~ S T U D E N T H O U R S ~
Contact me through the Messages area within Blackboard. These types of messages are best for situations where you're having difficulty understanding how to submit something or have a quick question about an assignment. From these messages, I have easy access to your grades within the course (and I don't need to seek clarification on what course you're enrolled in).
More in-depth questions about your class performance, and/or grades should be discussed during a student/faculty appointment.
Please schedule an appointment with me here. My 2025 Spring I Office Hours are Tuesday & Thursday, 10:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
All meetings can be held via Microsoft Teams or in person in Parcells Hall, Suite 204, Office P. If I have someone in my office, please let our departmental administrative assistant, Shauna Jefferson (Parcells Hall, Suite 204, Office F), know you're here to see me for an appointment and then have a seat in our lobby area. Please do not assume that you may interrupt other conversations. We practice what we teach.
With all of that out of the way, know I love getting appointments from you. When I do, I know I can focus directly on you and you alone. Otherwise, it's a first-come, first-served world and I may miss out on an opportunity to understand what it is you need. Appointments come first!
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
SPCH-1315-005 Public Speaking
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
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
On Campus Course
A Speaker’s Guidebook, 7th edition by O'Hair, Stewart, & Rubenstein ISBN: 978-1-319-05941-5
Course Requirements:
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SPCH 1315 Learning Objective |
THECB Skill |
Assessment(s) |
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Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational models of communication. |
Critical Thinking |
Assessed through quiz questions, class exercises and speech development |
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Apply elements of audience analysis. |
Critical Thinking |
Assessed through quiz questions, class exercises, informative and persuasive speeches and audience analysis survey |
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Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. |
Communication (written)/Critical Thinking |
Assessed through in-class exercises, speech outlines, and post-speech reflection journals. |
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Research, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. |
Personal Responsibility/ Communication (written/visual)/Critical Thinking |
Assessed through informative and persuasive speeches, post-speech reflection journals and Persuasive Group Work assignment |
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Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. |
Communication (visual) |
Assessed through use of AC Library research databases and through presentations prepared by students |
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Identify how culture, ethnicity, and gender influence communication. |
Team Work |
Assessed through team building and Persuasive Group Work assignment |
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Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g. narrative, informative, or persuasive). |
Communication (written/visual)/Critical Thinking |
Assessed through written outlines and public performances of three speeches. |
In this class, we believe in the power of words, and the ability of all people to come to some sort of understanding based on shared experiences. If you need a minute to think, acknowledge it. Take it! You don't have to have the answer in .025 seconds. If you don't understand what we're discussing, ask questions. However, DO plan on reading the textbook before you come to class. DO think about the questions posed in the textbook. DO challenge the ideas we discuss in class. DO make your own opinion.
Creating meaningful use of this course in your own personal life is the best way to learn the concepts. Some of this class may hit close to your own personal experiences. Please know you have value and worth within this course and your personal experiences are important, but not more important than other people's experiences.
Should you need to speak with a counselor, know that Amarillo College has a Counseling Center available for students. Additionally, here is a list of resources both within our community and Amarillo College.
Let me make some bold statements:
You cannot learn if you're hungry.
You cannot learn if you're tired.
You cannot learn if you're anxious.
You cannot learn if you're scared.
You cannot learn if your family needs help.
Let's recognize the fact that you are human and are doing your best. Sometimes, we all need help. And all of the time, the help we need is different.
I give you permission to prioritize yourself.
If you're not sure where your next meal will come from, where you'll sleep tonight, or how you're going to manage a situation, please visit the AC Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC). The ARC has tools to help.
Food Pantry (click here to submit an order) (Located in Dutton Hall 101) May receive 2 orders/month
Adult Students Program – may assist students with child care, transportation, textbooks, and tuition Application is required.
Social Services – a team of licensed social workers can help you navigate a crisis and help you stay in school. Located on the first floor of the WARE Student Commons, Suite 108
Information about Off-Campus Housing
Student Parent Resources – We believe student parents should have access to all of the same opportunities as any other student. From family-friendly on-campus spaces, campus activities geared towards families, and a club for student parents (Students Who Are Parents – SWAP).
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (located in the Student Services Center 119; phone number 371 5436) as soon as possible.
Accommodations are applied to all coursework only after I have received the form. While I work to prioritize getting accommodations into Blackboard, it may take up to three business days for accommodation alterations to be added to the course.
Every student is required to comply with the policies published in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.” A link to the Student Rights and Responsibilities is included within the course.
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".
Everything listed below is to prepare you to 1) be a good audience, and 2) share respect with your classmates.
