Public Speaking

Speech 220

Spring 2008

T, Th 5:30-7:40

 

 

Instructor:    Theresa Ford

Office Hours: T, Th 5:00-5:30

Office Phone (Humanities Dept. office): 425-564-2341

Office e-mail: tford@bcc.ctc.edu

 

Text:  Lucas, S. The Art of Public Speaking (9th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill

 

Course Description:  This introductory course examines theories and principles of communication and their application in a public speaking context.

 

Overall Objectives:  From this class, you can expect to increase your awareness and understanding of public speaking as both a critic and practitioner of the art.  In particular, you will:

 

¨     Learn how to channel communication apprehension to help your speeches.

¨     Construct and present solid arguments;

¨     Learn to consider the audience’s knowledge, background, and attitudes when constructing a message;

¨     Better locate, evaluate, and report information in support of an idea;

¨     Be able to critique and edit others’ speeches;

¨     Organize, construct, and deliver both prepared and spontaneous presentations;

¨     Become more practiced and competent as a group member;

¨      Become a more comfortable and effective speaker.

Grades:

Quizzes                        30%

Teaching speech           10%     (Outlines 60%; presentation 40%)

Informative speech        15%     (Outlines 60%; presentation 40%)

Persuasive speech         15%     (Outlines 60%; presentation 40%)

Group project               15%     (Outlines 60%; presentation 40%)

Critiques/participation/attendance/homework     15%    

 

 

Grading Scale:

A/A-    100-90                                     D+/D-  69-60

B+/B-  89-80                                       F          59 or below

C+/C-  79-70

 

Attendance:      Your attendance and participation is critical!  Obviously, for our class to function at its optimal potential, we need speakers and an audience.  Additionally, much of the learning in this class is designed to be hands-on, so both you and the rest of the class miss out by your absence.  The quality of the class is what we collectively make it.

 

Grading attendance:  After two “free” absences (except the final speech days), each class period missed will lower your overall attendance/participation a grade (i.e. B- to C+).  BCC recommends that any student who misses 10 hours of class time (10 class days--daily/4 class days—T, Th) should be given a failing grade (F).  While I do not follow this guideline, I do find that students who attend class regularly do better in the class than those who don’t.  If you are sick, though, please do not come to class.  Instead, call the Humanities office the day of class and leave a message for me or e-mail me before class.

**If you have a series of absences beyond your control, I recommend that you consider dropping this class and retaking it at another time, since it is too difficult to make up multiple absences.

 

Speeches:  The grading criteria for speeches will be consistent throughout the quarter.  To reduce ambiguity, I will give out a copy of the grading criteria prior to your first speech.  You will be able to sign yourself up for the speech day of your choice.  The speaking order is determined in advance.  Outlines are all due immediately prior to the first speech.

 

The best way for you to improve your public speaking skills is through practice.  You will have four planned opportunities (plus one impromptu speech) to enhance your ability.  Additionally, there will be in-class practice time where you will receive and give peer feedback.

 

**There will be no make up speeches without extenuating circumstances (and as time allows).  Late speeches will automatically lose points.  Quizzes cannot be made up without extenuating circumstances.  If extreme circumstances arise which prevent you from coming to class, arrangements will be made with the instructor on a case by case basis.   

 

Working Schedule:      

 

4/1 syllabus/introduction/Ch 1

4/3 Chapters 1 & 2

 

4/8 Chapter 3 (Listening); Quiz 1& 2

4/10 Chapter 4 (Topic)

 

4/11 Last day to drop a class (by 5:00 p.m.)

 

4/15 Speech 1(Teaching)

4/17 Speech 1(Teaching)

 

4/22 Library session: meet in D building, Rm 240L, 2nd floor

4/24 library homework due; Chapter 5 (Audience Analysis)

 

4/29 Quiz 3,4,&5; Chapter 7 (Support)

5/1 Chapter 8 (Organization)

 

5/6 College Issues day—No class

5/8 Chapter 9 (Beginning/ending)

 

5/13 Speech 2 (Informative)

5/15 Speech 2

 

5/16 Last day to withdraw from a class (by 5:00 p.m.)

 

5/20 Quiz 7, 8, 9

5/22 Chapter 12 (Delivery)

 

5/27 Speech 3

5/29 Speech 3

 

5/3  impromptu speeches; last day to make up anything

5/5  Group time

 

5/10  Speech 4 (Group speech)

5/12 Speech 4