Effective Speaking Syllabus (Partial)

Effective Speaking (Online)

Instructor: Stephanie Longo

Text:  Speaker's Compact Handbook Edition by Jo Sprague, Douglas Stuart, and David Bodary, Cengage Learning, ISBN: 9780840028150.

Course Description: This course will provide students with the basic concepts to effectively deliver speeches in the public arena.  We will address key issues in public speaking such as: audience awareness, effective use of language, body language, listening skills, fear of public speaking, and various presentation methods. 

Objectives: As a result of completing this course, the student should be able to deliver five oral presentations and complete the following:

1. Understand what the communication process is and how it works.
2. Understand the listening process and know that “effective speaking” depends on “effective listening."
3. Practice the “fundamental principles” of speech preparation and organization, namely finding a subject, determining speech purposes, framing thesis statements, developing content, arranging ideas coherently, and outlining.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of language habits and semantics as they relate to “meaning” and one’s total communication effectiveness.
5. Demonstrate principles of effective speaking by  developing a number of extemporaneous and impromptu speeches during the course.
6. Demonstrate mastery of skills necessary for clear  informative speaking
7. Demonstrate knowledge and mastery of reasoning,  motivating and refuting in the development and delivery of a persuasive speech.
8. Demonstrate increased self-confidence in oral communication through knowledge acquisition and skill mastery.
9. Demonstrate the ability to present speeches through the  use of technology (i.e. PowerPoint, etc.).

Formal speaking assignments

There will be five formal speaking exercise, and one informal “Ice Breaker Speech.”  Typically, no make-ups will be allowed.  Your formal speeches will demonstrate your ability to incorporate the things you have learned into your own presentation style.

#1: Ice Breaker Speech

This very short speech allows you to introduce yourself. 

#2: Speech of Celebration

This 2-3 minute speech requires you to use your words to join with a randomly selected partner in a speech of celebration.

#3: Demonstrative Speech

This 4-7 minute speech requires you to show us how to do something.  It helps you organize your speech into steps, and teaches you how to talk while working with your hands at the same time. 

# 4: Dramatic Presentation

This 2-5 minute presentation is designed to show you the value of body language and the process of evoking emotion in your audience through dramatics.  

#5:  Informative Speech

This 5-7 minute speech requires you to select a topic of interest to you and your audience, and conduct research of the topic, and present the information you gather to an audience.  The goal of this assignment is to learn to use research skills in selecting relevant and reliable information, organize your research into a coherent outline and to present it using the skills we are working on.  

#6: Speech of Persuasion

This 5-10 minute speech will allow you to present your position on a controversial subject in a persuasive manner.  It will also teach you how to craft an effective argument (Think “playing both sides” but getting the last word).  This speech also requires research. 

Exams:  There will be a quiz at the end of each week and a comprehensive final examination that will cover readings and topics of the entire semester.  The format is multiple choice, true-false, fill in the blank, and short essay.

Course Schedule:

Week 1: Approaching Public Speaking

DQ 1: Components of Ethos

DQ 2: Listening Barriers

Ice Breaker Speech

Week 2: Audience Analysis and Addressing Fear of Public Speaking

DQ 1: Call a Radio Station

DQ 2: Audience Analysis

Speech of Celebration

Week 3: Preparation, Topic, and Organizing Your Speech

DQ 1: Topic Selection

DQ 2: Motivational Appeals

Demonstrative Speech

Week 4: Modes of Presentation, Language, and Non-Verbal Communication

DQ 1: Body Language

DQ 2: Movies

Dramatic Presentation

Week 5: Researching and Polishing Your Speech

DQ 1: Research Strategy 

DQ 2: Synthesis of Research

Self Critique Paper

Week 6: Informative Strategies, Presentation Aids, and Credibility

DQ 1: Informative Strategies

DQ 2: Credibility and Ethos

Informative Speech

Week 7: Building Sound Arguments, Persuasive Strategies, and Reasoned Persuasion

DQ 1: Types of Reasoning

DQ 2: Monroe's Motivated Sequence

Persuasive Speech