opportunity to ask you questions about yourself.
(Easy ones...don't worry.) The purpose of this speech is to provide information about yourself,
including your values, beliefs, past experiences, hopes, dreams, and goals in an interesting and
creative fashion. No outline required. Turn in a notecard with name, topic/title, identification
of analogy, 3 comparisons, quote, identification of visual aid.
(3 MINUTES)
INFORMATIVE and PERSUASIVE SPEECHES: You will present an informative speech that
provides the audience with NEW information and a persuasive speech on a creative, timely,
topic of interest. Begin thinking about topics for ALL of your speeches TODAY. A final
outline is due on the day that you present. A visual aid is required. A minimum of five
sources of information are required and must be identified in the bibliography. Try to
include a variety of resources - at least one journal article, one book, and two online
resources. You might also consider interviewing a local expert. A photocopy of your sources
may be required. Please turn in copies of research found online. Be sure you can produce
books and journals used. YOU CANNOT READ YOUR SPEECH TO THE CLASS. You must
rehearse in advance and time yourself when doing so. Evaluation form attached. You must
meet the minimum time limit for each speech. You will be allowed to work in groups of two
for the persuasive speech. Each person will still be required to present for 6-8 minutes.
You may want to develop a debate if two or more students have interest in the same topic.
Speech Time Limits: Informative 6-8 minutes; Persuasive 7-9 minutes; Special Topic 4-5
minutes;.
RESOURCES: You will receive points for choosing an appropriate
topic and resources. You need a minimum of five sources of
information for your Informative and for your Persuasive speech.
Generally, resources must be current-written within the last 5-10
years. Some topics may lend themselves to researching and reading
older publications. Depending on the topic, your sources may need to
include very recent publications. In choosing sources of information,
you need to consider the author’s potential bias and level of expertise. You need verifiable,
credible resources. You can interview an expert and you can also draw from audio/video
materials and online presentations. Most .com sources of information will not be considered
appropriate sources of information. They are typically sales oriented sites that include very
limited information designed for sales-not research-purposes. Newspapers are also not your
best source of unbiased information.
SPEECH OUTLINES: An outline format is included in your course packet. You outline needs
to be a detailed, full-sentence outline OR complete speaking text. Your final outline is
required/due on the day you present your speech. If you do not have an outline or full text
on the day that you speak, you will lose all outline points. If you use Powerpoint when
presenting, please provide me with a handout copy of the slides. If you do not have your
outline on the day you speak, there is no need to turn in an outline late. Please use the
included format, including all information requested.
PERSUASIVE/MOTIVATIONAL/SALES/ ETYMOLOGY/POLITICAL/ORAL
INTERPRETATION/HUMOR/INFOMERCIAL/OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM: You have
several options for this speech. Details regarding each option will be provided in class.
Visual aid required. Speaking text required on the day the speech is presented.
(4-5 MINUTES )
CLASS PARTICIPATION/EXERCISES, PREPARATION AND ATTENDANCE: Because most
of what you will learn in this class will result from interactions with and observations of
others, attendance will be taken on a daily basis. There may be unannounced quizzes. Please
read chapters relating to topics of discussion before coming to class.
WRITTEN SPEECH EVALUATION: Considering all of the steps and skills in developing and
presenting a speech, you will complete a written analysis of a video recorded or live speech
(25 points)
PEER CRITIQUES: You will be requested to complete peer critiques of other student
presentations. The critiques will reflect your ability to analyze all aspects of an oral
presentation. Be honest in your critique in a constructive way so as to help presenters
recognize their strengths and weaknesses. (25 points)
EXTRA CREDIT SPEECH ANALYSIS VIDEOS:
1. Analysis of political speeches (15 points)
Throughout the semester, we will be looking for written & videotaped political speeches for
analysis. If I am able to find an appropriate speeches for review, I will offer extra credit for
your written analysis of the speeches.
2. You can earn extra credit points by developing an oral and written analysis of a video clip
(up to 10 minute clip) of a speech or communication principles that you have seen in a movie or
TV show. You will present the video clip and oral analysis to the class. (10 points per
clip/analysis. You can present up to two examples). This is a fun way to learn and teach
communication skills and to earn extra credit.
3. Written analysis of the MLK I Have a Dream Speech. No late critiques accepted.
See critique form in Smart Start.
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TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN SPEECH 1315
Choose your topics the first week of class.
Choose a topic of interest to you or one of which you already have some
knowledge.
Ask the librarians for help if you are having difficulty identifying key words
related to your topic. They are experts in researching information.
Use research databases for your research. Do not waste your time at .com
sources of information.
Always ASK if you have a question.
Attendance is required for success.
Communication apprehension is normal. You will overcome it in this class.
Read the book…it is good and it is fast reading.
