Laney College
COMM 1A – Introduction to Speech
SUMMER 2013
Instructor: C. Brewer
cat@catbrewer.com
Monday - Thursday from 7:45am – 9:50pm in room E255B - Code: L30249
Office hours: Mon - Th from 12:05-12:20pm and 6:20pm – 6:35pm in room D107
REQUIRED TEXT – YOU MUST BRING THE TEXT WITH YOU TO CLASS EVERY DAY
 Brewer, Catherine. Communication with Heart, Balance & Growth: A Guide to Communication 4th ed. San Carlos:
CA: The Pea Press, 2013.
PURPOSE OF COURSE
The purpose of this course is to develop skills toward being a more effective communicator in a culturally diverse society, as
both a speaker and a listener in a variety of settings. Class emphasis is on being clear, direct, focused, and interesting in
the four areas this course targets: intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, and
public speaking.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1) How does your intrapersonal communication affect you and therefore affect your communication with others?
2) How can you be a supportive listener?
3) What do you need to do to be a critical thinker?
4) What characteristics make up an effective public speaker?
5) What elements comprise an effective speech?
6) Why is it important to know your audience’s attitudes, beliefs, and values?
7) What is constructive feedback and why should you consider it a gift to give and receive?
8) What are the pros and cons of working in groups and how can you communicate effectively in them?
9) How can you foster and continually enhance a respect for diversity, and how would that influence your
communication and relationships?
10) What can you do to continually challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone?
COURSE OBJECTIVES
 Develop the ability to speak effectively, competently, confidently, and ethically in public settings
 Identify a variety of organizational structures that are used in public speeches
 Organize thoughts and ideas into a coherent and captivating message and in doing so, effectively construct
appropriate speech outlines
 Introduce students to the concepts of mindfulness and owning oneself
 Increase awareness of how intrapersonal communication affects the self and relationships
 Increase awareness of diverse points of view and to be sensitive to intercultural communication
 Become more aware of the personal nature of perception
 Give and receive constructive feedback
 Develop effective delivery skills
 Develop critical thinking skills
 Utilize audience analyses techniques
 Challenge each student to leap out of their comfort zone
This class will continually challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. It may be uncomfortable at first, but
like anything, with practice it becomes easier. Learn - Step out of your comfort zone – stretch, change,
become! Learning requires an open mind, a desire to learn, and an attitude of wonder.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
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Each of you is a unique individual with different life experiences; thus, you may have different views and opinions
on ideas presented in class. Regardless of your personal opinions, I expect each of you to have respect for and
sensitivity to one another in the classroom. I also expect you to refrain from judgment and show courtesy and
attentiveness to your fellow students and to me.
I do not tolerate rude or disruptive behavior or attacks of another students’ character; this type of behavior will result
in a deduction of points from your final grade in class or removal from the course.
Please support your classmates and yourself by turning off and putting away all cell phones, texting devices, and
other electronic devices, as they are disruptive, especially to speakers and listeners during speeches. If you choose
to use your phone during class, I will ask you to leave class for the day.
You are welcome to take notes on a computer (NOT on a phone), but you should not use your computer’s Internet
access to surf the web or IM during class. If you are caught doing so, or if you are caught texting, you will be asked
to leave class that day and will not be allowed to use a computer in the class for the remainder of the semester;
repeat offenders will be expelled from the course.
PARTICIPATION
Participation is KEY in this class!
Everything you choose to do, not do, say, or not say, communicates something to me and to your classmates.
Choose your communication wisely.
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In this class, you will function as a speaker and an audience member; thus, your participation is vital and
mandatory. I expect you to participate in every class from start to finish by engaging in the following
practices/activities: presenting speeches, participating as an audience member by both listening and providing
feedback, sharing your thoughts during class discussions, supporting peer efforts to contribute to the class, and
checking in with the instructor as requested or needed.
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If you choose not to be in class, you are still responsible for the material covered and you will need to check with a
classmate for the information you missed. Do NOT ask me to repeat my lectures via email or during office hours.
