Public Speaking Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

SPCH-1315-022 Public Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students' speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXT: A SPEAKER’S GUIDEBOOK, 8^TH Edition, Dan O’Hair and Rob Stewart

Supplies

Student Performance

 

Learning Outcomes:    

1. Demonstrate communication competence and critical thinking through an understanding of the foundational communication models.

2  Apply elements of audience analysis..

3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic.

4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques.

5. Demonstrate effective usuage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches.

6. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication.

7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative or persuasive).

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

CLASS POLICIES:

 

•   This is a participation class. Regular attendance is necessary for you to reap the benefits of being present each time.  Class participation will count as 10% of your final grade.  Attendance will also count as 5% of your final grade.
• Day 1 Get-Acquainted Activities will be 5% of your final grade.
•   All speeches/projects must be delivered on the assigned days.  Your informative/demonstration speech will count as 20% of your final grade.  Your persuasive speech will also count as 20% of your final grade.  You should have at least three souces for each speech..
•   A typed, double-spaced outline of each speech presentation must be turned in at the time of the speech.  A bibliography of sources must be attached to the outline. A minimum of three sources is required for each presentation.
•   Plagiarism is serious academic misconduct.  Your speeches must be your own work, and information in your speeches must have source citations.  Any discovered plagiarism will result in a grade of 0.
•  Mini Project will count as 15% of your final grade.
• Ad Analysis will count as 10%..
• A group project will be presented at the end of the semester.  This project will count as 15% of your final grade.
•     Each student is responsible for his/her own withdrawal.  Grades will be given on required work, not just completed work. 
•   Extra credit grades may be arranged with the instructor.

 

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY

 

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89   = B
70 – 79   = C
60 – 69   = D
59 – 0     = F

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

GUIDELINES FOR MAJOR SPEECHES:

 

DEMONSTRATION SPEECH:  This is a five minute speech in which you demonstrate something for the class.  Demonstrate how to make something or how to do something.  This speech is more hands on with you demonstrating how to make a recipe, how to make a craft, how to fly fish, how to break dance, how to paint a picture, etc.  Try to think of something you do well and that others would enjoy learning.  See Class Policies section for outline and reference requirements.

 

INFORMATIVE SPEECH:  This is a six minute speech in which you are informing your audience about something that they might not know much about.  Think of something you have experience with or are really interested in learning more about.  See Class Policies section for outline and reference requirements.

 

PERSUASIVE SPEECH:  This is a seven minute speech in which you are trying to convince the audience to believe or support something that they do not currently support or believe.  Controversial topics work well for the persuasive venue, but there are other possible choices.   See Class Policies section for outline and reference requirements.

 

RESUME’/COVER LETTER/INTERVIEW PROCESS: Each student will prepare a resume’, write a cover letter, select an employment opportunity, and engage in a mock interview process as an interviewee or an interviewer. Subject to change to small group project.

AD ANALYSIS: Each student will analyze an advertisement.

GROUP PROJECT: Students will work in groups to experience the democratic process at work.