Spring 2016 1
Course Syllabus
Course Number and Title:
SPCH 1315—Public Speaking
Course Description
Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking
context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of
communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to
develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral
presentations.
Professor: Monica Villarreal, M.A.
Office Location: W313
Office Hours: MWF 3:00-4:00
TTH 11:00-12:00
Phone: (956) 364-4967
Email: mmvillarreal54675 @tstc.edu
Major Course Requirements/ Task Listing
10. Write effective paragraphs
13. Give oral presentations
16. Accommodate cultural diversities in oral and written communication
17. Apply non-verbal communication techniques
19. Apply active learning skills
27. Perform research
28. Document research sources
30. Read analytically
33. Apply time management techniques
This course is divided in sections and they include the following:
Part 1- Speaking and Listening
Part 2- Speech Preparation: Getting Started
Part 3- Speech Preparation: Organizing and Outlining
Part 4- Presenting the Speech
Part 5- Varieties of Public Speaking
SPCH 1315 Learning Objectives
In accordance with recommendations from the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, all speech courses at Texas State Technical College will
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address the following core objectives:
1. Critical Thinking Skills- including creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and
analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
2. Communication Skills- including effective written, oral, and visual
communication.
3. Teamwork- including the ability to consider different points of view and to
work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
4. Personal Responsibility- including the ability to connect choices, actions,
and consequences to ethical decision-making.
SPCH 1315 Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of SPCH 1315, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of
communication.
2. Apply elements of audience analysis.
3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing
presentations for evidence and logic.
4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with
effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.
5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and
presenting speeches.
6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.
7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an
individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative, or persuasive).
Course Schedule
(Tentative Schedule subject to change by your instructor)
Day
Mon.
Date
Jan.11
Lecture Topic
Course Introduction
Measureable Activities
Wed.
Jan.13
Partner Intro
This activity will allow students to
engage in discussion and class
participation while working
together as a group. This
activity will be measured by
observation.
(Teamwork)
Friday
Jan.15
Speaking in Public- Ch. 1
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Power of Public Speaking
Tradition of Public Speaking
Similarities Between Public Speaking
and Conversation
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Wed.
Jan.20
Speaking in Public (Cont.)- Ch.1
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Friday
Jan.22
Jan.25
Jan.27
Jan.29
Feb.1
Topics You Know a Lot About
Topics You Want to Know More About
Brainstorming for Topics
Determining the General Purpose
Determining the Specific Purpose
Phrasing the Central Idea
Analyzing your audience- Ch.6
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Mon.
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Listening is Important
Listening and Critical Thinking
Four Causes of Poor Listening
How to Become a Better Listener
Selecting a Topic and a PurposeCh. 5
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Friday
The importance of Ethics
Guidelines for Ethical Speaking
Plagiarism
Guidelines for Ethical Listening
Engagement Activity One
Listening- Ch.3
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Wed.
Public Speaking and Critical Thinking
The Speech Communication Process
Public Speaking in a Multicultural
World
Ethics and Public Speaking- Ch.2
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Mon.
Differences Between Public Speaking
and Conversation
Developing Confidence
Audience-Centeredness
The Psychology of the Audience
Situational Audience Analysis
Analyzing your audience- Ch.6
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Getting Information About the
Audience
Adapting to the Audience
Engagement Activity Two
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Engagement Activity
Three
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
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Wed.
Feb.3
Gathering Materials- Ch.7
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Friday
Feb.5
Feb.8
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Supporting Your Ideas- Ch.8
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Mon.
Using Your Own Knowledge and
Experience
Doing Library Research
Searching the Internet
Interviewing
Tips for Doing Research
Engagement Activity Four
Using Examples
Using Statistics
Testimony
Citing Sources Orally
Ch. 1,2,3,5,6,7,8
Exam One- Please bring
Scantron and #2 pencil
This activity will allow students to
connect choices, actions, and
consequences to ethical
decision-making.
(Personal Responsibility)
Wed.
Feb.10
Organizing the Body of the
Speech- Ch. 9
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Friday
Feb.12
Speaking to Inform Ch. 15
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Mon.
