SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Syllabus
“Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so is he.” – Publilius Syrus
Instructor Information
Couse Description
Instructor: Amanda Jo Chesshir, M.S.
Office: Department of Communication Office
HPR 272; Conference Room
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00-12:00
or by appointment
Email:achesshir@uttyler.edu
Office Phone: (903) 566-7253 – This is the
number to the Communication Department.
Leave a message for me specifically (tell the
Administrative Asst. my name, your name, your
message, & your contact number).
Theory and Practice in oral communication.
Practice in and discussion of the factors
influencing message creation and construction,
the role of research and evidence in public
discourse, adaptation to the communication
situation and audience, ethical issues in public
communication, argumentation and persuasion,
delivery, and emphasis upon creation
assignments which help students who experience
excessive communication apprehension.
Required text: Lucas, S. (2012). The Art of Public Speaking (11th Ed.). New York: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 978-0-07-340673-2
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Understand, analyze, and practice effective and ethical oral communication in forms and styles appropriate for various situations,
purposes and audiences they serve.
2. Display personal responsibility through teamwork participation.
3. Strengthen critical thinking skills through developing and presenting strong public presentations.
Course Policies
 Attendance: Attendance is expected. Due to the nature of this course, regular attendance is critical. Students are allowed up
to three unexcused absences without penalization to the final grade in the course. Students who miss class must be
responsible for getting and handouts or information from the class they missed. A fourth absence WILL result in a 10
point deduction from the student’s final point accumulation for the semester. Students will receive an “F” in the course if
they miss class five times. Be familiar with the university’s drop policy.
 College Related Absences: Students who miss class due to a college-related function (athletics, choir, student government,
etc..) are considered excused from class, and that absence will not count toward the 10 point deduction rule. However,
students must advise their instructor BEFORE the activity. If students are going to miss an assignment due to a collegerelated function, they must deliver the assignment in a class period BEFORE they leave. Students are responsible for
keeping up with their assignment due dates.
 No late work will be accepted. Whether you are present or absent, work must be turned in on time or the student will receive a
zero for the assignment. Special circumstances will be taken under consideration. Students who miss class due to a schoolrelated absence will need to arrange to turn in their assignments EARLY.
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SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
 Arrive on time to class. Arriving late is distracting and disruptive and will be considered a tardy. Two tardies will be considered
an absence. A tardy student must offer the class an apology before taking their seat.
 Cell phones usage will be required in class for specific course activities and assignments. Students texting in class will be
called out in class and will lose participation points. Laptops, electronic tablets, and other electronic devices may be used in
class if used appropriately and not for personal use. Students using technology during classmates’ presentations will lose
points off their own assignment.
 Students are required to dress appropriately in a manner conducive to higher education. Appropriate dress is defined by the
instructor. On days which students give major speeches, the student must dress professionally.
 Students will use their UT Tyler email account to contact the professor about the class.
 No Late Work Will Be Accepted.
 Students will be assigned a speech day. If they do not show up to give their speech on the assigned day, they will not be able to
give the speech later and will receive a Zero for the speech assignment.
 Time limits will be enforced for each oral assignment.
 All written homework turned in to the instructor MUST BE TYPED, DOUBLE-SPACED, AND IN 12 POINT FONT. No
handwritten work will be accepted. All work needs to be edited to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Multiple pages must be stapled together before turning in the assignment. I will not have a stapler you can use. All
assignments are due at the beginning of class.
 Disruptive students will be asked to leave the class. I reserve the right to drop a student from the course for disruptive behavior.
Use of inappropriate language (profanity, obscenities, obscene gestures, sexual inferences, etc..) is unacceptable and will not
be tolerated. Making fun of classmates or treating people in the class in a demeaning way will not be tolerated. Such
behavior will result in the student being removed from the classroom and will result in disciplinary action by the university.
 Students must complete all speech assignments and exams in order to pass the course. This does not mean that merely
completing assignments guarantees the student will pass the course.
ETHICS and PLAGIARISM:
The statements below have been adopted from Professor Mary Anna Kidd in an effort to maintain consistent standards in the
Department of Communication in the area of ethics and plagiarism.
 In this course it is unethical to use as your own, a speech or speech outline prepared, in whole or part, by someone other than
yourself. It is unethical to abstract a speech primarily or completely from a magazine article -- or any other source -- and pass
it off as your own work. Sources used should be credited in the outline and in the speech. The best speeches do not rely
heavily upon a single source, but instead represent ideas formulated from several sources.
