Fall 2014: per. 6
Mr. Stoner: bstoner@d155.org
Available periods: 2, 5, 7 (C7), 9
Basic Course Overview

Please grab a notebook!

While I take attendance, think about and write
your answer to the following question:
 Why are you here?
 For all of these, your honesty is greatly encouraged.
So, Why are you here?
(Poll Everywhere)
This is why we’re here…
Continue writing your responses…
 Under what circumstances have
you given speeches?
Continue writing your responses…
 How do you feel when it comes
time to give a speech?
Pair across the aisle to answer these…
 Why do we get nervous/anxious
when we speak publicly?
Pair across the aisle to answer these…
 What conditions
are needed to
lessen our anxiety?
Pair across the aisle to answer these…
 When in your life do you
imagine needing public
speaking skills?
Write your responses to this last one…
 What are your goals for yourself by
the end of this course?
 What do you want to gain or
accomplish?

I will adhere to the standard district grading
scale (A- 90%, B- 80%, C- 70%, etc.)

Grades will be determined by total points
earned.

Points will be assigned according to importance; the
more important the assignment/assessment, the more
points it’ll be worth.

Homework, projects, papers, etc., are expected
to be turned in on the day they are due.

“Zero Policy” for Speeches:
 Speeches will be due on a specific day and slot.
 Speeches will be given on the day you are assigned
or a zero will be earned.
 Exception: parent excusal for illness/emergency
LASSO
Students have the right to…
Learn
Students have the right to…
 Learn
ASK
Students have the right to…
 Learn
 Ask
SHARE
Students have the right to…
 Learn
 Ask
 Share
STINK
Students have the right to…
 Learn
 Ask
 Share
 Stink
OWN
Students have the right to…
 Learn
 Ask
 Share
 Stink
 Own
Though these are my expectations, you do not HAVE to exercise these rights…
but you do NOT have the right to prevent others from exercising theirs!
Students have the right to…
 Learn
 Ask
 Share
 Stink
 Own
…Hence, the LASSO
 No Food, drinks are OK
 There are students with life-
threatening allergies who use this
classroom.

As a result of this course, you will:
 Become a more competent communicator in a
variety of contexts
 Become a more effective sender and receiver of
information through research, analysis, synthesis,
and presentation
 Effectively understand, craft, and utilize language
 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the
communication skills of yourself and others

Five major units, each with a different focus:





Relationships (building our community)
Inspiration (oral interpretation)
Engagement (discussion & interview)
Inquiry (persuasion & debate)
Legacy (special occasion speaking)
The course will culminate in a combination
written/spoken final exam.