Take notes in class and as you read the book.
WHAT STEPS DO I TAKE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL OF
PRESENTING AN EFFECTIVE SPEECH?
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Desire to succeed. Decide to succeed. Visualize success.
One of your goals as a speaker is for audience members to believe that their
needs/desires have been met. In order to meet their perceived needs you
must understand their needs.
You must build rapport with your audience and display confidence.
Demonstrate to your audience that you can relate to their needs. Establish a
connection with your audience. Demonstrate that you care.
Organize your thoughts. Be more informed than your audience. Research
your topic.
Analyze and adapt to your audience on a continuous basis.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice at least once in front of a friend or
family member.
Get the audience's attention and keep it.
Demonstrate a passion for your topic. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Speak from the heart. Be sincere.
Leave your audience with something to take with them...a memorable
statement, a new perspective, or new information.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR: LIBRARY ORIENTATION
Speech 1315
Turn in the following assignment next class meeting: 25 points
Our TM librarians are research and current events experts and one of your greatest college
resources. Research is an art and an important skill that you will use throughout your
college career and for the rest of your life. Many students have a tendency to rely on
commercial online resources an/or fail to analyze the credibility of online resources for
research purposes. In addition, students are also often unaware of the wealth of College
library journals, magazines, CD and DVD resources available to them. Students can also
access books from libraries all over the country using the interlibrary loan system.
Answer the following questions and complete each activity below. This assignment is due
next class meeting.
What two things did you learn about how to assess the credibility of an online site?
Can you access library databases from home?
If so, how do you do that?
What are the 2 most interesting things you learned in the library orientation?
1. Find and print an article of interest to you on one of our topic themes found
in one of the library research databases identified by the librarian. Email the
article to yourself and print it in the computer lab at no cost.
2. Online, find and print the etymology of a word.
3. Go to one of the online sites that provide written and/or audio presentations of famous
speeches. Find and print a copy of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Put it in
your Speech folder that you bring to class every day. I will let you know what day we will
discuss it in class.
4. Using the list of presentation topic ideas found in your syllabus, find and review two
books or magazines/journals found IN the library. Write down the names/authors of these
two books/articles and a one paragraph summary of what you found in each book/article.
I Have a Dream
Martin Luther King
Extra Credit: up to 15 points
1. What kind of speech is this and why do you say so? Identify all that apply.
Motivational, Informative, Persuasive, Demonstrative, Impromptu, Extemporaneous,
Manuscript, Memorized
2. What was his purpose?
3. What do you like or not like about this speech and why? What makes it a great
speech or difficult to appreciate? As an audience member that day, what types of
interference might you have encountered?
4. Identify 5 (different) language and stylist approaches used in this speech. Include
specific examples of each.
5. Provide 3 specific examples of analogies used and explain the comparisons.
INFORMATIVE / PERSUASIVE SPEECHES
Date__________
Class time ______________
INTRODUCTION
NAME____________________
TOPIC____________________
Prepared to speak as scheduled ____
15 points
_____
____ Attention arousal/creativity
____ Established credibility
____ Established rapport
____ Thesis clearly presented
____ Previewed audience
BODY
20 points
_____
____ Relevant, current, and adequate support: Statistics, examples, narrative, testimony,
current info
_____ Understanding of the material and concepts
_____ Appropriate breadth and depth of topic
____ Language:
____ Organization:
____ Appealed to variety of motivations/senses/audience needs
____ Flowed well: use of transitions
____ In-depth knowledge of material
CONCLUSION
15 points
_____
____ Effective summary: review of main points
____ Call for action clearly stated (Persuasive speech)
____ Finality: verbal and nonverbal - Memorable statement included
____ Appropriate responses during Q & A
DELIVERY
15 points
_____
____ Freedom from reading: used notes unobtrusively
____ Held audience’s attention throughout
____ Avoided fillers
____ Met time constraints
____ Sufficient rehearsal
NONVERBAL
10 points
______
____ Conversational tone
____ Attire
____ Authoritative attitude
____ Positive attitude
____ Enthusiasm
____ Managed state
____ Eye contact
____ Confidence
____ Avoided distracting mannerisms
____ Vocal variety
____ Volume ____ Rate ____ Pronunciation
VISUAL AIDS
10 points
_____
____ Creative
____ Relevant
____ Appropriately and effectively integrated
____ Eye appealing/professional looking
____ Readable/Visible to all audience members
OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS 15
points
_____
____ Achieved purpose
____ Evidence of audience analysis
_____topic adequately focused/narrowed
RESOURCES
50 points
_____ Sufficient depth and breadth of information
_____ Recent publications
_____ Unbiased sources
_____ 5 appropriate sources
_____ Variety of sources
_____ Apparent understanding of research data
_____