First, do your assigned reading; then talk to a trusted classmate to get their notes (be sure to exchange names and
contact information with at least 2 – 3 classmates). Finally, see me during my office hours or send me an email,
where you can let me know what you understand and I will be happy to check your understanding and fill in any
blanks.
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If you are unable to attend class on the day an assignment is due, I suggest you email your assignment to a trusted
classmate and ask them to print it and turn it in for you, as I do NOT accept papers via email without prior consent.
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Your absence forfeits your right to any points missed from in class work; you will not be able to make up missed
quizzes or in-class assignments and your participation points will be negatively affected.
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NEVER assume you are speaking on the last day. The converse is true: if you are absent when speaking days are
assigned, you will be assigned to speak on the first speaking day.
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You will spend significant time working with partners and in groups throughout the semester. Participation is crucial
to good group performance and good group grades; so, please make every effort to be in class.
Participation points are based on the following absences:
*Zero absences = 100 points
*1 absence = 90 points,
*2 absences = 80 points,
*3 absences = 70 points,
FOUR ABSENCES GUARANTEES A FAILURE OF THE COURSE
It is up to you to decide what marks you want represented on your transcript
You can earn an additional 10 extra credit points for perfect attendance - never being late or leaving early
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LATE ARRIVALS/EARLY DEPARTURES
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Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to class.
o Two tardies/early departures (not being present while I take attendance or leaving before I dismiss class)
equal one absence in the participation points system. Beware—tardies/absences add up and have been
responsible for many D and F grades.
o If you arrive to class after I take attendance, it is your responsibility at some point during THAT class
session to check in with me to ensure I have marked you there for the day. A change from ‘absent’ to
‘tardy’ must be done the same day and will not be changed at subsequent class meetings.
o You DO NOT need not ask for permission to miss class, leave or arrive late. Simply know these actions
are noticed, recorded, and taken into account when calculating your final grade for the course.
If you arrive late to class and notice a speaker giving a speech, wait outside the classroom until they are finished;
do not disrupt the speaker or the audience's concentration by entering the classroom during a speech. If you enter
the class and disrupt a speech, you will lose 10 points off your total grade.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - I do not tolerate academic dishonesty in any form: cheating, tampering, fabrication, assisting, and
plagiarism. In regards to plagiarism, students must cite all sources. Whether direct quotes, indirect quotes, or an idea or
ideas of another person, every source must be cited throughout your written and oral work. Failure to cite sources is
plagiarism and may result in failure on the assignment or failure of the course and a report filed with the Dean of Students
for further possible action. If you are uncertain about what constitutes cheating or plagiarism, consult the college web page
and catalog for definitions and for information about your rights and responsibilities.
In regards to your final exam or other homework assignments, I do not mind if you discuss ideas and concepts with one
another; however, the work you turn in to me should be your own individual thoughts and writings/answers; you may not
share your assignments as ‘one’. Students turning in similar or identical work will earn an “F” regardless of who copied from
whom. Again, you must also cite your sources both verbally and in written work.
ACCOMMODATIONS – If you have any special needs or have a documented learning and/or physical disability that may
affect your participation in class, please make arrangements to have notification sent to me or notify me yourself as soon as
possible so I can accommodate your needs. If you need additional information on ADA issues, please contact the DSPS
department.
ASSIGNMENTS
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I will discuss each assignment in detail in class; instructions and information are included in your text.
I expect you to adhere to the assignment guidelines when completing work and submit all work by the due date.
I expect you to turn in assignments of acceptable academic standards; this means all assignments are
spellchecked and typed, and in proper MLA format. If I cannot understand the message, you will not receive the
grade you want to earn. A number of resources exist if you need assistance; please ask for help or contact the
Reading & Writing Center.
Every written assignment unless otherwise specified or approved by me, must be typed and stapled. I do not accept
papers that are: hand-written, submitted via email, are in a folder, have folded or twisted corners or are paperclipped; simply put - invest in a stapler!