Feb.15
Feb.17
Types of Informative Speeches
Guidelines for Informative Speeches
Outlining the Speech (part 1)Ch.11
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Wed.
Organization is Important
Main Points
Supporting Material
Connectives
The Preparation Outline
The Speaking Outline
Beginning and Ending the
Speech- Ch. 10
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The Introduction
Engagement Activity Five
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Informative topic due
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Friday
Feb.19
The Conclusion
Informative Drill Workshop
Engagement Activity Six
Informative Drill Outline
(Draft)
This activity will allow students to
listen to and consider different
points of views, which will allow
them the opportunity to
develop a more effective
speech.
(Teamwork)
Mon.
Feb.22
Outlining the Speech Part2- Ch. 11
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Wed.
Feb.24
Using Language- Ch. 12
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Friday
Feb.26
Feb.29
Meaning of Words
Using Language Accurately
Using Language Clearly
Using Language Vividly
Using Language Appropriately
Delivery- Ch. 13
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Mon.
Citing Sources in your Written Outline
Citing Sources Verbally
Methods of Delivery
The Speakers Voice
The Speakers Body
Practicing Delivery
Answering Audience Questions
Informative Presentation Outline
Workshop
Engagement Activity
Seven
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Engagement Activity Eight
Informative Presentation
Outline (Draft)
This activity will allow students to
listen to and consider different
points of views, which will allow
them the opportunity to
develop a more effective
speech.
(Teamwork)
Wed.
Mar.2
Informative Presentations
Final Outline (Informative)
This activity will allow students to
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synthesize the material learned
in class and effectively express
their ideas through verbal and
nonverbal communication.
(Communication Skills)
Friday
Mar.4
Informative Presentations
Final Outline (Informative)
This activity will allow students to
synthesize the material learned
in class and effectively express
their ideas through verbal and
nonverbal communication.
(Communication Skills)
Mon.
Mar.7
Informative Presentations
Final Outline (Informative)
This activity will allow students to
synthesize the material learned
in class and effectively express
their ideas through verbal and
nonverbal communication.
(Communication Skills)
Wed.
Mar.9
Using Visual Aids- Ch.14
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Friday
Mar.11
Speaking on Special OccasionsCh. 18
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Mon.
Mar.21
Kinds of Visual Aids
Guidelines for Preparing Visual Aids
Guidelines for Presenting Visual Aids
Speeches of Introduction
Speeches of Presentation
Speeches of Acceptance
Commemorative Speeches
Ch. 9-15, 18
Engagement Activity Nine
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Exam Two- Please bring
Scantron and #2 pencil
This activity will allow students to
connect choices, actions, and
consequences to ethical
decision-making.
(Personal Responsibility)
Wed.
Mar.23
Speaking to Persuade- Ch. 16
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Importance of Understanding
Persuasion
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Friday
Mar.25
Speaking to Persuade (Cont.)Ch. 16
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Mon.
Mar.28
Mar.30
Proposition of Facts
Proposition of Value
Proposition of Policy
Engagement Activity Ten
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Methods to Persuade- Ch. 17
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Wed.
Ethics and Persuasion
The Psychology of Persuasion
Building Credibility
Using Evidence
Reasoning
Appealing to Emotions
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop
Engagement Activity
Eleven
This activity will allow students to
evaluate the public speaking
concepts through logic and
reasoning.
(Critical Thinking)
Friday
Apr.1
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop #2
Persuasive Topic Due
Mon.
Apr.4
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop
Engagement Activity
Twelve
Persuasive Presentation
Outline (Draft)
This activity will allow students to
listen to and consider different
points of views, which will allow
them the opportunity to
develop a more effective
speech.
(Teamwork)
Wed.
Apr.6
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop
Friday
Apr.8
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop
Mon.
Apr.11
Persuasive Presentation Outline
Workshop
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Wed.
Apr.13
Persuasive Presentations
Final Outline (Persuasive)
This activity will allow students to
synthesize the material learned
in class and effectively express
their ideas through verbal and
nonverbal communication.
