COMM 1300 - PUBLIC SPEAKING
FALL 2012
MONDAY LECTURE 1:00-1:50 (CHEM 140)
RECITATION: SECTION 115 – W/F 2 – 2:50 PM (DUAN G1B35)
SECTION 122 – W/F 11-11:50AM (ECON 13)
PROFESSOR JAMIE SKERSKI
Email: Jamie.Skerski@Colorado.edu
Office: 87A Hellems
Hours: By Appointment
TEACHING ASSISTANT: Laurel Brooks (Servies)
Email: Laurel.Servies@colorado.edu
Office: Hellems 10 (west side)
Hours: W/F 12:30 – 1:30; other times by appointment
Required Items
 The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas (CU Custom 11 th Edition)
 Clicker – available at the CU Bookstore
 Additional readings will be made available on your Recitation Section D2L page
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 asnbn a male or female 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 speeches and social contexts. We will focus on the practical application of rhetorical concepts, while maintaining an emphasis on self-empowerment and civic engagement.
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.
Learn to research and organize ideas to create a clear, concise and engaging presentation.
Practice public speaking skills as both a speaker and an observer.
Become familiar with introductory concepts in rhetoric.
Begin to think rhetorically.
COMM 1300 Attendance Policy
This is a “public” speaking class. Not only are you expected to be an active audience on speech days, but observing your peers is one of the best ways to learn what effective speaking looks and sounds like. Class participation is critical for the success of this class, and the attendance policy will be strictly enforced. There is no penalty for missing three classes during the course of the semester. For
each absence beyond three, 10 points will be deducted from your final point total. It is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet each class meeting. No signature = Absent.
You will commit to a speaking schedule for the semester. If you fail to speak on your scheduled date, you will get a grade of ZERO for that speech. There are NO exceptions to this policy.

Failure to attend the first week of recitation will result in being dropped from the class.
LECTURE & RECITATION POLICIES
LECTURE: Aristotle did not use a computer. The use of laptops, tablets or cell phones in lecture is distracting to other students and negatively impacts the learning environment.
Unless you have a documented accommodation, the use of these technologies is prohibited.
RECITATION:
1.
All class members are expected to constructively engage in class discussions and to display respect for one another.
2.
Please silence and put away your cell phones and I-pods. It is distracting and disrespectful. If your cell phone goes off during someone’s speech—you will lose 10 participation points. However, if my cell phone goes off during someone’s speech—everyone in class that day will get 5 bonus points.
3.
Come prepared! Always read before coming to class to join in on the discussions. I am not going to recite the book for you—so, always do the reading before hand. Also, be on time!
** On speech days you may not enter during someone’s speech. Please wait in the hallway until you hear applause. Intruding on another’s speech may result in points lost from your own. Giving speeches are stressful – don’t make it more so by interrupting. Please treat your classmates as you wish to be treated. **
4.
It is important to check your CU email and the Desire to Learn site on a regular basis. If you choose not to use your CU email address, I am not responsible for whether you receive class emails and assignments.
5.
Email and visiting office hours are the best way to reach me. If you email me, I will get back to you at a reasonable time. However, please know that if you email me at three in the morning the night before a speech or exam—I will be sleeping. And probably won’t be able to get back to you soon enough.
6.
Participation is a big part of this class. Good participation is speaking during every discussion, attending class regularly and being respectful to other students.
ASSIGNMENT and FORMATTING GUIDELINES
Assignments are always due at the start of class in hard copy. TYPED. Unless otherwise specified.
Late work will not be accepted. Computer/Printer/Internet malfunctions happen. (Translation:
Don’t wait until the last minute)
E-mail attachments are not acceptable unless prior arrangements have been made.
Assignments must be typed (1-inch margins, 12 pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced).
Simply include your name and a creative title on the top of your assignment.
University Policies
Disability Statement - If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit a letter from Disability Services within the first two weeks of class so that your needs may be addressed. Accommodations cannot be made retroactively. Disability Services determines

accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, or http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
Decorum Statement - Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Students who fail to adhere to behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. Additional information may be found at http://www.Colorado.edu/policieslclassbehavior.html
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, aiding 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 nonacademic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion).
Additional information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.Colorado.edu/policies/honor.html
.
If you have any questions, please see one of your COMM 1300 instructors.
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 one of your COMM 1300 instructors by the 3rd week of class. See policy details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Sexual Harassment - The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff and faculty. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats, coercion, or promises or create an environment that is hostile or offensive.
Harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite gender and between any combination of members in the campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Harassment can occur anywhere on campus, including the classroom, the workplace, or a residence hall. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Sexual Harassment (OSH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at
303-492-5550. Information about the OSH and the campus resources available to assist individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh/
Assignments and Grading
Assignments
Diagnostic Speech
Informative Speech
Persuasive Speech
Significant Speech
Ceremonial Speech
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Lecture Clicker Points
Point Value
---
100
150
125
100
100
150
50
Approximate Length
2-3 minutes
4-5 minutes
6-7 minutes
5-6 minutes
4-5 minutes

