~ 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-1315-009 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)
Hybrid
A Speaker’s Guidebook, 8th edition by O'Hair, Rubenstein, & Stewart ISBN: 978-1-319-20173-9
The purpose of this list is to avoid you feeling stressed because of technology ON TOP OF stressed because of delivering a speech. You can do this, and I'm here to help:
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.
After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.
| Learning Objective | THECB Skill | Assessment(s) |
|---|---|---|
|
Demonstrate an understanding of the foundation models of communication. |
Critical Thinking |
Assessed through exam questions |
|
Apply elements of audience analysis |
Critical Thinking |
Assessed through informative and persuasive speeches and audience analysis survey |
|
Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. |
Communication (written)/Critical Thinking |
Assessed through two, 2-page essays |
|
Research, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. |
Personal Responsibility |
Assessed through informative and persuasive speeches |
|
Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. |
Communication (visual) |
Assessed through Prezi, PowerPoint or Google Slides presentations prepared by students for introduction and Library Group Work assignment |
|
Identify how culture, ethnicity, and gender influence communication. |
Team Work |
Assessed through Library Group Work assignment |
|
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 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".
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.
Speaking schedules are posted in the weekly class content areas prior to speeches. Speeches are to be turned in on the assigned day. Speakers who do not meet the deadline will receive a zero.
What does this mean? 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. Maria’s daughter will have doctor’s appointments and possibly surgery in the next few weeks. Those important items force Maria to make changes to her work schedule, and because of this, cause Maria has to miss class meetings.
Knowing I do not accept late work, here are the options she may have when it comes to her schoolwork:
If this was you, what do you think you would do?
The worst-case scenario is option #2. Dropping the course is always my last choice unless there’s no other way around it. Option #1 – well, I don’t recommend it either, but some people are stronger and more private than others. Option #3 – it’s my recommendation. Why? Well, it means I know how to walk along with Maria on her path.
If Maria chooses Option #3, we could visit and discuss what options are available for her success. It may mean she gives two speeches on one performance day, or it may mean she gives a speech a week later than her classmates do. Any assignments not submitted before our conversation will be considered missing and will earn a zero. However, future assignment due dates are negotiable and 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 are in a situation, please visit with me as soon as possible. I will work with you whenever I can 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. 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 is 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. Please check your AC email account if you do not see a note in our class. After checking these two spaces, please text me to alert me. Don't assume I know the issue or that it is your technology.
“Contained within the following pages are those major policies and regulations which directly affect the students at Amarillo College. You must take the time to familiarize yourself with this information since it deals with your “rights” and your “responsibilities” as an AC student.” Please note the section on plagiarism as it pertains to the creation of speeches for this course.
Your instructor will use ACConnect/Blackboard to post your grades and receive your assignments. ACConnect/Blackboard will also be used to post announcements about the class and any events (i.e., bad weather) that would lead to class cancellation.
Periodically checking your course grade through the “My Grades” feature will help you be successful in the course. More specifically, if you see a small blue speech bubble next to your grade, I have left comments/feedback on the assignment. Those comments help drive your success in the course. I may request resubmissions, specifically rewriting, clarification, or other information within a stated period. I assume students read and review the feedback given. Students who fail to reply or follow through with feedback comments within the extended timeframe will lose the opportunity.
Amarillo College students receive all official College information through their @amarillocollege.com account. As a rule, I will contact you through messages in Watermark for everything related to our class, presentations, etc. If a student has further questions or needs clarification, it is up to the student to contact the faculty member.
As a rule, email conversations are a form of business writing. In that, I reserve the right to request clarification as needed to understand the question posed. I also expect our conversations to be collegial or that of a partnership. Please ensure you are using appropriate grammar/punctuation. When referring to yourself, please use “I” and not “i.” Please use periods, question marks, and exclamation points to clarify where your thoughts end. If you struggle with grammar (as I do), please consider using Grammarly.
Additionally, please consider the tone of your email. Here is an example of a poor communication attempt (both in tone and grammar).
Writer's Corner & SmarThinking
Both the Writer's Corner and the online tutoring platform, SmarThinking, have tools beneficial to the course content. If you struggle with writing, want to make sure you cite references correctly, or whether or not you've developed your speech argument fully, the Writer's Corner or SmarThinking can assist you.
Of note: Speeches may use video segments of up to 20 seconds. Videos over 20 seconds will result in points deducted from overall speech grade (1 point/second) up to 30 seconds and/or points. Videos over 1 minute long will result in a zero for the overall presentation.
