COMM 1300 - PUBLIC SPEAKING
FALL 2015 TUES/THURS
Ace Eckstein
Email: ace.eckstein@colorado.edu
Office: Hellems 65
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3
Required Items


Speak Up! An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking by Fraleigh & Tuman- 3rd Edition (2014)
Additional resources will be made available on D2L
Course Description
How is writing a speech different than writing a paper? Why does public speaking seem to come naturally to
some, but not to others – or does it? Why are you so nervous? How do gendered norms impact your
credibility as a speaker?
Undoubtedly, the ability to speak eloquently in a variety of setting is a vital component of contemporary
leadership. This course is designed to introduce you to the skills needed to communicate effectively in a
variety of public settings – from interview situations and boardroom meetings to public forums, networking,
and social contexts. We will focus on the practical application of rhetorical concepts, while maintaining an
emphasis on finding confidence in one’s voice and using that voice to become engaged citizens.
Objectives:
Become a confident, articulate and ethical speaker.
Gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of public speaking.
Learn to analyze and adapt speech content and delivery for different audiences and contexts.
Become efficient researchers, able organize ideas to create a clear, concise and engaging presentations.
Polish public speaking skills in formal assignments and class activities.
Become familiar with introductory concepts in rhetoric.
Begin to think rhetorically.
ASSIGNMENT and FORMATTING GUIDELINES
Assignments are always due by the start of class to D2L unless stated otherwise on course calendar.
Late work will not be accepted.
Simply include your name and a creative title on the top of your assignment.
EMAIL POLICY
Email is a great way to ask quick questions, but it should not replace conversations that are better suited for office
hours. If you have a personal situation that is impacting your performance or attendance, would like to discuss grades,
or have questions about class material – these necessitate a face-to-face conversation.
 I will reply to your email within 24 hours Monday-Friday.
 In turn, I expect you will check your Colorado.edu email account daily.
 Do not expect that I will answer questions the night before assignments are due.
Assignments and Grading
Assignments
Point Value
Diagnostic Speech
Approximate Length
25
2-3 minutes
Teach Speech
100
4-6 minutes
Advocacy Speech
 Mediated/Visual Component
100
50
5-7 minutes
Significant Speech
100
6-7 minutes
Ceremonial Speech
100
4-5 minutes
Speech Concepts Exam
100
Final Exam
150
Class Activity Points
Topic Proposals
Outline Workshops
Peer Evaluations
Self Reflections
Miscellaneous
175
4@10=40
2@15=30
4@5=20
4@5=20
65 (debate essay (25), outside speaker(25), impromptu and class activities(15))
Final Self-Evaluation Video
50
Classroom Citizenship/Participation
50
1000 total points
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE SEMESTER
Approximate Letter Grade Distribution for Assignments
A
90-100
Outstanding. A model for other students.
B
80-89
Strong execution. Completed assignment with style and thoughtfulness.
C
70-79
Completed the assignment to minimum standards
D
60-69
Inadequate, sloppy or incomplete
F
59-0
Failed to complete the assignment
Course Policies
Attendance
Class attendance, especially on days that student speeches are given, is important and expected. There is no
penalty for missing two class days during the course of the semester. For every class you miss after two,
you will be penalized 10 points from your final point total for the class. The only exception to this policy
is for a documented religious, legal, University, or physician’s excuse. Please note: you do not get 2 “extra”
absences if you have documentation.
You will commit to a speaking schedule for the semester. You are responsible for adhering to this schedule. If
you fail to speak on your scheduled date, you will NOT be able to make-up your speech in class and
will earn a ZERO for that assignment. There are NO exceptions to this policy.
Classroom Citizenship
In this class we will have discussions, some lectures, and class presentations. Learning involves more than
simply the dissemination of factual information, and this is especially true when we are working on building
our communication skills. If we are to engage this material completely, we will need to build a classroom
space that is grounded in mutual respect. This entails that we all come to class ready to engage with each
other.
