Public Address Syllabus
Instructor: Gilbert Puga, Jr.
Phone: (562) 692-0921 x3255
Course: section 0124 8am-10:35am
email: gpuga@riohondo.edu
Office/HOURS: A222G Office hours: none for summer
Prerequisites: Advisory ENGL 101 and READ 23 eligibility
WELCOME!
Thanks for taking this course. I am eager to provide you with a positive learning experience.
By the end of this course, you will be an experienced, knowledgeable, and effective public
speaker. I hope you enjoy the class and I know you will learn a lot!
“If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would choose to keep
the power of speech, for by it I would soon regain all the rest”
Daniel Webster
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

You will explore the various styles
of public speaking; such as,
Impromptu speaking,
Informative and
Persuasive speaking,
 Recent public speaking
developments such as
Microphone use and techniques,
Public speaking in an electronic
message
 Public speaking in interviews
 We will incorporate many Fun
exercises and activities to help your
mastery of public speaking



Grade progress and assignment reports
Approachable teacher
A rich educational experience!
TEXT
Please purchase your textbook from Rio Hondo Bookstore—proceeds go toward student activities groups.


Puga,G. (2004). 21st Century Orator (2nd edition): published through Rio Hondo bookstore.
Beebe, S. A. & Beebe, S. J. (2003). Public Speaking: An audience-centered approach
(5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
As a result of taking this course, students will:
 Become adjusted to the speaking situation by gaining poise and confidence in front of
an audience, by replacing extreme fear, by exacting some measure of self-control, and
by appreciating the general and specific demands of the speaker-listener relationship.
 Develop habits of orderly thinking, especially as related to the needs of oral communication.
 Develop habits of courteous attention and analytical listening.
 Discover and refine audible and visible modes of expression consistent with the
individuality of each personality.
 Become aware of the classical aspect of speech and to develop this area through
composition and organization of thought and material.
 Become aware of the needs of special occasions or forms of speech as may be applicable.
 Adapt speech to vocational and professional life goals by following certain requirements
for the first course.
 Appreciate the importance of speech by studying and understanding its essence.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is arranged in a logical order of developing speech skills, including the selection,
organization and delivery of speeches for many types of public audiences. Principles, methods,
and techniques relate chiefly to the art and science of the deductive and extemporaneous
approaches to public speaking, stress is laid upon purposeful and effective speaking, upon
semantics, and upon moral and ethical responsibilities of public speakers.
SPEECH DATES
Specific dates for your speeches will be assigned. DO NOT MISS YOUR ASSIGNED
SPEAKING TIME! You cannot make up a speech if you miss your time slot. If you anticipate
a schedule conflict, there are three options:
(1) Notify me far in advance (beginning of semester) about schedule conflicts so
when I assign speaking dates I can schedule you at a time that avoids the
schedule conflict
(2) If you see a conflict, you can trade time slots with another student, provided that
the student agrees to trade time slots with you. Please notify me immediately if
you trade time slots or anticipate any schedule conflicts. Trading should be done
at the earliest possible time
(3) apply missed/late speech score to the assignment
YOUR SPEAKER NUMBER IS _______________
OUTLINES
Make the outlines easy to read and understandable. Outlines are required for the informative,
persuasive, the group speech, and possibly other speeches as announced. Outlines can be neatly
hand written or outlines can be typed (10, 11, or 12 point font). Outlines should not be done in
class, and especially not done during another student’s speech. Typically, outlines are 3-4 pages
in length. Approximately 10% of the each speech grade is based on the outline. Late outlines will
not be accepted. All outlines are due at the beginning of the class on the day of your speech.
VIDEO TAPED SPEECHES
It is possible to have your speeches video taped . Notify me in advance so I can set up and prepare.
Videotaping of other student’s speeches is not allowed.
PARTICIPATION
Getting an “A” in the participation area. A student who gets an “A” in this area:
 is seated and appears attentive throughout
the class
 shows high commitment through his or
her consistent and complete attendance
 takes notes and asks some relevant and
insightful questions at the end of some of
the sections or discussions
 is quick to help other students and
works well (both friendly and task
oriented) with other students
 agrees or disagrees in a tactful
manner (assertive)
 abides by the rules of the class
 has completed assigned work
 does not hinder the listening
environment through excessive
talking, loud talking, cell phone
interruptions, profanity use.
CLASS GUIDELINES AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS SUGGESTIONS
Why have class rules & guidelines:
 Following some basic class rules and guidelines helps the students listen to lectures and to other student speeches
 To help speakers speak in an environment that is comfortable, safe, and conducive to speaking and learning
 To help you adapt to college, while not unknowingly violating communication expectations of teachers
 To help foster a positive and fun learning environment
Many students will feel vulnerable enough without any obstacles because of the nature of this class. Please abide by the
guidelines for this class for your sake and for the sake of the other learners in this course. Read this section thoroughly. It
will help you in this class and in other courses.
SPECIFIC COURSE GUIDELINES/RULES
Rule #1: Offer support
Help yourself and others to learn. Develop good relations with class peers. Review assignments and information
with each other. Be committed to group assignments and be supportive and respectful to your classmates.
Rule #2: Treat others with respect and avoid verbal aggression
 Put downs, verbally aggressive behavior, attacks of a person’s self-concept (i.e., “name calling”) are not appropriate
in an academic environment. This negative type of behavior will cause participation point deductions.
 Please treat all people with respect.
 Rational critical feedback is acceptable and at times highly encouraged; put downs, yelling, threatening,
put-down (deprecating) humor and so forth are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Monitor your
communication.
 Avoid heckling or deprecating humor towards the teacher or other students in class.