Examinations – 30%
There is no “grade recovery” in this course. Students will be awarded the grade they earned (both on assignments and in the class). Final grades will be assigned on the following basis:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89.9
C = 70-79.9
D = 60-69.9
F = 0-59.9
Late work is not accepted. Please see below for additional information.
NOTE: Almost all of the course assignments are due over the weekend. I do not reply to messages or emails over the weekend. Please ensure you understand the assignments before the weekend.
Coming to class is a requirement for success. Especially since we only meet twice a week. Please make coming to class your highest goal.
The attendance grade will be updated in Week Four, Week Six, and Week Eight of the course based on the following formula:
100 / Total number of available course days (16) = 6.25
Actively attending class means being on time and vocal in class and participating in class activities. I will do my best to help you keep engaged in the course. Together we can make it a reality!
Courses require all students to come to class prepared to participate in discussions, activities, and lectures. It's critical that our time together is spent as economically as possible. Please note that students who do not actively participate will not receive attendance credit for the day. (I will email you using your @amarillocollege.com account to see how we can help you engage in class more fully.) Here are some things folks have done in the past to note earn credit for their daily attendance:
Each day I take attendance. I will do this using Watermark. I may take the roll at the beginning of class, in the middle, or at the end. If I take attendance and you are not in class during those 10 minutes, you will not be counted as present that day.
Promptness is appreciated; however, if you have a class off-campus or life happens one day - COME IN! You are welcome and expected! Do so with respect to your classmates, but don't STOP coming to class!
Excused absences are granted based on participation in campus-sponsored activities or illnesses. Campus-sponsored absences require an email from the club/organization sponsor stating your role in the activity. If the club/organization sponsor sends a blanket "All-AC" or "All-Faculty" email, you must ensure I have added the excused absence to your assignments. If you are ill, please understand I require documentation of your illness from a physician. You may photograph the note or scan it using your phone. If I cannot read the note I will require a physical copy.
| Topic | Assignment | Found | Due | |
|
Week One |
Getting Prepared to handle Public Speaking |
Course syllabus quiz | Week One Content Folder | 3/23/2023 |
| Read Chs. 1, 2, 3, 17 18, & 19 | ||||
| Tech Survey | Week One Content Folder | 3/26/2023 | ||
| DROPBOX: PRPSA survey results | Week One Content Folder | 3/26/2023 | ||
| TED Talk Worksheet | Week One Content Folder | 3/26/2023 | ||
| Audience Analysis Survey | Week One Content Folder | 3/26/2023 | ||
| Chapter exam - Chs. 1, 2, 3, 17, 18, & 19 | Week One Content Folder | 3/26/2023 | ||
|
Week Two |
Audiences, Topics and Informative Speeches |
Read Chs. 6, 7, 23 & 28 | Week Two Content Folder | |
| Journal: Review Audience Analysis PowerPoint | Week Two Content Folder | 4/2/2023 | ||
| "This Is Me" Outline and PowerPoint due to dropbox | Week Three Content Folder | 4/2/2023 | ||
| Chapter exam - Chs. 6, 7, 23 & 28 | Week Two Content Folder | 4/2/2023 | ||
|
Week Three |
Sources and Outlines |
Read Chs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 | Week Three Content Folder | |
| Speeches in class Monday and Wednesday | 4/3/2023 | |||
| DROPBOX: TED Talk Worksheet David McCandless | Week Three Content Folder | 4/9/2023 | ||
| Journal: Speech of Introduction Reflection | Week Three Content Folder | 4/9/2023 | ||
| Chapter exam - Chs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 | Week Three Content Folder | 4/9/2023 | ||
|
Week Four |
The Beginning and the End |
Read Chs. 14 & 15 | Week Four Content Folder | |
| Cite verbally (In-class) | Week Three Content Folder | 4/10/2023 | ||
| Mid-term Reflection Journal (pass/fail) | Week Four Content Folder | 4/16/2023 | ||
| TED Talk blog entry (Focus on intros & conclusions) | Week Four Content Folder | 4/16/2023 | ||
| Informative Speech Outline and PowerPoint due to dropbox | Week Five Content Folder | 4/16/2023 | ||
| Chapter Test - Chs. 14 & 15 | Week Four Content Folder | 4/16/2023 | ||
|
Week Five |
Ethics and Style |
Read Chs. 4, 5 & 16 | ||
| Speeches in class Monday and Wednesday | 4/17/2023 | |||
| Informative Speech Journal Response | Week Five Content Folder | 4/23/2023 | ||
| DROPBOX: Carmen Agra Deedy TED Talk Worksheet | Week Five Content Folder | 4/23/2023 | ||
| Chapter Exam - Chs. 4, 5 & 16 | Week Five Content Folder | 4/23/2023 | ||
|
Week Six |
Persuasion, Arguments and Organization |
Read Chs. 24, 25 & 26 | Week Six Content Folder | |
| Persuasive Speech Approval Process | Week Six Content Folder | 4/25/2023 | ||
| TED TALK Worksheet (Pick your own TED Talk) | Week Six Content Folder | 4/30/2023 | ||