Note about Technology: Aristotle did not have a laptop. Also, I’ve consistently found technology use in the
classroom to cause “second-hand distractions.” There is no reason to use a laptop, tablet, phone or other
device during class lecture and discussion. Unless you have technology accommodations or are working on
your group project, laptops are not to be used during class. Phones should be turned off before class begins.
Disruptive behaviors, such as talking while others are speaking, reading the newspaper, napping,
working on your laptop, wearing headphones, or reading materials from another class negatively
impact the learning environment and will negatively impact your citizenship grade
University Policies
Honor Code - All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and
adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating,
plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior.
All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council
(honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity
policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions
Additional information on the Honor Code can be found at
http://www.Colorado.edu/policies/honor.html.
Disability Statement - If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit a letter from
Disability Services by the second week of classes so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services
determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
Decorum Statement - Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning
environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline.
Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing
with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender,
gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the
instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate
name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make
appropriate changes to my records.
Religious Observance - Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every
effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with
scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. If you have a potential class conflict because of
religious observance, you must inform me by the 2nd week of class. See policy details at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Discrimination and Harassment - The University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) is committed to
maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment. CU-Boulder will not tolerate acts of
discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes or related retaliation against or by any
employee or student. For purposes of this CU-Boulder policy, "Protected Classes" refers to race, color,
national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. Individuals who believe they have been
discriminated against should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or
the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced
policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment
can be obtained at http://hr.colorado.edu/dh/
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject
to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected
categories. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find appropriate resources
here.
Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance http://www.colorado.edu/institutionalequity/
Office of Victim Assistance http://cuvictimassistance.com/
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) http://www.colorado.edu/counseling/home
Dates
T 8/25
Topic(s)
Introduction to Class and Each Other
Overview of Assignments
Readings
Assignments
R 8/27
Chapters 1 & 2
T 9/1
Introduction to Public Speaking
Assign Diagnostic Speech
DIAGNOSTIC SPEECHES
R 9/3
T 9/8
Choosing a Topic and Informative Speaking
Organization and Outlining
Chapters 3, 6 & 16
Chapters 9, 10 & 11
R 9/10
T 9/15
Delivery 101 – Finding Your Voice
Outline Workshop
Chapters 13 & 14
Review 11
R 9/17
TEACH SPEECHES
T 9/22
TEACH SPEECHES
R 9/24
T 9/29
TEACH SPEECHES
Review for Exam - Assign Advocacy Speech
R 10/1
T 10/6
SPEECH CONCEPTS EXAM
Understanding Persuasion and Advocacy
Chapters 5, 7 & 17
R 10/8
T 10/13
Supporting Materials and Persuasive Strategy
Visual Rhetoric; Outline Workshop
Chapters 8 & 18
Chapter 15
R 10/15
T 10/20
ADVOCACY SPEECHES
ADVOCACY SPEECHES
R 10/22
T 10/27
ADVOCACY SPEECHES
In class work day; Assign Significant Speech
R 10/29
T 11/3
POSTER REVEAL
Manuscript Delivery
R 11/15
30-second excerpts
T 11/10
SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES
R 11/12
T 11/17
SIGNFICANT SPEECHES
SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES
SS Reflections Due
R 11/19
T 11/24
NO CLASS – ACE AT NCA
CS TOPIC by 12:30pm
Bring your Calendar
TS Topics Due
TS Outline Due 3
Hardcopies
TS Reflections Due
AS Topics Due
2 Copies Outline Due
Hardcopy in Class
AS Reflections Due
Watch RNC Debate
Review 13, Manuscript Delivery
Debate Essay + SS
Topics Due
Prepare 30 seconds
FALL BREAK – NO CLASS 
R 11/26
T 12/1
Metaphor and Stylistic Devices
Review Chapter 12
OUTSIDE SPEAKER
DUE
R 12/3
Draft Workshop; Delivery Practice
Bring Recipe
T 12/8
CEREMONIAL SPEECHES
CS Drafts Due
Hardcopy
CS Reflections Due
R 12/10
Self-Evaluation Videos Due – Review for Final
**FINAL EXAM SUNDAY DECEMBER 13, 7:30-10PM**
VIDEOS DUE