HILL COLLEGE
2112 Mayfield Drive
Cleburne, TX 76033
Course Prefix & Number
SPCH 1315
Course Title:
Public Speaking, An Audience Centered Approach
Instructor: Brad Stevens
Date: Spring 2013
Contact Information:
Mobile: 817-657-4760
E-mail: bstevens@hillcollege.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a practical course in public speaking, employing oral assignments demonstrating the ability to
choose a topic, organize a speech, and deliver it with maximum control over stage fright. An extensive
study of voice and the use of language is also a part of this course. Students will be required to prepare
and deliver a minimum of four speeches, followed by critiques. There may be more than four speeches
given in total, but a minimum of four will be assigned final grades.
Lecture Hours 3 Lab 0 Semester Credit 3
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE:
This course is designed for improving oral communication in all areas whether formal or informal, to
large or small audiences. It is designed to benefit all students with the desire to improve communication
skills. The course will follow these general areas: Foundations of Public Speaking, Preparation for
Public Speaking, Developing Presentation Skills, and Types of Public Speaking.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook: Public Speaking, An Audience Centered Approach: Beebe & Beebe, Allyn &
Bacon.
You will not need scantrons.
OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, each student should be able to accomplish the following:
Understand the importance of clear communication.
Select, research, and prepare a message with a clear focus.
Deliver a speech using clear language and appropriate gestures and visual aids.
Overcome, or control stage fright and utilize nervous energy as a key part of the presentation.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
This class is divided into four main units consisting of several chapters each. Lecture, anecdotes, and
personal experiences will be utilized to get across the content of the chapter. Class discussion will be
important to the overall grasping of various concepts and will be required as a portion of each student’s
grade. The lecture and classroom discussions will progress naturally into student presentations. There
will be four major speeches designed to inform or persuade. One of the four will be impromptu.
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Scores earned on the four speeches will be averaged together. This total will be added to the daily
assignment (participation) and the final exam and those scores averaged for the final grade.
Major Speeches 33%
Daily Assignments 33%
Final Exam 33%
Grading Scale:
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
59 and below
Course Requirements
Students are expected to complete assignments on time according to the course instructions. Failure to
do so may result in a zero for that assignment.
All assignments must be completed in order for the student to receive credit for the course. Mastery of
the material with an average of 60% accuracy must be earned to pass.
Course Topics:
1. Purpose
2. Preparation
3. Presentation
4. Process
Topic Outline:
1. Speaking with Confidence
2. Speaking Freely and Ethically
3. Listening to Speeches
4. Analyze Your Audience
5. Developing Your Speech
6. Gathering and Using Supporting Materials
7. Organizing Your Speech
8. Introducing and Concluding Your Speech
9. Outlining and Revising Your Speech
10. Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style
11. Delivering Your Speech
12. Using Presentation Aids
13. Speaking to Inform
14. Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
15. Using Persuasive Strategies
16. Speaking for Special Occasions and Purposes
Disabilities/ADA
In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the regulations
published by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a), Hill College’s designated
ADA coordinator, Melanie Betz, Director of Academic Advising & Student Success, shall be
responsible for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under
ADA. Students with disabilities requiring physical, classroom, or testing accommodations should
contact the Director of Academic Advising & Student Success, Melanie Betz, at (254) 659-7651.
GENERAL RULES/REQUIREMENTS:
Class discussions are an important part of the course. Students will be encouraged/expected to
participate; however, no distractions or disturbances will be tolerated. Any student failing to cooperate
may be dismissed from class with an unexcused absence. Continued interruptions will warrant additional
disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the course.
Students are expected to complete assignments individually unless otherwise instructed. Any student
found guilty of cheating (copying or plagiarizing) will be given a zero for that assignment.
Students will decide the order in which they present their speeches. Any student called upon that is not
ready must make up the assignment the next week. There will be at least a one-week notice for speaking
assignments. There is no reason for being unprepared. Every effort should be made to be in attendance
for speeches and tests. Special situations must be cleared in advance with the instructor. Missed
assignments are the responsibility of the student to make up. All work not completed will be assigned a
grade of zero. There is no dress code for this class. Students are expected to utilize common sense in
their mode of attire.
It is my hope that you will come to class prepared to learn. That part is up to you. It is my job to come to
class prepared to teach. I look forward to sharing this journey together. It is not my job to fail you; it is
my job to prepare you for public speaking.
Brad Stevens