Be sure to keep a copy of all your submitted and returned assignments in case there is a discrepancy in
determining your final grade.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
In the business world, failure to attend a meeting or deliver an expected oral presentation is never tolerated. In the
academic setting of this class, the same is also true. All class assignments are made well in advance of their due dates;
therefore, NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT. Conversely, early assignments will be accepted
graciously.
Assignments are usually collected during the first ten minutes of class on the date they are due, unless otherwise specified.
If you miss the first ten minutes of class, your work will be considered late. Missed assignments will result in a final course
grade no higher than a “C-“.
Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes prepared- no one is perfect.
~unknown
EARNING Your Grade
I enjoy giving “A’s” as grades, but you must earn an A.
And, you can – you just have to take personal responsibility for the work you do and follow the
guidelines for each assignment. Below is an overview of how to earn an “A”
“A” students / ”A” grades
“A” students show an extraordinary level of effort and implementation of theories in their work. Their work is highly
analytical and thorough. They are prepared to participate in class discussion and contribute thoughtfully. In addition, they
make consistent attendance a priority. Students who earn an “A” in the course typically spend many hours researching
topics, writing, outlines, practicing speeches, studying for exams, focus on memorizing and reviewing all class material,
including assigned reading and beyond. (A good rule of thumb to follow is to spend a minimum of two hours out of class for
every hour in class). These students stay current on reading assignments and take notes in class. They make every effort
to complete assignments ahead of due dates, which in turn gives them more time to polish their delivery.
An “A” is the highest academic grade possible. This honor is NOT automatically given to the student who ranks the highest
in the course, but is reserved for accomplishment that is truly distinctive and demonstrably outstanding. It represents a
superior mastery of the course material and is a grade that demands a very high degree of understanding, originality and
often creativity. Furthermore, an “A” student is characterized as one who takes personal responsibility for their learning and
who takes the initiative in seeking new knowledge outside the normal confines of the course.
“C” students / “C” grades
“C” students indicate a satisfactory degree of attainment and is the acceptable standard for proceeding to more advanced
work. A “C” grade may be expected of a student of average ability who devotes a reasonable amount of time and effort to
the course work. This grade implies familiarity with the content of the course and the acceptable masterly of the material.
The student displays some evidence of originality, creativity, or both. The student works independently at an acceptable
level and completes all requirements of the course including attendance and participation.
A “C” assignment would generally confirm to the type of assignment given: oral, written, taped, etc. A “C” assignment will
meet the space and time limitations, confirm to the basic organizational requirements, utilize reasonable standards of
correctness in grammar, pronunciation, articulation, typing, etc. and be delivered and turned in on the due date. In addition,
speeches are delivered extemporaneously.
(Adapted from Professor Kimberlee Hunter)
What kind of student are you?
Are you the kind of student you want to be?
How will you take personal responsibility for your goal?
How will you attain your goal?
EARNING Your Grade… continued
To receive a “C” on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. Your speech must be original.
2. Your speech type must meet the assignment guidelines: be appropriate for the assignment.
3. You must focus your topic.
4. You must adapt your speech to your audience.
5. Your speech MUST fit the time requirements.
6. You MUST speak on your speaking day. Note: if you are unsure of your speaking day or you are not in class when
speaking days are assigned assume that you will speak on the FIRST speaking day.
7. The purpose of your speech must be clear.
8. Your speech must follow an appropriate design and include all parts of the design (parts will vary depending on type
of speech).
9. All your main points must be adequately supported with appropriate support material: facts, statistics, testimony,
and examples.
10. You must present your speech extemporaneously: DO NOT READ.
11. You must fulfill all specific requirements for the speech, such as, number of sources, oral & written citations, typed
outlines, visual aids, etc.
12. You must appropriately and adequately use both written and oral citations.
13. In terms of language, you must use correct language and use it correctly.
To receive a “B” on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. Satisfy all the requirements for a “C” speech, PLUS
2. Choose a challenging topic and adapt it to your audience appropriately.
3. Reflect a greater depth of research (i.e., if three sources are required for a “C”, the “B” speech must have five
sources).
