Sherry O’Neal
SPRING 2013 Course Syllabus
COM 110 – section 019– Public Speaking
Three (3) Credit Hours; MWF; 12:25-1:15 p.m.; 213 Winston
Course Description
Research skills, topic selection, speech organization, skills in speech delivery. Listening for analysis and evaluation of
in-class speech presentation.
Learning Outcomes
The COM 110 course is an introductory foundational course for public speaking skills and portions of the
Communication curriculum at NC State University.
By the end of this course, a student earning a C or better will be able to:
 Understand the theoretical elements of the rhetorical situation in which public speaking occurs through
speech creation, delivery and audience analysis.
 Advance and verbally articulate well-supported arguments through research, reasoning and delivery of
speeches.
 Deliver speeches that demonstrate competency in speaking performance through stylistic techniques.
 Construct self-evaluations revealing competent critical listening and thinking skills.
 Tailor appropriate, respectful and suitable messages demonstrating ethical persuasive choices.
In accomplishing these objectives student s will gain the foundational knowledge and skill set needed to further
advance delivery, research and oral argument competency for academic and public presentations.
Course Structure
Lectures, group work, presentations by students.
Instructor
Sherry O’Neal
Email: sjoneal@ncsu.edu
Cell Phone: 919-868-8031
Office: Winston 231
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Materials



Public Speaking – Zarefsky (used is fine)
o 6th Edition, ISBN: 9780558971991
E-handbook is required – may be purchased separately [e-handbook contains all rubrics and speech
assignments]
4 x 6 notecards required
General Education Program (GEP) Information
This course does not fulfill a General Education Program category. This course does not fulfill a General Education
Program co-requisite.
Transportation
This course will not require students to provide their own transportation.
Non-scheduled class time for field trips or out-of-class activities is NOT required for this class.
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Sherry O’Neal
Grading
Introductory Speech
5
percent
One Point Speech
10
percent
Informative Speech
10
percent
Persuasive Fact
Speech
15
percent
Persuasive Policy
Speech
20
percent
SPRING 2013 COM 110 019
In this assignment, you will interview and introduce a member of your
class. Your job is to introduce this person and give them credibility
according to their "expertise." Through your interview, you need to
determine an area of information about which your classmate has
informed knowledge or experience.
This speech should be from one to three minutes in length.
Your next speech is to create a well developed and research informative
speech. The One Point Speech is the first point of your longer
informative speech (later in the semester). This speech includes an
introduction, one point with sub points, and a conclusion. You will be
graded on how well you develop a single point, organize your speech,
use support, provide research, put together your introduction and
conclusion and deliver your material.
This speech is from two to four minutes in length.
This assignment requires you to inform your audience about a topic on
which they have little knowledge. The topic should be appropriate for a
college-level audience and have direct relevance for your audience. The
focus of this assignment is informative, not persuasive. Therefore, your
purpose is to teach your audience about a new idea, concept, or
development that could make a difference in their lives. You will be
graded on how well you organize and develop a thesis, incorporate
research, evidence, and sources, use language techniques, integrate and
handle a visual aid (no PowerPoint) and delivery competency.
This speech is from four to six minutes in length.
In this speech, you will deliver a controversial "factual" topic. This
speech requires you to research a controversial topic and the
corresponding facts to make an argument for how your interpretation of
the information is true. Due to the nature of this speech, the focus on
persuasion is a key factor and therefore, should set the speech up
differently than the previous informative speech. You will be graded on
how well you organize and develop your main points, use and create an
introduction and a conclusion, utilize a thesis, incorporate research,
evidence, and sources, use language techniques, reason and argue your
position, appeal to the audience, and delivery competency.
This speech is from five to seven minutes in length.
Your last speech requires you to describe a problem and propose a
solution for that problem. You are asking your audience to support or
act upon a particular policy. Therefore, your topic must relate
specifically and clearly to your classroom audience. You will be graded
on how well you organize and develop your main points, use and create
an introduction and a conclusion, utilize a thesis, incorporate research,
evidence, and sources, use language techniques, reason and argue your
position, appeal to the audience, present a logical and reasonable
solution to your problem, and delivery competency.
This speech is from six to eight minutes in length.
2
Sherry O’Neal
Self-Evaluations
(last three speeches)
5
percent
Following your last three speeches, you are required to turn in a SelfReflection Paper reflecting on the accomplishments and goals of your
performance. This essay is due the class period after your scheduled
speech.
Midterm Exam
10
percent
The midterm will focus on material that is addressed prior to the date of
the midterm and could include information from the textbook, lectures
and any class information.
Final Examination
15
percent
The final exam will be comprehensive and will cover all material
presented in the class and textbook throughout the semester. Please
note that all material from the textbook is subject for inclusion on the
exam, whether discussed in class or not.