 PLAGIARISM, the intentional or unintentional misrepresentation of another's ideas or language as your own, is intellectual
theft. Plagiarism at the University of Texas at Tyler is subject to severe penalties, including automatic course failure,
academic suspension, and expulsion from the University. I will deal with suspected cases of plagiarism swiftly and without
prejudice. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s better to “over-cite” than to plagiarize. The discovery and
prosecution of plagiarism does not recognize "accidental" or "inadvertent" explanations as a legitimate defense against
intellectual theft. The rule to follow: AVOID THE VERY APPEARANCE OF PLAGIARISM!

CHEATING (tests) Any student or group of students providing evidence of any kind which even remotely suggests an
individual or shared intent to solicit answers from, between, or among one or more students will result in the immediate
removal from class of all relevant and/or potentially relevant parties. Pending further investigation, said parties are subject to
the forfeiture of all points which otherwise may have been accumulated for that test. In addition, all participation points,
potentially or actually accumulated, will be considered null and void. The rule to follow: AVOID THE VERY
APPEARANCE OF CHEATING!
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SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Assignments and Grading
Assignments
One Minute Speeches
World Event Informative Speech/Outline
Informative Panel Speech
Informative Panel Speech Teamwork
Persuasive Speech1/Outline
Persuasive Speech2/Outline
Quizzes
Participation
Test 1
Test 2
Final Exam
Total Points
Points Value
20
80
100
50
100
150
50
50
100
100
200
1000
Points Range
Letter Grade
900-1000 pts.
A = 90-100%
800-899 pts.
B = 80-89.99%
700-799 pts.
C = 70-79.99%
600-699 pts.
D = 60-69.99%
0-599 pts.
F = below 60%
Assignment Descriptions
At the point you receive this syllabus consider all the assignments assigned. Do not rely on me to remind you of due dates. Do not
rely on me to describe the assignment requirements to you in detail. This section of the syllabus will contain all the information you
need to know about assignments and when they are due. Learn to search the syllabus when you have questions. If you still have
questions, please feel free to ask me.
1. One Minute Speeches: Students will complete two One Minute Speeches worth ten (10) points each. Speeches must include
a brief introduction, main point(s), and closing. Judicious choosing of words is key in these assignments. These speeches
will be prepared by the students; they are not impromptu. Students may use one notecard to help them stay on track, but
must not have full sentences on the card. Students will use their phone to time themselves. To get the full amount of points
student must reach the one minute mark (within 10 seconds), refrain from just reading their notecard (but they can refer to it
when needed), and fully address the assignment requirement. The following are the types of One Minute Speeches students
will complete:
a. Speech of Introduction: Students will introduce themselves to the class. You may tell about your family, life goals,
academic goals, hobbies, etc.. Due Date: Aug. 28
b. Travel Dream: Students will give a One Minute Speech on a place to which they want to travel in the future.
Specifically tell of two activities that you would like to do on that trip. Names of specific
locations/museums/beaches/historical places/etc… are required. Due Date: Oct. 9
2. World Event Informative Speech/Outline: Students will create a 3-5 minute speech over a current event happening outside
the United States. “Current Event” refers to events that have occurred within the past few months. The event you choose to
inform us about must be a legitimate news story. Please avoid pop culture news and stories of the royal baby. Research your
world event. In your research use one source from the United States and one source from another country. This means you
will have a total of two (2) sources. These sources must be cited in the outline (in the bibliography) and verbally cited in the
speech. The purpose of this assignment is to give you a broader perspective of news outlets. Both sources must be from
credible news organizations. Prepare a full-sentence outline with bibliography in APA format to turn in to the instructor.
Prepare speaker notes to use during the speech. Prepare a Power Point to aid your presentation. Follow the instructions
given in class for the design of each of these three elements. Due Date: Oct. 14
3. Informative Panel Speech: You will be assigned to a small group of four. As a group, you will decide upon a general speech
topic theme for the group as well as specific topics relating to the general topic for each group member. You will work
together to maintain group theme and presentation style and flow of information. Each student will develop and deliver his or
her own speech as a panel with his or her group. The assignment requirements include:
 A preparation and a speaking outline with defined introduction and conclusion, including an overall group introduction,
transition statements to the next speaker, and overall group conclusion.
 Each group member writes and delivers his or her own speech as a part of the overarching panel theme.
 A visual aid or set of visual aids which help clarify the speech content.