 When you participate, time out your verbal participation so you are not speaking when others are speaking.
 Avoid profanity. Cuss words and profanity should not be used in class (Board Policy 4200).
Rule #3: Focus in on class
 Do not do other course work in this class. Do not do out-of-class work during class time.
 Don’t leave class midway through. Stay the entire time!
 Don’t continually talk or joke around in class, especially when you should be listening.
 Avoid sleeping in-class. You need 8 or more hours of sleep per night. Commit to those valuable hours.
Rule #4: Be a good audience member for the speaker
 Give each speaker your full attention.
 Avoid making noise that may divert the audience’s attention away from the speaker. For example, do not
crumble any food wrappers or begin organizing your folder during someone’s speech.
 Do not comment or say anything during another student’s speech—unless the speaker directs you to
(i.e., the speaker asks the audience a question).
 Do not talk to the speaker just prior to his or her speech.
 Heckling is not allowed and will lead to a loss of participation points.
Rule #5: Practice listening skills
 Listen to the teacher and other class-peers when they are speaking. Talk when appropriate.
 Ask questions at an appropriate time.
 If there are empty seats in front, I recommend you sit there, rather than in the very back.
 Avoid drawing pictures instead of taking notes or listening—it is a poor listening habit.
Rule #6: Remedy your absences and lateness’s:
 If you miss a class, copy the notes and or handouts from a class peer.
 You need not tell me of your absence(s) unless there is some unique reason (you’re on the Rio Hondo baseball
team), or you have an excused absence. College related activities are the only excusable absences.
Rule #8: Cell phones/beepers/and other noise makers
 The class should not be disrupted by any cell phones or electronic devises.
 A student will lose participation points (10pts) if that student’s electronic device goes off and disrupt the
class.
 Please turn off your cell phone or adjust to silent/vibrate mode so it will not be heard in class.
 Generally, if it can be heard than it’s disruptive.
 If phones and so forth become consistent problem, the student may be asked to leave the class (counted as
an absence).
Rule #9: Classroom visitors
 Classroom visitors are not allowed.
 Please do not bring any children or friends to class.
 No auditing of the class.
 For public out-of-class performances—visitors are
welcome.
 Only students who are officially enrolled can
be in this class.
Suggestions for student success
Prioritize your education! Make your education one of the most important activities in your life. Sometimes when
the opportunity to watch television, socialize with friends/family/relationship partner comes up—you will need to
postpone those activities so you can study. Find places and times that make it easy for you to get a lot of your work
done. Find those secret places where you free from any distractions. Try a library that no one knows about—except
you. So you can regroup, study, and relax. Stay healthy: Sleep and eat well. Plan to have a manageable balanced
schedule. In general, these schedule distributions seem reasonable:
3 – 6 units/40 hr work wk
6-9 units/30 hr work wk
12 units/20 hr work wk
If you feel confused or want advice about your schedule, I would be happy to offer suggestions and give feedback.
This can be a fairly intense class, so, give yourself one or two 2 hour blocks of time to study per week. You're sure to get an
"A" and deliver impressive results with that dedication. Allocate time, attention, and commitment to this class and you will
master this subject! Remember, this is your education—invest in it. Research shows that your degree of education positively
correlates to your career pay. Essentially, you are investing in the stock market—and that’s the stock in your education. Don’t
sell yourself short.
Suggestions (for the highly motivated student)
Come to class 5 minutes early: talk with peers, form relationships, compare notes. Stay after class 5 to 10 minutes:
obviously you may not have this opportunity because you might have a class directly after, but reviewing your notes
directly after class enhances your listening skills and helps move information into long term memory because
everything is still fresh on your mind (recency effect). You will also get a head start on upcoming material. Developing
the habit of going to the library directly after class will help you focus your goals and help by saving time later. Even if
you review for just 10 minutes after class, this will pay off tremendously in the future. Read the textbook frequently and
study to learn
EXAMINATIONS/QUIZZES
No make-up exams, no exceptions. Exams may be take-home or in-class or a combination of both. A missed exam will be
given the extrapolated score similar to that of a missed speech. For scantron exams: bring a scantron form 882 ES, paper (in
case of an essay question), and a #2 pencil for in-class exams. For out of class exams, please thoroughly follow the
directions and turn in scantron and test copies separately at the beginning of class on the due date. Quizzes will follow the
same standards as exams.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
ABSENCES/LATENESS/LEFT EARLY
If you are absent, get the information you missed (notes and handouts) from a class peer. Getting missed
information and notes is the most critical obligation you have if you are absent. Write down class peer contact
information here when/if they have agreed to help
In this course: Absences = Lateness (after the first two weeks) = Left early
NONPENALIZED ABSCENCES, LATES, LEFT EARLY
There are no point deductions directly connected to attendance if you are absent/late/leave early up to: 4 times
EXCESSIVE NONPARTICIPATION (ABSCENCES, LATES, LEFT EARLY)
Point deductions
Excessive absences, lates, left-earlies are one of the main causes of low grades. These three non-participative aspects
are disruptive to the entire class. If you are anticipating excessive absences, lates, or left earlies consider rearranging
your schedule or dropping this course. Excessive nonparticipation will decrease the student’s participation points. Being
late/absent/leaving early more than the allowed number of times will negatively hinder your grade by 5 participation
points each time you are absent/late/leave early beyond the allowed time.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE ABSENT?
Contact a class peer for class information you have missed, and come back the next class meeting. Please DO NOT
contact me to get the class information you missed. DO NOT contact me about the reason why you have missed. DO
NOT make an appointment to get the information you missed, get the information you missed. You do not need my
permission for missing a course—you just need the notes and information you missed : )
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE LATE?