4. Sustain audience attention throughout your presentation.
5. Implement creative transitions, previews and summaries.
6. Employ good oral style, complete with appropriate use of language tools.
7. Present your speech with poise.
To receive an “A” on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. Satisfy all the requirements for a “B” speech, PLUS
2. Demonstrate imagination and creativity in topic.
A “D” speech does not meet one or more of the standards for a “C” speech or it is:
1. Obviously unrehearsed
2. Based on biased information or unsupported opinion
3. Lack of discernable organization
4. Fails to cite sources: Orally/In text and / or provide a works cited in MLA format
5. Presents an overused, irrelevant topic
A “F” speech does not meet one or more of the standards for a “C” speech, reflects two or more of the problems associated
with a “D” speech, or it:
1. Lacks discernable organization.
2. Used fabricated support material.
3. Deliberately distorts evidence.
4. Is plagiarized.
(Adapted from Professor Kimberlee Hunter)
SPEECHES
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You are required to give all speeches.
Regardless of your point total, you will fail the class if you fail to complete any speaking assignment.
SPEECH TOPICS that show imagination, creativity, and solid research will earn better grades. In addition, the instructor
must approve all speech topics, unless otherwise specified. The subject matter is okay, but speeches involving firearms,
fireworks, fire, weapons, illegal substances, or the use of illegal substances are PROHIBITED. Topics to avoid include but
are not limited to: pro-life/pro-choice, drunk driving, smoking or second-hand smoke, alcoholism, fitness and/or exercise,
religion, teen pregnancy, child abuse, gun control, and capital punishment.
SPEECH OUTLINES
All speech outlines need to be typed and double-spaced with font size at a minimum of 12. I do not accept late outlines our
outlines submitted via email.
Each assignment/outline should include the following information in the upper right-hand corner of your paper:
Your name, date, instructor name, class, class day, class time, and assignment name/title.
SPEECH PACKETS
 You are required to turn in a speech packet BEFORE you present. This means you must bring two copies of your
outline – one for yourself and one for me included in your speech packet.
 Your speech packet must include the following materials stapled together in the following order:
o Final outline/revised (on top),
o Reviewed draft outline (in the middle), and
o PFRs (on the bottom).
 Peer feedback reports are required. If you are absent the day PFRs are conducted in class, you must
make them up on your own time. You will need to ask a minimum of three students from this class to
provide you with a PFR.
 You are required to give all speeches; you cannot pass the class without giving all oral presentations
THE FRIGHTFUL FIVE
Avoid encountering the following five blunders, as any one of them will result in a grade no higher than a C- on the speech
in which they occur:
1) Late/Make-up speech: Simply, show up and be prepared to present your speech on your assigned speaking day.
Your right to make up a speech is NOT GUARANTEED! Only if you are prepared to present at the next class
meeting and IF there is time available, will you be able to make up an individual speech. If you miss your
opportunity, it is in your best interest to come to each and every class prepared to give your speech.
2) No speech packet: You must provide me a complete speech packet on the day you speak BEFORE you present to
the class. If you show up without a speech packet, you lose your opportunity to speak on your assigned day, which
makes your speech late.
3) Under/Over speech: Do not speak longer or shorter than your allotted time. Practice often and time yourself on
each occasion. Actually say the words aloud instead of just in your head – it will make all the difference. Make
sure your speech is within the allotted period to treat your audience to a full presentation without ending too soon or
being cut off; this shows your audience you respect their time. Take care of yourself by using a timer!
4) Reading your speech: Do NOT read your speech to the class. One way to assure yourself that this won’t happen
is to use an outline with key words and phrases to help jog your memory and provide you with speaking points.
5) Undocumented or Poorly documented presentations: You must verbally cite all sources in your speeches.
Failing to do so qualifies as the fifth “Frightful Five”. The easiest way to cite your sources is by using the two words:
“According to…”. Furthermore, citing any kind of Wikipedia as a source automatically qualifies as a frightful five
ASSIGNMENT TABLE
I do not provide students with their course grade; so, do not rely on me to keep you informed. If you
record your points from completed assignments in the table below you will always know your standing in
class (simply add up all the points you earn and divide by the total points possible for those assignments).
