Public Speaking course is designed to help you develop and refine your oral communication and critical thinking skills.  The course will familiarize you with the basic elements of human communication, with techniques for organizing and presenting information, and with the critical skills needed to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of public discourse.

Course Objectives.  Upon successful completion of this class, the student should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of the communication process through invention, organization, drafting,revision, editing and presentation

2.  Exhibit an understanding of listening skills and audience analysis techniques in the context of public presentations.

3.  Differentiate methods used in different speaking occasions.

4.  Practice effective verbal and nonverbal delivery skills in the context of public presentations.

5.  Create outlines that illustrate effective research and writing skills.

6.  Present and participate in public presentations that reflect diversity in culture.

CRITERIA FOR GRADING SPEECHES (Adapted from the National Communication Association)

To receive a “C” (Competent) on your speeches you must meet the following standards:

1. The speech must be original.
2. The type of speech presented must be appropriate to the assignment and appropriate for the audience.
3. The speech must fit the time requirements of the assignment.
4. The speech must be presented on the day assigned.
5. Main points must be supported with facts and figures, appropriate testimony, examples, or narratives.
6. The speech must have a clear sense of purpose.
7. The speech must have a clearly identifiable and appropriate design, complete with an introduction and conclusion.
8. The speech must be presented extemporaneously.
9. The speech must satisfy any specific requirements of the assignment, such as number of references, formal outline, or use of visual aids.
10. The speaker must use language correctly.

To receive a “B” (Very Good) on your speeches you must meet the following standards:

1. Satisfy all requirements for a “C” speech.
2. Select a challenging topic and adapt it appropriately to your audience.
3. Reflect a greater depth of research.
4. Clearly identify sources of information and ideas.
5. Create and sustain attention throughout the speech.
6. Make effective use of transitions, previews, and summaries.
7. Use good oral style and present your speech with poise

To receive an “A” (Excellent) on your speeches you must meet the following standards:

1. Satisfy all requirements for a “B’ speech.
2. Demonstrate imagination and creativity in topic selection and development.
3. Develop and sustain strong bonds of identification among the speaker, audience, and topic.
4. Consistently adapt information and supporting material to the experiential world of your audience.
5. Reflect even greater depth of research.
6. Demonstrate artful use of language and stylistic techniques.
7. Make a polished presentation that artfully integrates verbal and nonverbal communication skills.