Southern State Community College
Curriculum Committee – October 2013
COMM 1115 – Fundamentals of Effective Speech
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OTM: 14986
TAG: OCM004
I. COURSE TITLE: Fundamentals of Effective Speech
COURSE NUMBER: 1115
CATALOG PREFIX: COMM
II. PREREQUISTE(S): None
III. CREDIT HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
LECTURE HOURS: 3
OBSERVATION HOURS: 0
IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course encompasses the composition and presentation of speeches. The
objective is to help individuals speak effectively to other individuals or groups. The
focus will be the study of organization, development, delivery, and purpose of various
types of speeches.
V. ADOPTED TEXT(S):
The Art of Public Speaking,
11th Edition.
Lucas, Stephan E. McGraw-Hill, 2009.
ISBN: 978-0-07-340673-2
VI. COURSE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessary disciplines involved in the process
of public speaking.
2. Strategically organize material for the purpose of oral presentation through note
cards, scoring, outlines, and researched manuscript.
3. Differentiate among delivery styles, including impromptu, extemporaneous,
manuscript, and memorized.
4. Recognize methods of reducing speech anxiety.
5. Utilize voice and body effectively in oral presentation.
6. Successfully deliver various types of oral presentations including readings,
impromptu speeches, the self-introduction speech, the informative or demonstration
speech, the special occasion speech, and the speech to persuade.
7. Work effectively as a team member in group debate.
8. Gain experience and confidence in delivering oral presentations.
9. Constructively evaluate speech content and delivery.
10. Analyze an audience and adjust presentations accordingly.
11. Demonstrate active listening and critical thinking skills.
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VII.
GRADING:
Grading will follow policy in the SSCC Catalog:
A = 90-100
Excellent
B = 80-89
Good
C = 70-79
Average
D = 60-69
Poor
F = 0-59
Failing
VIII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:
A combination of lecture, discussion, video, group activities, written assignments,
and oral presentation will be utilized.
IX. COURSE CONTENT/OUTLINE:
Speech Anxiety: Anatomy, control, exercises
Delivery: Audience centeredness, professionalism, rehearsal
Voice: Quality, pitch, rate, pauses, volume, diction
Body: Gestures, facial expressions, posture
Types of Speeches: Impromptu, reading, informative, special occasion, group, and
persuasive
Strategic Organization: Introduction, body, conclusion
Organizing Materials: Note cards, scoring, outlines, manuscript, research, visual
aids
Language: Concrete, abstract, imagery
SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK 1
Course Introduction, Chapter 1: Speaking in Public, Chapter 2: Ethics,
Speech Anxiety, IMPROMPTU SPEECHES (10 points)
WEEK 2
Chapter 3: Listening, Chapter 13: Visual Aids, the Self
Introduction Speech, Sample Videos, Note Cards
WEEK 3
SELF INTRODUCTION SPEECH (50 points),
WEEK 4
Video of Presentations, SELF EVALUATION (10 points)
Chapter 12: Delivery (Voice and Body), Scoring Text for Delivery
WEEK 5
READING (50 points), Chapter 4: Selecting a Topic, Brainstorming
Activities, Chapter 5: Analyzing an Audience
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WEEK 6
Chapter 14: Speaking to Inform, Sample Videos, Chapter 7: Supporting
Your Ideas, Chapter 8: Organizing the Body of the Speech,
TOPIC/PURPOSE FOR INFORMATIVE DUE (10 points)
WEEK 7
Audience Surveys, Chapter 9: Beginning and Ending the Speech, Chapter
10: Outlining the Speech, Chapter 11: Language
WEEK 8
MIDTERM: INFORMATIVE/DEMONSTRATION SPEECH (100
points), PEER EVALUATION (10 points)
WEEK 9
Chapter 17: Speaking on Special Occasions, Chapter 18: Speaking in
Small Groups
WEEK 10
SPECIAL OCCASION SPEECH (50 points), Chapter 15: Speaking
To Persuade, Video of Sample Persuasive Speeches
WEEK 11
Chapter 16: Methods of Persuasion, Choosing Topic for Group Debate,
Chapter 6: Gathering Materials, Research
WEEK 12
TOPIC/PURPOSE FOR PERSUASIVE DUE (10 points),
Preparation for Group Debate
WEEK 13
Audience Surveys, Preparation for Group Debate, GROUP DEBATE (50
points)
WEEK 14
Writing the Manuscript, MLA Format, Turnitin.com
WEEK 15
Begin PERSUASIVE SPEECH FINAL (100 points – 20% of Grade)
FINAL
PERSUASIVE SPEECH FINAL (CONTINUED)
X. OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE AND MATERIALS:
None.
XI. EVALUATION:
Attendance: 50 points (-10 absence, -2 tardy or leave early)
Attendance is required for this class. It is also important that you are on time. If you
are absent, you must have written documentation in order to make up any work.
Make-up work is due the day you return to class. Late work will not be accepted. If
you anticipate an absence, it is your responsibility to turn in the assignment on time or
before it is due (email, faculty mailbox, etc.) Faculty may recommend that the
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College withdraw students who have missed more than 20% of the total
scheduled classes of a course (WI).
Participation: 50 points
This grade encompasses your conduct, attitude, teamwork, self-discipline, ability to
follow directions, contribution to class, etc. Always be on task and in the moment.
NO CELL PHONES. NO LAPTOPS (except when used to present visual aids).
XII.
Assignments: 50 points
Self-Introduction Speech: 50 points
Reading: 50 points
Special Occasion Speech: 50 points
Group Speech: 50 points
Informative/Demonstration Speech (Midterm): 100 points
Persuasive Speech (Final) 20% of Grade: 100 points
TOTAL POINTS: 550
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Time management, team player, self-discipline
XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:
FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your
work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for
demonstration purposes.
Students also need to know that there is a strong possibility that your work may be
submitted to other entities for the purpose of plagiarism checks.
DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service
Office, Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.