| Persuasive Speech Outline due to dropbox (topic must be approved) | Week Six Content Folder | 4/30/2023 | ||
| Chapter Exam - Chs. 24, 25, & 26 | Week Six Content Folder | 4/30/2023 | ||
|
Week Seven |
Persuasive Speeches |
Speeches in class Monday and Wednesday | 5/1/2023 | |
| Persuasive Speech Evaluation Journal | Week Seven Content Folder | 5/7/2023 | ||
| REQUIRED: Review for Final Exam | Week Seven Content Folder | 5/7/2023 | ||
|
Week Eight |
Final Exam |
Final Exam: Opens midnight Wednesday and closes at noon Thursday | Week Eight Content Folder | 5/11/2023 |
| Update your resume with your new soft skills | Week Eight Content Folder | 5/12/2023 |
Students will be required to submit all written documents (outlines, papers, assignments, etc.) as Word (.docx) or Portable Digital Files (.pdf).
If you have a Macintosh (Apple) computer, you must know how to convert Pages and documents into .pdf files. I can not and will not grade anything submitted as a Pages document. A zero will be assigned for assignments submitted as a Pages file.
Additionally, I can not grade direct links to Google Drive documents. Download the files as .pdf files and then submit them. A zero will be assigned for assignments submitted as Google Drive links.
No late work is accepted.
If you need an extension on an assignment, please request it before the due date. Email me and set an appointment during my office hours. I cannot honor all requests.
If an extension is given, the assignment will be awarded the grade of "1," and I will comment on the grade regarding the new due date based on the extension. These extension due dates are final.
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.
As your professor…
I am accountable for the following:
Course content and instruction - delivered based on the guidance of the State of Texas using best practices for teaching and learning (standards set by research).
Course materials - developed with previously stated accountability standards- provided through in-class instruction and Blackboard weekly content folders with clearly delivered instructions, deadlines, and support offerings.
Feedback - delivered to students individually via Blackboard comments and rubrics to promote growth and learning based on course content and course materials
Support of learning - assisting students with course content mastery through coaching, tutoring, and AC resources.
As a student…
You are responsible for the following:
Ensuring you have the time, support, supplies, and skills necessary to engage with the course content.
You are participating in learning by meaningfully engaging with your classmates and professor during class times and individuals participating with course materials outside of class.
Ensuring you understand the course requirements, necessary supplies, course due dates, and how to navigate online platforms and resources.
Knowing the support resources available at Amarillo College. Support resources include academic and technology tutoring centers and the Advocacy and Resources Center.
Communicating with your instructor about learning and assignments. Specifically, when questions arise about assignments, communication with your professor before the deadline is crucial to success. When challenging moments happen in your personal life, communication is critical. Communication may happen in the following ways:
In-person (during in-class Q&A, office hours)
Email (cgmilleson@actx.edu)
Text (through the Watermark app)
Reviewing and understanding the feedback received from faculty.
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require special arrangements 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 made within 24-48 hours of receiving the notice from the student. Accommodations will be implemented for assignments moving forward. Accommodations are not retroactive.
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 in the section above.
Students may not photograph, record, or video any in-class activities without written permission from the instructor of record. Students who fail to comply with this will be reported to the Vice President of Enrollment Management.
At no point may a student harass or blackmail another student.
Students who have questions should contact me, Courtney Milleson, first using the contact information provided at the beginning of this document.
Per the AC Student Rights and Responsibilities, students may file academic grievances. Here is the text from the Student Rights and Responsibilities:
A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which he or she is enrolled should appeal the following order:
1. Instructor (me, Courtney Milleson)
2. Department Chair/Program Director (Jill Gibson)
3. Dean (Becky Easton)
4. Vice President of Academic Affairs (Dr. Tamara Clunis)
5. College President (Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart)
Occasionally, I may need to alter the contents of this document to enhance and strengthen the learning environment (for one student or the whole class). I reserve the right to adjust the syllabus (including posted office hours) as necessary.
You need to update your resume! Use the following guidelines to update your skills.
03/17/23 11:45 AM
03/17/23 12:40 PM