I generally post grades to Passport in a timely fashion at the end of the semester (usually 3 – 4 days after
our last class meeting); however, it may take the college a bit longer to release the grades electronically.
Please be patient, and again, if you record your points, you will know your grade.
Assignment
Point Value Points Earned
Participation
100
Email address assignment
15
Bag Exercise
50
Group presentation
100
Ceremonial manuscript
25
Ceremonial speech
50
Informative outline - draft
10
Informative outline – final revised
25
Informative PFR’s
10
Informative speech
100
Self review
15
Final (take-home)
100
Total points possible
600
GRADING SCALE:
A = 100 – 90%
B = 89 – 80%
C = 79 – 70%
D = 69 – 60%
F = 59% or lower
CONTESTING A GRADE
If you have questions regarding a graded assignment, follow the below procedure:
 Wait 48 hours after receiving your grade before you contest it.
 Re-read the assignment’s grading objective and criteria.
 If you still question your score, provide me with the original graded assignment along with a typed statement making
clear what you think are the weaknesses of the evaluation and why those things identified are in need of review;
these must be legitimate concerns relating to the assignment – not how you think you compared to others.
 I will review the materials you submit to me and schedule an office appointment to give you further feedback.
Please be advised, should I review your work, the points may go up as well as down. However, the quality of a
student’s protest motivates me and I encourage communication resulting in equitable resolutions.
Comm1A/SUMMER 2013
Mon - Thurs
7:45-9:50am OR 4:30-6:20pm
***Schedule subject to change at instructor’s discretion,
based on the needs and size of the class***
DAY
1
DATE
M 6/17
WHAT’S DUE TODAY?
2
3
T 6/18
W 6/19
*Email assignment
4
TH 6/20
*Johari Window
5
M 6/24
*Bag share
6
7
8
9
T 6/25
W 6/26
TH 6/27
M 7/1
*Bag share
*Your creativity & spontaneity
10
T 7/2
*Informative outline (draft)
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
W 7/3
TH 7/4
M 7/8
T 7/9
W 7/10
TH 7/11
M 7/15
18
T 7/16
19
W 7/17
20
TH 7/18
21
M 7/22
22
T 7/23
23
W 7/24
*Speech packet
*Self review
*Take home final
*Speech packet
*Self review
*Speech packet
*Self review
*Your creativity & spontaneity
24
TH 7/25
*Your presence & mindfulness
*Topic approval
Nothing/Holiday
*Ceremonial manuscript
*Ceremonial manuscript
*Ceremonial manuscript
*Group presentation
*Special Occasion speech
*Informative speech
*Speech packet
WHAT ARE WE DOING IN CLASS?
*Intro to course & to each other
WHAT ASSIGNMENTS?
* Email assignment
*Take home final
*Johari Window
*Bag share
*Axioms of Cx
*Owning Yourself
*I vs. You Cx
*Mindfulness & Perception
*Movie
*Prep for Informative speech
*Bag share
*Select topic/request approval
*Bag share
*Surprise activity
*10 Elements of an Effective Speech
*Audience analysis
*Partner interviews/SO speech
*Outline reviews
*Visual Aids
*Groups – the good, the bad, the ugly
*Informative outline (draft)
*Revise outline for final copy
Nothing/Holiday
*Groups – the good, the bad, the ugly
*Group project/team time
*Group project/team time
*Group project/team time
*Group presentation
*Group debrief
*PFRs
Nothing/Holiday
*Ceremonial manuscript
*Group presentation
*Group presentation
*Group presentation
*Practice, practice, practice!!!
*Special Occasion speech
*Informative speech
*Special Occasion speech
*Informative speech
*Self review
*Special Occasion speech
*Informative speech
*Special Occasion speech
*Informative speech
*Impromptu speeches
*Self review
*Pathos share
*Self review
*Return & review final
*Grapevines
*Keep improving your cx skills &
stepping out of your comfort
zone!
*Practice, practice, practice!!!
*Self review