The same thing you would do if you are absent, and try not to disrupt the course as you enter. If you do arrive to class
late:
1. Listen at the door to check that the speaker has finished, when the speaker is finished there will be an applause,
at this time, come in quietly.
2. Sit in the seat closest to the door so you do not disrupt the class.
3. At the conclusion of class, give the instructor a note with your name, course, and the date and time you arrived. If
you do not do this, your late may be counted as an absence which has the same point deduction value.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE EARLY?
I would like you to stay early, if you need to leave early you would need to do the same thing as if you were late.
Class withdraw
There will be an attempt to drop student’s who’s total number of absences, late's, or left early adds up to: 5 times
*I attempt to administratively drop students at one or two points in the semester. However, please do not assume that
you will automatically be withdrawn administratively. Faculty cannot administratively drop students after a certain
point in the semester; therefore, the absentee student remains on the roster and receives an “F” grade. To avoid this, if
you (the student) determine that you can no longer attend the course, you need to administratively withdraw
from the course.
MISSED SPEECH OR ASSIGNMENT POLICY
The missed speech/exam policy allows a student to miss a speech or major assignment or completely fail a speech and have
it substituted for a better score. For all students, at the end of the semester, I will replace your missed score with a
the average of two highest scores on two major assignments (Impromptu. Informative, Persuasive). Your two highest scores
are averaged then a deduction of 25% is given. The score would then be substituted for any missed scores or very low
scores. This policy is a safety net only. It will only be used once. Try your best to avoid using it. Try to do all the
assignments well. College excused absences (school activity) need documentation.
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING
Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating in this course will lead to an “F” grade, suspension from the class, and reported to
the director of student affairs (see catalog for specifics). During in-class exams do not talk or copy from class peers until
both of your exams have been turned in. Plagiarism is representing another person’s words or ideas as one’s own (see
catalog). Avoid plagiarism. Make sure you cite your sources! This means that you will not copy from another person’s
exam, written exercises, speeches, or paper. Plagiarized speeches receive an “F” grade. Copying or doing someone else’s
speech hurts you the most. You lose your opportunity to learn. Learning requires that you try to design and deliver a speech.
During this process, it is expected that you will face some barriers or problems. Knowledge of these barriers is just as
important as your success. In essence, these barriers tell the specific learner what he or she needs to work on. By
cheating/plagiarism, you lose an important awareness of what you need to work on.
FREE SPEECH ORIENTATION
You are appreciated as an audience member. As an audience member you will be able to listen, evaluate, and learn from
listening to your class peer’s speeches. Nevertheless, it is possible that a class peer will choose a topic that is risqué or
inappropriate to you. Here is my pedagogical philosophy on that matter, and what you can do. As long as there is no
physical danger and there is no legal violation, the student in given the right to choose his or her topic. A student’s
freedom to choose his or her topic is a critical part of designing a speech. The student’s speech is graded; in part, based
on the topic choice the student has made. For example, topic choice effectiveness refers to how appropriate the topic is
to the given assignment, and how the topic was broken down (content and scope) to be adaptable to the audience.
Knowing this pedagogical philosophy, a student audience member can exit/leave the class, if that speech is perceived as
offensive or sensitive to you (the student). Walking out (exiting) during a speech under these circumstances will not
cause any grade penalties. If you walk out under these circumstances please notify me that you choose this option
(preferably in a brief written statement) so I can ensure that no grade/point deductions are given.
INCOMPLETES
An Incomplete will be given only when all College policies are met. To discuss an incomplete, please make an
appointment with me that is conducive to both of our schedules. Notification must be done prior to the end of the
semester and initiated by the student. Verification (e.g., doctor’s letter) and a copy of the college’s incomplete policy
are recommended to expedite this process. Refer to your college’s current catalog for further details on this matter.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdrawal from a class whenever the student determines that he or she can
no longer attend the class. Students who stopped attending, but do not administratively withdraw from a course may
receive an “F” grade.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Monday – Thursday (7:30am – 5 pm), Friday (7:30-430 pm) Dial “15”
Parking Booth 562-692-0921 x4118
Monday – Friday (5pm – 10pm), Saturday (8am-4 pm) 562-692-0921 x3437
LEARNING DISABILITIES
If you believe you have a diagnosed learning disability, you should seek appropriate accommodations through the
Disabled Students Program and Services (phone number is 562-908-3420 or TDD 562-699-4077). You are under no
obligation to disclose personal/private/medical/nonmedical information to me. I would prefer that you not disclose
private/personal information to me. If you think any medical treatment/illness is exacerbating your public speaking
anxiety or hindering your class performance—and you decide to voluntarily disclose this concern to me—my advice is
from a speech teacher perspective only—you should still seek further advice from an appropriate professional.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY
No food is allowed in class. If you see any food or trash please throw it away in the outside trash can. Bottled water is
acceptable.
GRADING
In case of a grade record keeping mistake, keep all returned papers with grades on them throughout the semester
Grades are based on percentile increments of the total points. Grades are calculated in increments of 10% (90% and up equals an
“A”; 80% to 89% equals a “B”; 70% to 79% equals a “C”; 60% to 69% equals a grade of “D”; 59% and below equals “F” grade).
The total points may change because an assignment is cancelled, regardless a student can always determine his or her grade by
computing percentiles of the new totals. For instance, add your total points and divide by total possible. For example,
Example of figuring out where you are with points:
Your points = 453 = y
The total points are = 580 = x
z = your percentile
in general, y/x = z
Your grade would be 453/580 = z = .78 = 78% = C+
Speech Tournament
EXTRA CREDIT
There are several weekend speech tournaments that occur in the semester. You should consider trying one
for the extra practice. These are unique and fun experiences. If you are going into a field that is going to
require a lot of public speaking (teaching, law, etc.), this would help tremendously. Anyone is welcome to
compete at local tournaments but you would need to let me know early and be very prepared. I will coach
you if interested.