If you arrive late to class, do not enter while someone is giving a speech. Wait outside the classroom door until you are sure the speech is finished before you enter.
Please turn off cell phone ringers before entering the classroom.
Students will be required to dress appropriately on presentation days. For example, do not show up in a baseball cap or a slouchy knit cap, chewing gum, or wearing your sweaty workout clothes if you are presenting a speech. Please don't wear a suit, but do show your audience a more polished version of yourself.
Students will practice being attentive audience members.
Speech days are for all of the class. Do not come in and expect to give your speech and leave. I will deduct points if you leave before class is officially over. This includes doctor's appointments, etc. Please help us honor each other's time and work.
I will record each student’s speech presentation. I will use it to assist me in grading, as well as, help you learn.
No administrative withdraws will be initiated by the instructor.
Students are expected to participate in each day of class. Participation for the sake of this class is reading the required readings before class, coming prepared to add to conversations about the ideas presented in the required readings, preparing for in-class activities, working with groups, etc. There are some days when students must have completed homework prior to class. Students who do not complete the requirement will be allowed to stay in class, but will not have their attendance counted. This is not a class where you can sit silently and earn a grade. You must participate.
Students will use American Psychological Association's (APA) citation style. For a detailed look at this style, please reference the Amarillo College Library’s APA page, Purdue's OWL page, the Washington State University Library APA Quick guide, or the APA's Style Resources page.
Students may not use any type of social media within the classroom. Students may not record or live-broadcast any portion of the class without the consent of the faculty member and a unanimous vote of all class members present.
This is not a class where you can sit silently and earn a grade. You must participate. Students are expected to contribute to the overall classroom-learning environment. Students who disrupt the environment will be asked to leave and will be required to meet with the faculty member during a scheduled appointment during office hours. During the meeting, the faculty and student will develop a plan for success. If a student continues the disruptive behavior, s/he will be reported to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Students should not start packing up their belongings until the class has been released by the faculty member. Doing so disrupts the learning of others and isn't respectful of their time, effort, and energy.
Students are expected to take notes. My lecture style is based on conversations; however, students must take notes on the conversations to help develop meaning from the material covered. Example: As a class, we participate in a group think/pair/share. At the end of the think/pair/share the faculty member holds a debrief about the ideas/thoughts shared. This is the time to take notes for your own learning and benefit.
If you need to use the restroom, please, make yourself comfortable. However, excessive restroom breaks may require a note from a medical professional.
Students are expected to have read assigned chapters BEFORE each class begins. This makes class discussions more interesting and increases the opportunity for activities that demonstrate theories. This is a tool we can use to show our respect for ourselves and our classmates. Students are encouraged, but not required to complete a handwritten “passport” with pertinent information from each unit to be turned in before the discussion begins. Passport Notes will be submitted using the approved "KWLA" formatting. Students may earn one “passport point” each Monday. Passports will be reviewed and returned to students that week. For each “passport point,” students will earn an extra point on their final exam. A total of five "passport points" are available.
Throughout the course, citing sources is critical. In public speaking, verbal citations are necessary. Students often think if they cite the source on their visual aid it counts as citing the source. This is not true. Students must cite their sources verbally during the course of their speeches. To learn how to do this, please review the document included in Week 3 “How To Cite a Source in your Speech” for guidance. A student may also review the speeches in their textbook to learn more. In short, sources must be cited by saying the author’s name, when and where the information was published, and where the information was found. The Amarillo College Library has a LibGuide specifically written for APA citation style.
Speeches are to be delivered on the assigned day. Speakers who are absent on the assigned speaking day will receive a zero unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. Prior arrangements must be made at least three hours before class starts. Medical excuses require documentation. Speaking order is determined by a random selection process and is posted in an announcement at the beginning of the week.
GRADE CATEGORIES
FINAL GRADE RANGES
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There is no late work accepted.
Finding your way through a college course is a process. There are challenges in each class and there are challenges each of you has or will have, in your personal lives. Those challenges can overwhelm you. Because of these, and the amount of content we will cover in the course, I have set up the course structure to all you the best opportunity to learn and master the content.
We practice what we teach in this course: you will be asked to communicate with me when you have situations prohibiting your successful completion of an assignment by the due date.
I do not accept late assignments or late work; however, if after speaking with a student during an appointment about the extenuating circumstances, I may decide to alter upcoming assignment due dates to prevent personal issues from being a barrier to success.