 A bibliography in APA format (if using any outside sources).
 Notecards (if applicable)
Each speech can earn a total of 100 points. However, the four speech grades within a panel will be averaged and each group
member will receive the same grade. Furthermore, upon completion of this assignment, each group member will have the
opportunity to peer-assess his or her team panel members. These peer assessments are averaged and serve as the instructor’s
mode of teamwork evaluation. Students will be graded on:
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SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Content
Outline
Delivery
Visual aid
30 points
20 points
30 points
20 points
100 points
The time limit for this speech is 3 to 5 minutes. Each student will be given 10 seconds of grace if they go below the time limit
and 30 seconds above the time limit. After that points will be deducted for each second below or above the limit. Due Date:
Dec. 2
4. Informative Panel Speech Teamwork: Students will evaluate their team members in attendance, initiation, workload,
relational, and overall performance in the group presentation. Evaluation Forms will be given to students to complete this
assignment. Due Date: Dec. 6
5. Persuasive Speech1 (Debate): Information about the specifics of this assignment will be shared with the students early in the
semester.
Due Date: Oct. 28
6. Persuasive Speech 2: Students may choose any issue on which to speak. After picking a topic, the student must pick a side
of that topic to defend/promote. Students will gather research about their position and the topic in general from at least three
(3) credible sources. These sources must be cited in the outline and verbally in the speech. Prepare a full-sentence outline
with bibliography in APA format to turn in to the instructor. Prepare speaker notes to use during the speech. Prepare a
Power Point to aid your presentation. Follow the instructions given in class for the design of each of these three elements.
Due Date: Nov. 11
7. Quizzes : Students will be quizzed over course material periodically. The instructor reserves the right to count some quizzes
as participation grades and some as quiz grades. If the student pays close attention in class, and completes the reading
assignments, quizzes will be a way to improve your grade in the class. Information on the quizzes may or may not show up
on later tests. Due Date: Intermittent throughout the semester
8. Participation: Students will be graded on participation while in class. At the end of the semester, if a student’s grade is close
to the next level (i.e. a “C” on the verge of becoming a “B”) participation will be the determining factor. Students who show
poor participation in class should not become disgruntled if they make a 79% in the course and are not “bumped up” an 80.
Positive, active participation includes good attendance, meaningful and consistent participation in class discussions, polite
regard shown for classmates and instructor, paying attention to classmates’ during speeches, and following the course
policies.
9. Test 1: Students will be tested over chapters 1-8. The test will consist of multiple-choice, true-false, and short answer
questions. Students will NOT need a SCANTRON. Test Date: Sept. 20
10. Test 2: Students will be tested over chapters 9-17. The test will consist of multiple-choice, true-false, and short answer/essay
questions. Students will NOT need a SCANTRON. Test Date: Nov. 4
11. Final Exam: Students will take a comprehensive final exam covering the entire semester. The test will consist of multiplechoice, true-false, and short answer/essay questions. Students will NOT need a SCANTRON. Test Date: To Be
Announced.
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SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Students Rights and Responsibilities
To know and understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a student at UT Tyler, please follow this link:
http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/rightsresponsibilities.php
Grade Replacement/Forgiveness and Census Date Policies
Students repeating a course for grade forgiveness (grade replacement) must file a Grade Replacement Contract with the Enrollment
Services Center (ADM 230) on or before the Census Date of the semester in which the course will be repeated. Grade Replacement
Contracts are available in the Enrollment Services Center or at http://www.uttyler.edu/registrar. Each semester’s Census Date can be
found on the Contract itself, on the Academic Calendar, or in the information pamphlets published each semester by the Office of the
Registrar.
Failure to file a Grade Replacement Contract will result in both the original and repeated grade being used to calculate your overall
grade point average. Undergraduates are eligible to exercise grade replacement for only three course repeats during their career at
UT Tyler; graduates are eligible for two grade replacements. Full policy details are printed on each Grade Replacement Contract.
The Census Date is the deadline for many forms and enrollment actions that students need to be aware of. These include:
to withhold directory
information, approvals for taking courses as Audit, Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit.
Date)
anges, adding a new class, dropping without a “W” grade)
-enrolled in classes after being dropped for non-payment
State-Mandated Course Drop Policy
Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or thereafter from dropping more than six courses
during their entire undergraduate career. This includes courses dropped at another 2-year or 4-year Texas public college or university.
