Fundamentals of Speech Communication
CRN 23452 Speech 105-401
August 24, 2015 – December 12, 2015
Instructor: Lucy Kefauver, M.A.
Office: 415 B&O
Email: lkefauver@wvncc.edu
Phone: 304-214-8970
Virtual Office Hours during optional class meetings 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Tuesdays in Big
Blue Button, otherwise by appointment.
Textbook:
Gregory, Hamilton. Public Speaking for College and Career. 10th Edition. New York:
McGraw Hill
Catalog Description:
This course includes a study of the elements of oral communication and practice in
organizing and delivering short speeches. Emphasis is on the development of effective
communication skills and self-confidence. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Satisfactory reading
and writing placement test scores or ENG 097.
Course Focus:
Fundamentals of Speech Communication begins with short extemporaneous informative
speeches and moves toward longer speeches in other formats. Speeches are
accompanied by outlines with sources listed correctly. Students also give impromptu
speeches, participate in group work and evaluate themselves and other speakers.
Students are tested on chapters in the textbook, all of which cover material which is
directly applied in class.
Course Objectives:
Upon satisfactory completion of this course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in
human communication and factors that may affect them;
2. Demonstrate the ability to organize and present a speech effectively and
prepare an outline which reflects this;
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and criticize speech content and delivery;
4. Demonstrate more confidence in public speaking situations.
Specifically, you should be able to demonstrate the following skills or abilities in order
to accomplish the outcomes listed above:
 Deliver at least one impromptu speech
 Control unnecessary or distracting movements
 Create or find visual aids and use them effectively
 Interpret and react to audience response
 Articulate clearly using correct grammar
 Maintain eye contact with an audience
 Gesture naturally and emphatically
SPCH105-4011403lkefauver





Control obvious physical or vocal nervousness
Prepare outlines using correct form
Locate and make use of outside sources in speech preparation
Analyze audience and occasion and choose topics appropriate to both
Deliver extemporaneous speeches (including informative, persuasive, special
occasion, etc.)
 Evaluate other speakers in writing.
 Discuss and answer questions on topics covered in lectures and in the textbook
Attendance:
This is an entirely online course, however, you must be “present” online several times
each week in order to complete discussions, assignments, journals, and review other
materials. If you fail to make progress, I will let you know and will offer suggestions for
improvement. If you fail to complete discussions, assignments, journals, etc., you will be
at risk for Administrative Withdrawal. Please understand that issuing an
Administrative Withdrawal is a courtesy not a requirement. Generally, this prevents
you from receiving a grade you would not want on your transcript. Should you be
administratively withdrawn, reinstatement is solely at my discretion.
Grading:
Grades will be determined using the following:
Item*
Learning Activities (LA)
Discussions (D)
Personal Reflection Journals (PRJ)
Extemporaneous Speeches
Impromptu Speech
Final Exam
Final Speech
Surveys
Course Orientation Quiz
Value
20
20
10
100
50
100
200
10
40
A
B
C
D
F
Total
300
160
80
600
50
100
200
20
40
1550
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS
Final Grading Scale:
1395 – 1550 points
1240 – 1394 points
1085 – 1239 points
930 – 1084 points
0 – 929 points
Quantity
15
8
8
6
1
1
1
2
1
90% -- 100%
80% -- 89%
70% -- 79%
60% -- 69%
0 -- 59%
* For specific information about the components of the course, please see the Welcome
and Course Orientation document in the Course Orientation tab.
If you believe an error has been made in your final grade, please contact me. I will
check the grades I have and check the calculation. If there is an error, I will be glad to
correct it. If there is no error and you still believe the final grade is incorrect, you may
SPCH105-4011403lkefauver
appeal the grade through the Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities rule,
located here:
http://www.wvncc.edu/uploads/kx_StudentAcademicRightsandResponsibilitiesSanctionsandAppeals.pdf.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in an adult, ethical, honest and
professional way on assignments, exams, and in class. Academic dishonesty includes
things such as: cheating (helping or being helped on assignments or exams that are
intended to be completed individually, putting your name on someone else’s work and
submitting it as your own, doing work someone else is supposed to be doing, and
plagiarism). If you are caught being dishonest, you may fail the assignment or exam, be
removed from class, or even suspended or expelled from the College. The Student Code
of Conduct can be found here:
http://www.wvncc.edu/uploads/StudentCodeofConductAppvd06.pdf.
Social Justice:
WVNCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, veteran
status, color, national origin, or sexual orientation. Any suggestions as to how to
further a positive and open learning environment in this class will be appreciated and
given serious consideration. If you are a student with a disability and anticipate having
any difficulty in completing the requirements of this class, you must contact the office of
Accessibility Services (304-214-8853 or https://ilearnnorthern.wvnet.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_4_1 ) to request
specific accommodations.
Please Remember:
 Should you find it necessary to withdraw from this course it is your
responsibility to know the last date to drop a course and to do so by that date.
 You would be well served to sign up for WVNCC’s Text Alert System in case
there is a situation about which you need to know.
 Speeches should not involve offensive materials or use of demonstration props
that would not be allowed on campus, for example x-rated material, live animals,
weapons, illegal substances, etc.
 I am happy to help you, but it is your responsibility to seek that help. I cannot
help you if I don’t know what you need. Ask questions.
 This syllabus is a guide only. Changes may be made depending on resources and
time available.
 Don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun!
SPCH105-4011403lkefauver