Recitation Points
--Impromptus/Improv
--Quizzes
--Homework
--Video Speech Reflections
Self-Evaluation
Classroom Citizenship/Participation
125
50
50
1000 total points
1-2 minute video
ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING THE SEMESTER
Approximate Letter Grade Distribution for Assignments
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
Exceptional effort. A model for other students in creativity and application.
Strong effort. Approached assignment with style and thoughtfulness.
Completed the minimum requirements of the assignment.
D
F
Inadequate. Style errors and/or missing required components.
59-0 Failed to complete the assignment
The final grades for this course will be calculated as follows:
A
60-69
1000 – 933 A- 932 – 900 B+ 899 – 866
B
C
865 – 833
765 – 733
D 665 – 633
URLS TO KNOW:
Learn.colorado.edu (Desire2Learn)
B- 832 – 800
C- 732 – 700
D- 632 – 600
C+ 799 – 766
D+ 699 – 666
F 599-0

WEEK 1
LEC 8/27
REC I
REC II
WEEK 2
LEC 9/3
REC I
REC II
WEEK 3
LEC 9/10
REC I
REC II
WEEK 4
LEC 9/17
REC I
REC II
WEEK 5
LEC 9/24
REC I
REC II
WEEK 6
LEC 10/1
REC I
REC II
WEEK 7
LEC 10/8
REC I
REC II
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
AUGUST 27 – 31
Welcome to Public Speaking
Recitation & COMM 1300 Policies; Ice-Breakers
Introductions – Assign Diagnostic Speech
Reading Due
Chapter 1
SEPTEMBER 3 – 7
No Class – Labor Day
Diagnostic Speeches
Selecting a Topic; Assign INF Speech
Chapter 4
Chapter 2 & 5
SEPTEMBER 10 – 14
Organizing Your Speech
Organization Practice – SPEECH SIGN UP
Audience Analysis; Outlining; Visual Aids
Chapter 9 & 10
Chapter 11 INF Topic due
Chapter 6 & 14
SEPTEMBER 17– 21
Delivery Chapter 13
Delivery Practice – Extemporaneous & Impromptu
Outline Workshop Review 11 Copy of Outline
SEPTEMBER 24 – 28
Sample Speeches
Informative Speeches (5)
Informative Speeches
OCTOBER 1-5
Midterm Review
Informative Speeches (6)
Informative Speeches (6)
Appendix A5, “Ramadan”
Watch Presidential Debate October 3rd
OCTOBER 8 – 12
MIDTERM EXAM (Bring a no. 2 pencil and CU ID card)
Speaking to Persuade – Assign ADV Speech
Organizational Strategies
Chapter 16
Chapter 17

WEEK 8
LEC 10/15
REC I
REC II
WEEK 9
LEC 10/22
REC I
REC II
WEEK 10
LEC 10/29
REC I
REC II
WEEK 11
LEC 10/31
REC I
REC II
WEEK 12
LEC
REC I
REC II
WEEK 13
WEEK 14
LEC 11/26
REC I
REC II
OCTOBER 15-19
Supporting Materials
Argumentation & Fallacies
Outline Workshop or Exercises
OCTOBER 22 – 26
Office Hours – do you know your grade?
Persuasive Speeches (6)
Persuasive Speeches (6)
Chapter 8
Chapter 17 PER Topic due
(Reasoning)
Watch Presidential Debate
OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 2
Significant Speech; Manuscript Delivery
Persuasive Speeches (6)
Persuasive Speeches (4); Catch-up
NOVEMBER 5 – 9
One-Minute Excerpt Individual Sessions (meet with me!)
Significant Speeches (6)
Significant Speeches (6)
SIG Topic Due
NOVEMBER 12 – 16
Exigence; CER Assignment
Significant Speeches (6)
Significant Speeches (4)
Terrill, “A More Perfect Union”
NOVEMBER 19- 23
NO CLASS – FALL BREAK/THANKGIVING
Enjoy your time (and think about Ceremonial speech topic)
NOVEMBER 26 – 30
Ceremonial Speaking; Language & Style
Using Stylistic Devices - Metaphor
Delivery Practice - Recipe
Chapter 12
CER Topic Due

WEEK 15
LEC 12/3
REC I
REC II
WEEK 16
LEC 12/10
REC I
REC II
DECEMBER 3 – 7
COMM IDOL – SPEECH SHOWCASE
Ceremonial Speeches (11)
Ceremonial Speeches (11)
DECEMBER 10 – 14
Review for Final Exam
Screen Self-Evaluations
Catch-up, Review and Celebrate
FINAL EXAM SATURDAY, December 15 th from 7:30 - 10:00 pm. ** Bring pencil and CU ID
** If you have three or more final exams scheduled on the same day, you are entitled to arrange an alternative exam time for the last exam or exams scheduled on that day. To qualify for rescheduling final exam times, you must provide evidence that you have three or more exams on the same day, and arrangements must be made with your instructor no later than the end of the sixth week of the semester
(Friday, October 5, 2012).