For purposes of this rule, a dropped course is any course that is dropped after the census date (See Academic Calendar for the specific
date).
Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions must be submitted to the Enrollment Services
Center and must be accompanied by documentation of the extenuating circumstance. Please contact the Enrollment Services Center
if you have any questions.
Disability Services
In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodation must provide documentation of his/her disability to the
Disability Services counselor. If you have a disability, including a learning disability, for which you request an accommodation,
please contact the Disability Services office in UC 3150, or call (903) 566-7079.
Student Absence due to Religious Observance
Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to inform the instructor of such
absences by the second class meeting of the semester.
Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities
If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event sponsor) must notify the instructor at least two
weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be
completed.
Social Security and FERPA Statement:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of social security numbers. The University has
changed its computer programming so that all students have an identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g.,
via e-mail) risks violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not be transmitted electronically.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation:
Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your instructor’s directions regarding the appropriate exit.
If you require assistance during an evacuation, inform your instructor in the first week of class. Do not reenter the building unless
given permission by University Police, Fire department, or Fire Prevention Services.
*This syllabus is subject to change per the instructor’s discretion.
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SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Course Schedule
Date
26-Aug
28-Aug
M
W
Assignments Due
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
Daily Activities
Course Introduction
One Minute Speech of Introduction, Speaking
in Public
Continue Chapter 1 Discussion
Labor Day - No Class
Ethics and Public Speaking
Listening
Giving Your First Speech
Selecting a Topic and Purpose
Analyzing the Audience
Gathering Materials
Supporting Your Ideas
Test 1
Organizing the Body of the Speech
Beginning and Ending the Speech
Outlining the Speech
Using Language
30-Aug
2-Sep
4-Sep
6-Sep
9-Sep
11-Sep
13-Sep
16-Sep
18-Sep
20-Sep
23-Sep
25-Sep
27-Sep
30-Sep
2-Oct
W
Delivery
Read Ch. 13
4-Oct
F
Using Visual Aids
Read Ch. 14
7-Oct
9-Oct
11-Oct
14-Oct
M
W
F
M
Speaking To Inform
One Minute Speech - Travel
Review of Public Speaking
World Event Informative Speeches
Read Ch. 15
One Minute Speech - Travel
Outlines for World Event Speech Due
World Event Informative Speeches
16-Oct
W
World Event Informative Speeches
World Event Informative Speeches
18-Oct
F
World Event Informative Speeches
World Event Informative Speeches
21-Oct
23-Oct
25-Oct
28-Oct
30-Oct
1-Nov
4-Nov
6-Nov
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
Read Chapter 16
Read Chapter 17
Outlines for Persuasive Speech 1 Due
Persuasive Speech 1
Persuasive Speech 1
Persuasive Speech 1
Test 2
8-Nov
F
11-Nov
13-Nov
15-Nov
18-Nov
20-Nov
22-Nov
25-Nov
27-Nov
M
W
F
M
W
F
M
W
Speaking to Persuade
Methods of Persuasion
Methods of Persuasion
Persuasive Speech 1
Persuasive Speech 1
Persuasive Speech 1
Test 2
Review of Persuasion / Planning for Persuasive
Speech 2
Review of Persuasion / Planning for Persuasive
Speech 2
Persuasive Speeches
Persuasive Speeches
Persuasive Speeches
Speaking in Small Groups
Speaking in Small Groups
Group Work for Panel Speeches
Group Work for Panel Speeches
Group Work for Panel Speeches
6
One Minute Speech of Introduction, Read Chapter 1
Read Chapter 2
Read Chapter 3
Read Ch. 4
Read Ch. 5
Read Ch. 6
Read Ch. 7
Read Ch. 8
Test 1
Read Ch. 9
Read Ch. 10
Read Ch. 11
Read Ch. 12
Outlines for Persuasive Speech 2 Due
Persuasive Speech 2
Persuasive Speech 2
Persuasive Speech 2
Read Chapter 19
Outlines for Panel Speeches Due
SPCM 1315.003
MWF 10:0-10:50
29-Nov
2-Dec
4-Dec
6-Dec
9-Dec
TBD
F
M
W
F
M
Fall 2013
Location: HPR 253
Thanksgiving Break - No Classes
Informative Panel Speeches
Informative Panel Speeches
Informative Panel Speeches
Study Day - No Class
Final Exam
*This schedule is subject to change.
Informative Panel Speeches
Informative Panel Speeches
Informative Panel Speeches
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