(Communication Skills)
Friday
Apr.15
Persuasive Presentations
Final Outline (Persuasive)
This activity will allow students to
synthesize the material learned
in class and effectively express
their ideas through verbal and
nonverbal communication.
(Communication Skills)
Mon.
Apr.18
Wed.
Friday
Mon.
Apr.20
Apr.22
Apr.25
Understanding Impromptu
Speaking
Impromptu Speeches
Impromptu Speeches
Cumulative
Exam Three- Please bring
Scantron and #2 pencil
This activity will allow students to
connect choices, actions, and
consequences to ethical
decision-making.
(Personal Responsibility)
Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify the course calendar and the
course syllabus. The class will be notified if any changes occur, either through inclass lectures or via MyMail and Moodle.
Required Text and Materials:
Lucas, S. (2012). The Art of Public Speaking (11th Edition). Boston: McGraw-Hill.
ISBN: 978-0-07-662687-8
Supplemental Reading (Not Required for this Course)
Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2011). A Concise Public Speaking Handbook (3rd
Edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
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Grading Criteria
Speeches
Tests
Quizzes/Assignments
Final Exam
50%
20%
20%
10%
Grades will be distributed in the following manner:
A (90-100)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
D (60-69)
F (0-59)
Course Requirements
1. Twelve Engagement Activities (120 pts.)
2. Examinations
Exam 1 (Ch. 1,2,3,5,7,8) (100 pts.)
Exam 2 (Ch. 9-15,18) (100 pts.)
Exam 3 (Cumulative) (100 pts.)
3. Oral Presentations
Impromptu Speech(50 pts.)
Informative Presentation (100 pts.)
Persuasive Presentation (100 pts.)
Attendance. Good attendance contributes to a positive learning environment,
and you can’t do your best in this course if you do not attend regularly. There are
many things to be learned on a weekly basis that are not measured directly on
the tests. Since I know your objective is to increase your learning, my assumption
is that you will attend class. It is your responsibility to get the information covered
in the classes missed. NO distinction is made between an “excused” and
“unexcused” absence. If you miss 3 or more class periods you will be
encouraged to drop the course.
Dropping Course. It is your responsibility to drop the course prior to the last date
for withdrawal without incurring an “F” grade. Failure to withdraw will result in an
“F” grade.
Engagement Activities. You are expected to read assigned material before
coming to class and to be prepared to discuss the information. Engagement
activities consist of short quizzes, preparation outlines for upcoming speeches,
and worksheets. Engagement activities will also serve as part of the review of
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examinations. Engagement Activities will be found online on Moodle under the
designated module.
NOTE: A 24-hour notice and valid excuse prior to class date must be given to
professor in the case that student will need additional time to complete an
engagement activity. Otherwise, engagement activities will not be reopened.
Examinations. You will take three exams throughout the semester. Exams are
multiple-choice format and objective-based. Study guides for each exam will be
available upon request. Answering these study guide questions as you work
through the chapters will prepare you for the exams. Each exam includes 30
multiple-choice items and each are worth 10% of your final grade. Please bring
a #2 pencil and Scantron to all exams.
NOTE: A 24-hour notice and valid excuse prior to exam date is needed for makeup exams and special arrangements.
Oral Presentations. You will develop, organize, and deliver one impromptu
speech, one informative presentation, one persuasive presentation, and a
partner introduction. The assignment description, evaluation criteria, and
evaluation forms will be given to you at the appropriate time during the
semester. After developing your presentations you will be expected to deliver
them on four different occasions during the semester. All of the presentations will
be worth 50% of your final grade. You will be encouraged to drop if you do not
present more than two speeches throughout the semester.
NOTE: If you are absent on the day you are signed up to present, you will receive
a deduction of 15 points for every calendar date the speech is not presented.
You will also have points deducted from your speech grade if you do not show
up on other presentation dates, even if you are not signed up to present on
those days. Lastly, if you do not attend class on workshop days, you will be
signed up to present first on the upcoming speech.
NOTE: If instructor makes a safe and educated assumption that a student has
either plagiarized or cheated on an exam or any other assignment the student
will be given a zero in that particular assignment and will be reported to the
community standards office.
DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Only absences of an extreme or catastrophic emergency may be excused and
must be corroborated in writing by an appropriate authority (hospital, doctor),
merely phoning in does not excuse an absence. Students must file a withdrawal
form with the Admissions Office to be withdrawn from the course. It is the
responsibility of the student to drop the course prior to the last date for
withdrawal without incurring an “F” grade. The withdrawal process will no longer
be initiated by the instructor.
*If you are absent more than three times because of a health issue, you will be
encouraged to contact the Student Support Services Office immediately.
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ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: If you have a documented disability which will
make it difficult for you to carry out the work as the instructor has outlined,
and/or if you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact
(956) 364-4521 or visit the Support Services Office located in the building EK as
soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
The material used in the course (textbooks, handouts, media files, podcast, MP3,
Videos, RSS Feeds), and all instructional resources on the colleges Learning
Management System (Moodle) are intended for use only by students registered
and enrolled in this course, and are only to be used for instructional use, activities
associated with, and for the duration of the course. By “handouts,” this means all
materials generated for this course, which includes but are not limited to syllabi,
quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and any
additional materials.
These materials may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further.
They are provided in compliance with the provisions of the Teach Act. These
materials may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the
express prior written permission of the copyright holder or TSTC. For further
information contact your instructor.
Communicating with your instructor (MyMail Email System)
The use of Your MyMail TSTC College Student e-mail account will be the only way
to receive official notices from the college. When communicating with instructors
and/or employees of the college you are required to use your TSTC MyMail
student e-mail address. If you choose to forward your email to another account,
please be advised that all communication from and within the college will use
your MyMail student e-mail.
Safety
“TSTC Harlingen faculty, staff, and students are asked to report all threats,
perceived or real, immediately to College Police located in the Auxiliary Building.
If the threat is imminent, the College Police emergency phone line at 364-4234 or
9-911 should be called. College Police will then coordinate the proper response
in accordance with State and federal laws and TSTC System/College rules and
regulations.”
In the event of an emergency, students should familiarize themselves with
building and classrooms emergency exits/evacuation routes and be able to
locate the nearest fire extinguisher. When an emergency alarm is activated,
students should immediately leave the classroom, exit the building, and go to a
designated safe area until clearance is given to go back into the building.
Students should also register and be familiar with the Emergency Notification
System.
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OTHER POLICIES
Student Success Office
If you need assistance in your academic studies, please contact (956) 364-4110
or visit the Student Success Office, in Building D, Room 121. For supplemental
instruction, you can go to the website:
http://www.tstc.edu/oss/ossprograms.aspx
Electronic Devices
No electronic recording devices will be allowed in class. Children are not
allowed in lecture rooms or laboratories.
General Education Program Assessment
Assignments from this course are subject to being archived for general
education assessment. Procedures will follow protocol as prescribed by the
research guidelines of the Association for Institutional Research.
Note: The instructor reserves the right to changes in the due dates of activities,
assignments and quizzes. Any changes to this course syllabus will be
announced/provided in writing to the students.
*The last day to drop the class with a grade of “W” is April 1st, 2016.
Tutoring Statement
The Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at TSTC offers free tutoring and
academic support services to help you achieve your academic and career goals. You can
access the most up-to-date Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Schedule, as well as
MyTSTC Video Tutor Library, by using your smart phone to scan over the QR code below
or visiting our webpage at: http://www.tstc.edu/harlingenoss/situtoringprogram
For more information, please contact the Office of Student Success at
956.364.4163 or the Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at 956.364.4170.
Personal Note
I look forward to having you in class and getting to know you as we work through
this semester together. We have so much to learn from each other and
accomplish this semester. I expect you to adhere to the course policies listed
above and consider the syllabus to be a contract. It outlines what I expect from
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you and what you can expect from me. I expect you to come to class having
completed the assigned readings and prepared to contribute to in-class
dialogue.
Please know that I am committed to quality teaching. Every class will be well
organized, fully interactive, relevant, and intellectually stimulating. I have
designed this course to set you up for success. You can hold me to this! I
encourage you to take advantage of my office hours and email address.
Thanks for being here!
-Monica Mercado