Based on 2 rounds of competition. If you compete you will need to be available for finals and awards.
Speaker rating
8
7
6
5
4
3
Required points
20
20
20
20
20
20
Extra credit
10
20
30
40
50
75
2
20
100
No Show = -20 pts.
Observing one round is 5 points each up to 4 rounds for a total of 20 pts
Grade Criteria
“A” 90-100% =
738-820 pts
“D”
“C” 70- =
574-655 pts
“B” 80-89% =
656-737 pts
60-69% =492573 pts
“F” below 59% =
491 pts and below
PROGRESSION CALENDER FOR PUBLIC ADDRESS
Revisions to dates and activities may occur. Check with a class peer, if you are late or are
absent about any revisions you might have missed. Changes are announced in class.
Public Address Syllabus
Fall 2006
Instructor: Gilbert Puga, Jr.
Phone: (562) 692-0921 x3255
Course: section 0547 7-9:50pm
email: gpuga@riohondo.edu
Office/HOURS: A222G Office hours:
Prerequisites: Advisory ENGL 101 and READ 23 eligibility
WELCOME!
Thanks for taking this course. I am eager to provide you with a positive learning experience.
By the end of this course, you will be an experienced, knowledgeable, and effective public
speaker. I hope you enjoy the class and I know you will learn a lot!
“If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would choose to keep
the power of speech, for by it I would soon regain all the rest”
Daniel Webster
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

You will explore the various styles
of public speaking; such as,
Impromptu speaking,
Informative and
Persuasive speaking,
 Recent public speaking
developments such as
Microphone use and techniques,
Public speaking in an electronic
message
 Public speaking in interviews
 We will incorporate many Fun
exercises and activities to help your
mastery of public speaking



Grade progress and assignment reports
Approachable teacher
A rich educational experience!
TEXT
Please purchase your textbook from Rio Hondo Bookstore—proceeds go toward student activities groups.

Puga,G. (2004). 21st Century Orator (2nd edition): published through Rio Hondo bookstore.

Beebe, S. A. & Beebe, S. J. (2003). Public Speaking: An audience-centered approach
(5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
As a result of taking this course, students will:
 Become adjusted to the speaking situation by gaining poise and confidence in front of
an audience, by replacing extreme fear, by exacting some measure of self-control, and
by appreciating the general and specific demands of the speaker-listener relationship.
 Develop habits of orderly thinking, especially as related to the needs of oral communication.
 Develop habits of courteous attention and analytical listening.
 Discover and refine audible and visible modes of expression consistent with the
individuality of each personality.
 Become aware of the classical aspect of speech and to develop this area through
composition and organization of thought and material.
 Become aware of the needs of special occasions or forms of speech as may be applicable.
 Adapt speech to vocational and professional life goals by following certain requirements
for the first course.
 Appreciate the importance of speech by studying and understanding its essence.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is arranged in a logical order of developing speech skills, including the selection,
organization and delivery of speeches for many types of public audiences. Principles, methods,
and techniques relate chiefly to the art and science of the deductive and extemporaneous
approaches to public speaking, stress is laid upon purposeful and effective speaking, upon
semantics, and upon moral and ethical responsibilities of public speakers.
SPEECH DATES
Specific dates for your speeches will be assigned. DO NOT MISS YOUR ASSIGNED
SPEAKING TIME! You cannot make up a speech if you miss your time slot. If you anticipate
a schedule conflict, there are three options:
(4) Notify me far in advance (beginning of semester) about schedule conflicts so
when I assign speaking dates I can schedule you at a time that avoids the
schedule conflict
(5) If you see a conflict, you can trade time slots with another student, provided that
the student agrees to trade time slots with you. Please notify me immediately if
you trade time slots or anticipate any schedule conflicts. Trading should be done
at the earliest possible time
(6) apply missed/late speech score to the assignment
YOUR SPEAKER NUMBER IS _______________
OUTLINES
Make the outlines easy to read and understandable. Outlines are required for the informative,
persuasive, the group speech, and possibly other speeches as announced. Outlines can be neatly
hand written or outlines can be typed (10, 11, or 12 point font). Outlines should not be done in
class, and especially not done during another student’s speech. Typically, outlines are 3-4 pages
in length. Approximately 10% of the each speech grade is based on the outline. Late outlines will
not be accepted. All outlines are due at the beginning of the class on the day of your speech.
VIDEO TAPED SPEECHES
It is possible to have your speeches video taped . Notify me in advance so I can set up and prepare.
Videotaping of other student’s speeches is not allowed.
PARTICIPATION
Getting an “A” in the participation area. A student who gets an “A” in this area:
 is seated and appears attentive throughout
the class
 shows high commitment through his or
her consistent and complete attendance
 takes notes and asks some relevant and
insightful questions at the end of some of
the sections or discussions
 is quick to help other students and
works well (both friendly and task
oriented) with other students
 agrees or disagrees in a tactful
manner (assertive)
 abides by the rules of the class
 has completed assigned work
 does not hinder the listening
environment through excessive
talking, loud talking, cell phone
interruptions, profanity use.
CLASS RULES, GUIDELINES, AND SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Why have class rules & guidelines:
 Following some basic class rules and guidelines helps the students listen to lectures and to other student speeches.
 To help speakers speak in an environment that is comfortable, safe, and conducive to speaking and learning.
 To help you adapt to college, while not unknowingly violating communication expectations of teachers.
 To help foster a positive and fun learning environment.