Homework and
Participation
10
percent
Your homework and participation grade is based on your participation
in-class discussion, attendance, activities and your homework and
workshop assignments. You are all required to participate in speech
workshops and speech day evaluation activities. You will be expected to
conduct peer reviews of speeches.
Extra Credit
You will be able to earn extra credit by attending Wolfpack Speaks
public speaking competition one evening during COMM WEEK April 8-12
(specifics will be given in January). You will need to write a quick review
of the event to receive credit.
Letter Grades
This Course uses Standard NC State University Letter Grading Scale
97 ≤
93 ≤
90 ≤
87 ≤
83 ≤
80 ≤
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
≤ 100
< 97
< 93
< 90
< 87
< 83
77 ≤
73 ≤
70 ≤
67 ≤
63 ≤
60 ≤
0≤
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
< 80
< 77
< 73
< 70
< 67
< 63
< 60
Requirements for Credit-Only (S/U) Grading
In order to receive a grade of S, students are required to take all exams and quizzes, complete all assignments, and
earn a grade of C- or better. Conversion from letter grading to credit only (S/U) grading is subject to university
deadlines. Refer to the Registration and Records calendar for deadlines related to grading. For more details refer to
http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.15.php.
Requirements for Auditors (AU)
Information about and requirements for auditing a course can be found at
http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/pols_regs/REG205.00.5.php.
Policies on Incomplete Grades
If an extended deadline is not authorized by the instructor or department, an unfinished incomplete grade will
automatically change to an F after either (a) the end of the next regular semester in which the student is enrolled
SPRING 2013 COM 110 019
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Sherry O’Neal
(not including summer sessions), or (b) the end of 12 months if the student is not enrolled, whichever is shorter.
Incompletes that change to F will count as an attempted course on transcripts. The burden of fulfilling an
incomplete grade is the responsibility of the student. The university policy on incomplete grades is located at
http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/grades_undergrad/REG02.50.3.php.
Late Assignments/Makeup Work
Assignments will not be accepted late unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.
If speeches need to be made up for excused absences, there must be an audience present for review.
Attendance Policy
Due to the performance nature of COM 110 it is imperative that students attend class in order to observe and
participate. Therefore, any absences beyond two weeks (excused or unexcused) will result in the failure of the
student in the course. (For courses meeting three times a week you have six absences on the seventh absence you
fail. For courses meeting twice a week you have four absences and on the fifth you fail.) If you find yourself in a
situation in which absences must occur, please see your instructor ASAP before the absences become a problem.
Academic Integrity
Students are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student
Conduct found at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php. Practically
speaking, Academic Integrity refers to the honesty and truthfulness within the completion of one’s academic work.
This concept is built upon the trust that exists between the student and the teacher. Section 7 of our Code of
Student Conduct states:
“The free exchange of ideas depends on the participants' trust that they will be given credit for their
work.” This section continues, “The free exchange of ideas also depends on the participants’ trust that
others' work is their own and that it was done and is being reported honestly” see
http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-11-35-1).
Academic Honesty
See http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php for a detailed explanation
of academic honesty.
Honor Pledge
Your signature on any test or assignment indicates, “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test
or assignment.”
Electronically Hosted Course Components
Moodle will be used to track absences, grades and reminders about classes. Please refer to Moodle throughout the
semester. A link to your recorded speeches will be included in Moodle.
Laptop Computers and Other Electronic Devices.
You will only be allowed to have a laptop computer or a related electronic device during class if it is not
distracting to other students and if you are using it for our class. If you are discovered to be using your
computer or related device to play games, prepare work for another class or activity, listen to music, and
the like, during class time, you will not be allowed to use your computer or related device for the entire
semester. No course recording may occur without prior permission from the instructor
(http://policies.ncsu.edu/regulation/reg-02-20-11).
Accommodations for Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of
available accommodations, student must register with the Disability Services Office (http://www.ncsu.edu/dso)
located at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 919-515-7653. For more information on NC State's
policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with
Disabilities Regulation at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php.
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Sherry O’Neal
Non-Discrimination Policy
NC State University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees.
Accordingly, NC State affirms its commitment to maintain a work environment for all employees and an academic
environment for all students that is free from all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on race, color,
religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation is a violation of state and
federal law and/or NC State University policy and will not be tolerated. Harassment of any person (either in the
form of quid pro quo or creation of a hostile environment) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin,
age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation also is a violation of state and federal law and/or NC State
University policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation against any person who complains about discrimination is
also prohibited. NC State's policies and regulations covering discrimination, harassment, and retaliation may be
accessed at http://policies.ncsu.edu/policy/pol-04-25-5 or http://www.ncsu.edu/equal_op. Any person who feels
that he or she has been the subject of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation should contact the Office
for Equal Opportunity (OEO) at 919-515-3148.
Course Schedule*
Please be sure to complete your reading and other assignments before coming to class. All assignments due should
be typed and printed – not emailed to the teacher!
