PUBLIC SPEAKING
Ms. Laumas
Fall 2011
Public Speaking is a one-semester course in which you will develop the skills necessary to become an effective
communicator. You will participate in a number of informal speech activities that will encourage you to become
more comfortable and creative in front of an audience. You will write and present formal speeches,
presentations, and lessons. Finally, you will critique the speeches of your classmates and they will critique your
speeches.
In presenting and listening to speeches, you will work on:

speech writing skills, including how to use an outline to logically organize your ideas and write a
creative and engaging speech; use an awareness of SPAM (situation-purpose-audience-method) to write
effective speeches;

communication skills, including the use of voice and body language in your own speeches to enhance
your delivery and the improvement of your ability to listen well to others;

constructive criticism, including evaluation of peer speeches and published speeches.
The benefits of public speaking include the development of the following:
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Organizational skills
Writing skills
Critical thinking skills
Research skills
Listening skills
Self-confidence
There is no textbook for this class. Research from books, magazines, newspapers, and the Internet will provide
information for speeches. Class time will be used on a regular basis to work on speeches and get feedback from
me, but you should assume you will probably spend time outside of class as well.
All students are expected to be ready to speak on the due date of the speech. This includes having your speech
printed out before arriving at class. If you print your speech after class has started, you will lose 5% of your
grade off the top. The grade is also cut 5% for every class day that the speech is late. The day before the
speeches are due, we will draw names or take volunteers to determine the order. On the day you are to give
your speech or presentation, you must come to class prepared. There are no tests in Public Speaking. Your
final grade will be comprised of your speech, presentation, and lesson grades; your critiques of others; your
critiques of yourself; and your active and positive participation.
You are responsible for making up missed work. See me ASAP after an absence (or e-mail me if you are home
for an extended period), and check with classmates and PCR. If an assignment has been given before your
absence and you are in class on the due date, you should be ready to give your speech. Asking for an extension
on the day a speech is due will not work.
During class work times, you must work on Public Speaking assignments only, unless you have permission
from me to do other work. Using your laptop for anything other than public speaking during class will act as a
detriment to your participation grade and your conduct marks.
Evaluation:
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All formal speeches, presentations, lessons (usually 4 minutes)
Informal speech activities (usually two minutes)
Peer / Self Evaluations
Positive participation (includes good listening)
Morning Meeting speech
60%
20%
10%
10%
Mandatory 
Formal speeches may include the following:
o The Quotation speech
o This I Believe speech
o The Current Event speech
o Persuasive speech
o How-to /Mini-lesson presentation
Informal speeches/activities may include the following:
o Object speech
o Chalk talk
o Impromptu speeches
o Famous speech recitation
o Tongue twisters
o The Pet Peeve speech
Please come and visit me in my office (or send an email) if you need to speak with me.
claumas@sayreschool.org
Office #104 / Office phone: 244-2674
Free periods: A, C, E, F, & H