Many students will feel vulnerable enough without another student distracts. Please abide by the rules of this class, for
your sake and for the sake of the other learners in this course. Please read this section thoroughly. It will help you in this
class and in other courses.
SPECIFIC COURSE GUIDELINES/RULES
Rule #1: Offer support
Help yourself and others to learn. Develop good relations with class peers. Review assignments and information
with each other. Be committed to group assignments and be supportive and respectful to your classmates.
Rule #2: Avoid verbal aggression
 Put downs, verbally aggressive behavior, attacks of a person’s self-concept (i.e., “name calling”) are not appropriate
in an academic environment. This negative type of behavior will cause participation point deductions.
 Please treat all people with respect.
 Rational critical feedback is acceptable and at times highly encouraged; put downs, yelling, threatening,
put-down (deprecating) humor and so forth are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Monitor your
communication.
Rule #3: Treat others (including me) in a confirming respectful manner
 Avoid heckling or deprecating humor towards the teacher or other students in class.
 When you participate, time out your verbal participation so you are not speaking when others are speaking.
 Avoid profanity. Cuss words and profanity should not be used in class (Board Policy 4200).
Rule #4: Focus in on class
 Do not do other course work in this class. Do not do out-of-class work during class time.
 Don’t leave class midway through. Stay the entire time!
 Don’t continually talk or joke around in class, especially when you should be listening.
 Avoid sleeping in-class. You need 8 or more hours of sleep per night. Commit to those valuable hours.
Rule #5: Be a good audience member for the speaker
 Give each speaker your full attention.
 Avoid making noise that may divert the audience’s attention away from the speaker. For example, do not
crumble any food wrappers or begin organizing your folder during someone’s speech.
 Do not comment or say anything during another student’s speech—unless the speaker directs you to
(i.e., the speaker asks the audience a question).
 Do not talk to the speaker just prior to his or her speech.
 Heckling is not allowed and will lead to a loss of participation points.
Rule #6: Practice listening skills
 Be quiet, to listen to the teacher and other class-peers. Talk when appropriate.
 Ask questions at an appropriate time.
 Don’t ask an overwhelming number of questions during lecture. If you’re asking more than three questions
during class that’s a lot. Use your discretion but after class may be a better time for questions.
 If there are empty seats in front, I recommend you sit there, rather than in the very back.
 Avoid drawing pictures instead of taking notes or listening—it is a poor listening habit.
Rule #7: Remedy your absences and lateness’s:
 If you miss a class, copy the notes and or handouts from a class peer.
 You need not tell me of your absence(s) unless there is some unique reason (you’re on the Rio Hondo baseball
team), or you have an excused absence. College related activities are the only excusable absences.
Rule #8: Cell phones/beepers/and other noise makers
 Our class should not be disrupted by any cell phones or electronic devises.
 A student will lose participation points (10pts) if that student’s electronic devices disrupt the class.
 Please turn off your cell phone or adjust to silent/vibrate mode so it will not be heard in class.
 Generally, if it can be heard than it’s disruptive.
 If phones and so forth become consistent problem, the student may be asked to leave the class (counted as
an absence).
Rule #9: Classroom visitors
 Classroom visitors are not allowed.
 No auditing of the class.
 Only students who are officially enrolled can
be in this class.


Please do not bring any children or friends to class.
For public out-of-class performances—visitors are
welcome.
Suggestions for student success
Prioritize your education! Make your education one of the most important activities in your life. Sometimes when
the opportunity to watch television, socialize with friends/family/relationship partner comes up—you will need to
postpone those activities so you can study. Find places and times that make it easy for you to get a lot of your work
done. Find those secret places where you will few if any distractions. Everybody should have that secret library that
no one knows about—except you. So you can regroup, study, and relax. Stay healthy: Sleep and eat well. Plan to
have a manageable balanced schedule. In general, these schedule distributions seem reasonable:
3 – 6 units/40 hr work wk
6-9 units/30 hr work wk
12 units/20 hr work wk
If you feel confused or want advice about your schedule, I would be happy to offer suggestions and give feedback.
This can be a fairly intense class, so, give yourself two to three 2 hour blocks of time to study per week.
Allocate time, attention, and commitment to this class and you will master this subject! Remember, this is your
education—invest in it. Research shows that your degree of education positively correlates to your career pay.
Essentially, you are investing in the stock market—and that’s the stock in your education. Don’t sell yourself short.
Suggestions (for the highly motivated student)
Come to class 5 minutes early: talk with peers, form relationships, compare notes. Stay after class 5 to 10 minutes:
obviously you may not have this opportunity because you might have a class directly after, but reviewing your notes
directly after class enhances your listening skills and helps move information into long term memory because
everything is still fresh on your mind (recency effect). You will also get a head start on upcoming material. Developing
the habit of going to the library directly after class will help you focus your goals and help by saving time later. Even if
you review for just 10 minutes after class, this will pay off tremendously in the future. Read the textbook frequently and
study to learn
EXAMINATIONS/QUIZZES
No make-up exams, no exceptions. Exams may be take-home or in-class or a combination of both. A missed exam will be
given the extrapolated score similar to that of a missed speech. For scantron exams: bring a scantron form 882 ES, paper (in
case of an essay question), and a #2 pencil for in-class exams. For out of class exams, please thoroughly follow the
directions and turn in scantron and test copies separately at the beginning of class on the due date. Quizzes will follow the
same standards as exams.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
ABSENCES/LATENESS/LEFT EARLY
If you are absent, get the information you missed (notes and handouts) from a class peer. Getting missed
information and notes is the most critical obligation you have if you are absent. Write down class peer contact
information here when/if they have agreed to help
In this course: Absences = Lateness (after the first two weeks) = Left early
NONPENALIZED ABSCENCES, LATES, LEFT EARLY
There are no point deductions directly connected to attendance if you are absent/late/leave early up to: 4 times
EXCESSIVE NONPARTICIPATION (ABSCENCES, LATES, LEFT EARLY)
Point deductions
Excessive absences, lates, left-earlies are one of the main causes of low grades. These three non-participative aspects
are disruptive to the entire class. If you are anticipating excessive absences, lates, or left earlies consider rearranging
your schedule or dropping this course. Excessive nonparticipation will decrease the student’s participation points. Being
late/absent/leaving early more than the allowed number of times will negatively hinder your grade by 5 participation
points each time you are absent/late/leave early beyond the allowed time.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE ABSENT?