What does this mean? Well, here’s a scenario: Maria is a single-mom of two girls. She takes classes throughout the year and hopes to graduate in the upcoming term. During our class, Maria’s youngest daughter falls from a swing and breaks her wrist. In the next few weeks, Maria’s daughter will have doctor’s appointments and possibly surgery. Those important items force Maria to make changes to her work schedule, and because of this, cause Maria to have to miss class meetings. Additionally, getting her work done on time is more challenging. Maria's academic abilities didn't change, but her ability to prioritize it has changed. Knowing I do not accept late work, here are the options she may have when it comes to her school work:
1. Maria can continue on the path she on now, trying to make all of the doctor’s appointments, work shifts, and class sessions.
2. Maria can drop the course and pick it back up next term. Doing this will delay her graduation by a full semester.
3. Maria can set an appointment where we can visit. She can tell me what’s happening and see how I can help her continue on her path to graduation.
If this was you, what do you think you would do? In my opinion, the worst-case scenario is option #2. Dropping the course, unless there’s no other way around it, is always my last choice. Option #1 – well, I don’t recommend it either, but hey – some people are stronger and more private than others. Option #3 – it’s my recommendation. Why? Well, it means that I know how I can walk along with Maria on her path.
Option #3 practices communication. If Maria chooses Option #3, we could visit and discuss what options were available for her success. It may mean she doubles up on a couple assignments or turns an assignment in later than other students. But, because we've visited, Maria's back on the path to succeed.
Please note, any assignments due prior to a conversation will be considered missing and earn a zero. However, future assignment due dates are negotiable which may or may not have a late point deduction. I make this decision on a case-by-case basis. The standard deduction is 10 points off the final grade earned for the assignment.
If you find yourself in a situation, please visit me as soon as possible. Whenever I can, I will work with you to find a pathway to success. I will work to be flexible with the course requirements; however, this will require the student to be flexible with their expectations as well. Please know that sometimes – especially toward the end of the term – I cannot say “yes.” Know when that happens, I have exhausted all avenues.
Do not email assignments to me if the dropbox for closed assignments. I will not grade them. If there is an error or technical issue, please check the announcements section of our AC Connect Class to see if I have made a note. If you do not see a note in our class, please check your AC email account. If after checking these two spaces, please feel free to text me to alert me. Don't assume I am aware of the issue or that it is your technology.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
You will need to attend class daily to participate in discussions and group activities.
You will need to attend class daily to participate in discussions and group activities. I expect students to have read the chapter content prior to coming to class. Daily attendance will be taken. Students who come to class after I have taken up the attendance sheet will be counted as tardy. Students who come to class later than 15 minutes will need to schedule an appointment with me to determine a plan to correct the behavior. Real-life = if you have to come into class late, come to class!
Our time together is critical to your success. I honor your commitment to your education, but I expect the same from you. Please look at your schedule for the length of the course. If you have any appointments scheduled during our time together (doctor, dentist, lawyer, oil changes, advising, etc.) please move them. Leaving early for an appointment is distracting to your classmates and hard on your learning. Real-life = if your appointment is unmovable/unchangeable, please schedule an appointment to visit with me prior to the appointment.
Please review #8 in "Expected Student Behavior".
We will meet on the Washington St. campus from 11:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. You are required to stay for the full class meetings. We will meet in Parcells Hall 21 beginning July 5, 2022, and finish on August 8, 2022.
Adjustments may be made to best accommodate the course information and student learning.
A copy of the course calendar can be found within the Blackboard course and by clicking here.
Preferred file types are Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. If students do not have access to these, they can use their preferred program (Keynote, Pages, Docs, Slides) but convert them (as shown in the table below).
| Program | File Type |
| Word | .docx |
| PowerPoint | .ppt |
I cannot wait to work with you! Your success is vitally important to you and our community. I can't wait to watch you soar!
However, even in the best scenarios, events could happen to dampen our relationship. Here's how I would like us to handle it together.
Please schedule an appointment with me here. Come to my office during our time together, and present your concerns. I will listen. This step is critical to us both. As a communications faculty member, I strive to model the skills I teach outside of the classroom. I expect my students to model this as well.
After you have presented your concerns, I will take the opportunity to visit with you if there are any concerns I have about your success.
If I see there is an error in my attempts, or if I simply didn't do the right thing, I will apologize and work with you to make the situation right. However, if I believe the issue doesn't lie in my teaching and/or behavior, I will ask you to abide by my decision.
If at this point, you do not feel you have received the appropriate considerations, you may ask for the next step in the process. I will help you navigate the process to find a resolution.
You need to update your resume! Use the following guidelines to update your skills.
07/04/22 10:43 AM
07/04/22 11:38 AM