Date
Discussion Topics
Homework –
Read before class
January 7
Intro to Public Speaking, effective communication,
Chapter 1
impromptu speeches
January 9
Pearson Books Representative will come to class
Chapter 2
Preparation for Introductory Speeches, Interviews and
e-HB 8, 10-11, 21-25
Organization
January 11
Syllabus test; work with partners on intro speeches
e-HB workshop p. 26
January 14
Audience Analysis and Topic Selection;
Chapter 3, 6, 9-11; Topic
Introductions, Conclusions, Outlining
selection due
January 16
Speeches of Introduction
e-HB rubric p. 25
January 18
Speeches of Introduction
e-HB rubric p. 25
January 21
HOLIDAY
ENJOY
January 23
Meet in ITTC labs 1a and 1b of D.H. Library
SOURCES ARE KEY!
Basic Introduction to Academic Library Research at NC State Chapter 7
January 25
Presentation skills/workshop
Chapter 8; e-HB workshop p.
31
January 28
Topics that work; Visual Aids
Chapters 5 & 15
January 30
One Point Speech
e-HB rubric p. 30
February 1
One Point Speech
e-HB rubric p. 30
February 4
One Point Speech
e-HB rubric p. 30
February 6
Informative Organization
Chapter 13
February 8
Workshop for the Informative Speech
Topic selection due; e-HB
pp. 31-34
February 11
Informative Speeches
e-HB rubric p. 35
February 13
Informative Speeches
e-HB rubric p. 35
February 15
Informative Speeches
e-HB rubric p. 35
February 18
Informative Speeches
e-HB rubric p. 35
February 20
Careful listening
Chapters 4 & 8;
Self-Reflections due
February 22
Fact/Value/Policy distinctions
e-HB read about
fact/value/policy pp. 13-19;
February 25
Logos; Pathos; Ethos;
Chapters 12, 14, 15;
Organizational strategies for persuasive speeches
Topic selection due
February 27
Midterm review
March 1
MIDTERM
March 4 – 8
SPRING BREAK
ENJOY
March 11
Workshop for Fact Persuasion Speech
Outlines for Fact Persuasion
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Sherry O’Neal
Speech due;
e-HB 39 and 41
March 13
March 15
March 18
March 19
March 20
March 22
March 25-27
March 28-29
April 1
April 3
April 5
In-class practice of Fact Persuasion Speeches
Fact Persuasion Speech
Fact Persuasion Speech
Fact Persuasion Speech
Fact Persuasion Speech
Fact Persuasion Speech
e-HB rubric p. 38
e-HB rubric p. 38
e-HB rubric p. 38
e-HB rubric p. 38
e-HB rubric p. 38
RESEARCH DAYS
PROJECT TBA
SPRING HOLIDAY
Policy Persuasion Organization
Discussion Groups and Class Discussions
Workshop for Policy Persuasion Speeches
ENJOY
Self-Reflections due
Topic Selection Due
Outlines for Policy
Persuasion Speech; e-HB p.
44-45
April 8
In-class practice of Policy Persuasion Speeches
April 10
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 12
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 15
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 17
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 19
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 22
Policy Persuasion Speech
April 24
Review, make-up speeches, questions?
April 26
LAST DAY OF CLASS
April 29-30
READING DAYS
May 3
Final Exam from 1-4 p.m.
* Unforeseen circumstances may necessitate changes.
e-HB rubric p. 43
e-HB rubric p. 43
e-HB rubric p. 43
e-HB rubric p. 43
e-HB rubric p. 43
e-HB rubric p. 43
Self-Reflections due
Unforeseen circumstances
This syllabus constitutes a contract between the instructor and the students. It is assumed that you understand the
nature of the course and the terms/conditions of the syllabus and agree to fulfill your responsibilities in the course.
Class Guidelines
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be in class on time and stay for the entire session.
Communicate your support for classmates by being attentive when speeches are given.
Be prepared with your speeches and assignments on the due dates.
Be prepared and willing to participate in class discussion by doing reading.
Take part in class activities and discussion.
Respect directions by following them completely.
Speech Guidelines
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Make sure you have practiced and are prepared to give your speeches on scheduled days. (If you miss
a day that you were scheduled to give a speech, you will be required to give the speech on your first
day back from class in order to receive a grade.)
Minimal use of notes is the goal. Extemporaneous speaking with notecard outlines is permissible. No
reading from notes allowed.
All speeches are timed. Failure to stay within the appointed time limit will result in a lower grade.
Students will sign up for times to give speeches in advance. Procrastination is not considered an
emergency. (If your printer is out of ink, you left your notecards in your room/apartment/car, or
you forgot; that is not an emergency.)
If you do not show up for your assigned speech date, you will receive a zero if you do not provide a
valid excuse PRIOR to missing class.
This semester, all speeches will be recorded and posted for your review. You must review your
recorded speech to incorporate your observations into your self-reflections.
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