Contact a class peer for class information you have missed, and come back the next class meeting. Please DO NOT
contact me to get the class information you missed. DO NOT contact me about the reason why you have missed. DO
NOT make an appointment to get the information you missed, get the information you missed. You do not need my
permission for missing a course—you just need the notes and information you missed : )
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE LATE?
The same thing you would do if you are absent, and try not to disrupt the course as you enter. If you do arrive to class
late:
1. Listen at the door to check that the speaker has finished, when the speaker is finished there will be an applause,
at this time, come in quietly.
2. Sit in the seat closest to the door so you do not disrupt the class.
3. At the conclusion of class, give the instructor a note with your name, course, and the date and time you arrived. If
you do not do this, your late may be counted as an absence which has the same point deduction value.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE EARLY?
I would like you to stay early, if you need to leave early you would need to do the same thing as if you were late.
Class withdraw
There will be an attempt to drop student’s who’s total number of absences, late's, or left early adds up to: 5 times
*I attempt to administratively drop students at one or two points in the semester. However, please do not assume that
you will automatically be withdrawn administratively. Faculty cannot administratively drop students after a certain
point in the semester; therefore, the absentee student remains on the roster and receives an “F” grade. To avoid this, if
you (the student) determine that you can no longer attend the course, you need to administratively withdraw
from the course.
MISSED SPEECH OR ASSIGNMENT POLICY
The missed speech/exam policy allows a student to miss a speech or major assignment or completely fail a speech and have
it substituted for a better score. For all students, at the end of the semester, I will extrapolate the average of your highest and
lowest score (among major speeches) and deduct 25%. The score would then be substituted for any missed scores or very
low scores. This policy is a safety net only. It will only be used once. Try your best to avoid using it. Try to do all the
assignments well. College excused absences (school activity) need documentation.
Prior to adjustments: Here’s a hypothetical example, prior to adjustments, the following students performed as follows:
Impromptu sp.
Informative sp.
Group sp
Persuasive sp
total
Student A
41% F78%C+
85% B96% A
75% C
Student B
88% B+
---------90% A95% A
68% D
Student C
----------70%C-------90% A40% F
Student D
80%B
84%B+
86%B+
98% A+
87% B
After adjustments
Student A
Since the 41% is low, I examine if a missed speech would help the grade. I take this student’s highest score (pers sp
96%) and low score (informative 78%) and take the average (87%) and subtract 25%. This comes out to be 62%.
Since, no other speeches have been missed--I replace the 41% with 62%. The adjusted score is:
impromptu sp
inform sp
group sp
pers sp
total
Student A
62% C
78% C+
85% B
96% A
80% B
Student B
I average the high (95%) and the low (88%) score and get 92% then subtract 25% (67%). The adjusted score is:
impromptu sp
inform sp
group sp
pers sp
total
Student B
88% B+
67%
90% A95% A
85 B
Student C
This student has missed two speeches. I only adjust one of the missed speeches, the other missed speech is a 0%. I
average the high (90%) and the low (70%) and subtract 25%. Her adjusted score would be:
impromptu sp
inform sp
group sp
pers sp
total
Student C
55%F
70%C0
90% A54% F
Student D
This student has the best case scenario. All assignments have been completed and no scores are low. The student
does not have to apply any late or missed speech adjustments. Because all work has been completed (including
quizzes, exams, and mini speeches) without adjustments, this student gets 15 bonus points.
impromptu sp
inform sp
group sp
pers sp
bonus pts
total
Student D
80%B
84%B
86%B
98% A
15
91%
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING
Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating in this course will lead to an “F” grade, suspension from the class, and reported to
the director of student affairs (see catalog for specifics). During in-class exams do not talk or copy from class peers until
both of your exams have been turned in. Plagiarism is representing another person’s words or ideas as one’s own (see
catalog). Avoid plagiarism. Make sure you cite your sources! This means that you will not copy from another person’s
exam, written exercises, speeches, or paper. Plagiarized speeches receive an “F” grade. Copying or doing someone else’s
speech hurts you the most. You lose your opportunity to learn. Learning requires that you try to design and deliver a speech.
During this process, it is expected that you will face some barriers or problems. Knowledge of these barriers is just as
important as your success. In essence, these barriers tell the specific learner what he or she needs to work on. By
cheating/plagiarism, you lose an important awareness of what you need to work on.
FREE SPEECH ORIENTATION
You are appreciated as an audience member. As an audience member you will be able to listen, evaluate, and learn from
listening to your class peer’s speeches. Nevertheless, it is possible that a class peer will choose a topic that is risqué or
inappropriate to you. Here is my pedagogical philosophy on that matter, and what you can do. As long as there is no
physical danger and there is no legal violation, the student in given the right to choose his or her topic. A student’s
freedom to choose his or her topic is a critical part of designing a speech. The student’s speech is graded; in part, based
on the topic choice the student has made. For example, topic choice effectiveness refers to how appropriate the topic is
to the given assignment, and how the topic was broken down (content and scope) to be adaptable to the audience.
Knowing this pedagogical philosophy, a student audience member can exit/leave the class, if that speech is perceived as
offensive or sensitive to you (the student). Walking out (exiting) during a speech under these circumstances will not
cause any grade penalties. If you walk out under these circumstances please notify me that you choose this option
(preferably in a brief written statement) so I can ensure that no grade/point deductions are given.
INCOMPLETES
An Incomplete will be given only when all College policies are met. To discuss an incomplete, please make an
appointment with me that is conducive to both of our schedules. Notification must be done prior to the end of the
semester and initiated by the student. Verification (e.g., doctor’s letter) and a copy of the college’s incomplete policy
are recommended to expedite this process. Refer to your college’s current catalog for further details on this matter.
CLASS WITHDRAWAL
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdrawal from a class whenever the student determines that he or she can
no longer attend the class. Students who stopped attending, but do not administratively withdraw from a course may
receive an “F” grade.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Monday – Thursday (7:30am – 5 pm), Friday (7:30-430 pm) Dial “15”
Parking Booth 562-692-0921 x4118
Monday – Friday (5pm – 10pm), Saturday (8am-4 pm) 562-692-0921 x3437
LEARNING DISABILITIES
If you believe you have a diagnosed learning disability, you should seek appropriate accommodations through the
Disabled Students Program and Services (phone number is 562-908-3420 or TDD 562-699-4077). You are under no
obligation to disclose personal/private/medical/nonmedical information to me. I would prefer that you not disclose
private/personal information to me. If you think any medical treatment/illness is exacerbating your public speaking
anxiety or hindering your class performance—and you decide to voluntarily disclose this concern to me—my advice is
from a speech teacher perspective only—you should still seek further advice from an appropriate professional.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY
No food is allowed in class. If you see any food or trash please throw it away in the outside trash can. Bottled water is
acceptable.
GRADING
In case of a grade record keeping mistake, keep all returned papers with grades on them throughout the semester
Grades are based on percentile increments of the total points. Grades are calculated in increments of 10% (90% and up
equals an “A”; 80% to 89% equals a “B”; 70% to 79% equals a “C”; 60% to 69% equals a grade of “D”; 59% and below
equals “F” grade). The total points may change because an assignment is cancelled, regardless a student can always
determine his or her grade by computing percentiles of the new totals. For instance, add your total points and divide by
total possible. For example,
Your points = 453 = y
The total points are = 580 = x
z = your percentile
Speeches:
in general, y/x = z
Your grade would be 453/580 = z = .78 = 78% = C+ = (your percentile)
Exercises:
Exam/Quizzes/Projects:
Speech 1____ / 20 introductory sp
Outlining ____ / 20 pts
Public Speaking Portfolio = ____ /100 pts
Speech 2 ____ / 100 impromptu
Vocal pause exercise ____ / 20
Exam 1 = _____ /50 pts
Speech 3 ____ / 50 interview
(professional speaking)
Eye contact exercise ____ / 20
Exam 2 = _____ /50 pts
Exam 3 (FINAL) = _____ /100 pts
Speech 4 ____ / 100 informative
Speech 5 ____ / 100 persuasive
Speech tourn part. ____ / 20
(except for summer)
Quiz 1 = ______ / 15 pts
Quiz 2 = ______ / 15 pts
Speech Feedback/Critique ____ /20
Quizzes/exercises = ______/10-20 pts
(To be announced)
Participation: _____ / 20 pts TBA
Grade Criteria
“A” 90-100% =
738-820 pts
“D”
“C” 70-79% =
574-655 pts
“B” 80-89% =
656-737 pts
60-69% =492573 pts
“F” below 59% =
491 pts and below
STUDY GUIDES FOR EXAMS from Beebe and Beebe
Exam 1
Chapters 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 10 (introducing and concluding
the speech)
Chapter 13 (delivery)
Exam 2
Chapter 6 (Speech development)
Chapter 7 & 8 (Supportive speech material)
Chapter 9 (Speech organization)
Exam 3
Chapter 5 (audience analysis)
Chapter 12 (language)
Chapters 16 & 17 (persuasive speaking)
Chapter 11 (Outlining)
Chapter 14 (Visual Aids)
Chapter 15 (Informative speaking)
PROGRESSION CALENDER FOR PUBLIC ADDRESS
Revisions to dates and activities may occur. Check with a class peer, if you are late or are absent about
any revisions you might have missed. Changes are announced in class.
DATE
ACTIVITY/ASSIGNMENT
NOTES/READING
Week 1 August 29
Class Welcome, Introductions, Ice Breaker
Give: Syllabus, self intro, q#1, first speech assignment
Interview class peer for intro speech
L: The Nature of Public Speaking (defining and
distinguishing PS)
Aug 29 Tuesday 6-6:50
-read syllabus thoroughly
-read packet on class rules
-read BB chapter 1 & 2
-read packet: anxiety section
Orientation meeting
Room A222G at Rio Hondo
August 27 (Saturday)
FORENSICS SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM NEW MEMBER TEAM ORIENTATION at Rio
Hondo College A222G 1-3 pm
Week 2 September 5
Sept 5 Tuesday 5:30-6:30
LECTURE SERIES 1
Political Theory applied to the US
Room TBA
-practice EYE CONTACT
Due: Quiz #1 and Self Intros
S: Intro speeches (ALL)
Discuss eye contact exercise/topic
Give: Quiz #2 assigned: answer
history article questions in Puga Book
go over eye contact speech
-read BB ch 4
L: Delivery basics: Eye Contact, Posture, Movement, Gestures, Stance
Activity: practice speaking assignment
speaking numbers given
Take Home exam 1 given
Sept 7 Thursday 6-6:50
Sept 9 Saturday 2-3pm
Sept 9 Saturday 3-4 pm
Orientation meeting
Qualification day
Orientation meeting
Room A222G at Rio Hondo
Room A222G at Rio Hondo
Room A222G at Rio Hondo
Week 3 September 12
EYE CONTACT SPEECHES (all)
Due: quiz #2
L: anxiety management
September 10 (Saturday)
-read BB ch 3 & 13
FORENSICS SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM NEW MEMBER TEAM ORIENTATION at Rio
Hondo College A222G 1-3 pm
Sept 16 Saturday 9-3pm
Seminar (to observe speeches)
Orange Coast College
Week 4 September 19
L: Ethics and Listening
Sept 19 Tues 5:30-6:30
LECTURE SERIES 2
-read BB ch 6
International Politics
Room
L: Listening exercises
discuss vocal pause exercise/topic
L: Listening continued
Discuss Impromptu Speaking &
Delivery Modes
Discuss Impromptu Speech assignment
-read BB ch 9
EXAM 1 (part 1 take home version given)
Sept 23-24 Sat-Sun
Cal Opener at…
or Warm Up at…
UC Berkeley
El Camino College
Week 5 September 26
VOCAL PAUSE SPEECHES (all)
EXAM 1 take home portion (part 1) due
EXAM 1 part 2 done in class at the start of class
-read BB Ch 10
Week 6 October 3
Go over Impromptu speaking
L: Outlining/Organizing a speech
-read BB Chapter 11
-review packet on Impromptu
Week 7 October 10
IMPROMPTU SPEECHES (volunteers only)
Interview assignment discussed
October 13-15
-read BB Ch 7 & Ch 14
-read BB ch. 15
CCA Fall Conference
Week 8 October 17
IMPROMPTU SPEECHES
Oct. 20-22 Fri-sun
Pacific University
Week 9 October 24
Platform Speech assignments discussed
L: Approach to speaking area, Introductions,
Body & Conclusion
Discuss Informative Speaking and assignment
L: Topic Selection
Cougar Classic
-read BB ch 16 & 17
Azusa
L: Researching and citing authoritative evidence
L: Visual Aids
EXAM 2 part 1 distributed
October 26-28
Oct. 28-29 Sat -Sun
Week 10 October 31
Oct 31 Tuesday
ASCCC Fall Plenary
Newport Beach
Lancer Invitational
Pasadena City College
LECTURE SERIES 3
State Politics
Room TBA
INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT (all)
Nov. 3-5 Fri-Sun
Northridge
Week 11 November 7
Epicenter Invitational
CSU,
INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (1-16)
Exam 2 part 1 due
Exam 2 part 2 done in class
Week 12 November 14
INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (17-32)
Nov. 18 Sat 3-8pm
Rio Intramural
at Rio Hondo College
Week 13 November 21
-read P on Persuasive speeches
(a public speech)
Audience Analysis
Activity: Bag of Money
view and discuss Martin Luther King “I have a dream”
L: Persuasive speech
Go over microphone speech topics
-read BB ch 12
-read BB ch 5
Week 14 November 28
MICROPHONE SPEECHES
Audience analysis questionnaires can be used
Dec. 1-3 Fri-Sun
Long Beach
Week 15 December 5
Dec 5 Tuesday
-read BB ch 18
PSCFA Fall Championships
LECTURE SERIES 4
PERSUASIVE SPEECHES (Volunteers only)
Week 16 December 12 FINAL CLASS
CSU,
Room TBA
Local Politics and political change
-read persuasive speech assignment
FINAL EXAM part 2—Picture Speeches (mandatory attendance)
TBA
Week 1
Day 1 Class Welcome
Give: Syllabus, self intros, quiz#1, first speech assign.
Lecture (L): The Nature of Public Speaking: what and where is Public Speaking.
Speech (S): interview class peer for tomorrow’s speech
Day 2
Due: quiz#1 & self intro sheets
quiz#2 given
S: INTRODUCTORY SPEECHES
L: Polishing the Content and Delivery
L: Delivery basics: Eye Contact, Posture, Movement, Gestures, Stance
Speech Assigned: FLAGS DOWN ETHOS UP!
Exam1 take home is given.
Day 3
Due: quiz#2
S:FLAGS DOWN ETHOS UP!(eye contact speech) (all)
Day 4
L:professional speaking and interview assign
L: Anxiety Management
Speech assigned: vocal pause speech
Week 2
Day 1
VOCAL PAUSE SPEECH (all)
Day 2
L: delivery styles
L: impromptu speeches
Day 3
L: Informative speaking & assignment
L: visual aids and powerpoint
Day 4
INTERVIEW SPEECHES
Week 3
Day 1
Day 2
L:topic selection, outlining, organizing
L: listening and ethics
Midterm Exam first hour)
L: Persuasive speaking & assignment
IMPROMPTU SPEECHES (volunteers only)
Week 3 Continued
Day 3
IMPROMPTU SPEECHES
Informative speech outlines due
Day 4
L: researching and citing authoritative sources
Week 4
Day 1
INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (1-16)
Day 2
INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (17-32)
Day 3
Audience analysis & MLK speech
Discuss microphone speech
Day 4
L: narrative stories in the speech
Microphone speeches
Public Speaking portfolio is Due.
Week 5
Day 1
PERSUASIVE SPEECHES (32-17)
Day 2
HOLIDAY
Day 3
Final Exam Part 1 scantron (first hour)
PERSUASIVE SPEECHES (16-1)
Day 4
FINAL EXAM part 2—Picture Speeches (mandatory attendance)