Course Description
This course explores the fundamental principles of speaking in public situations and the preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive presentations. Subjects include: ethics in public speaking; audience analysis; selecting and researching speech topics; citing sources; constructing well-reasoned arguments; extemporaneous delivery; and peer evaluation. Students are expected to develop outlines and speaking notes, use visual aids, and improve on verbal and nonverbal delivery skills. (3 credits; Core COMM; Flex Core Individual and Society)
Free Open Educational Resource Textbook
Stand up, Speak out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking (PDF also available on Blackboard)
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Methods
| Course Learning Outcomes | Assessment Methods |
| Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of view. Cite sources in three places. | Assessment is based on oral and written speech assignments that require synthesizing varied perspectives from multiple types of information. As with all college assignments, all outside research must be cited. |
| Evaluate evidence and arguments analytically, and produce well-reasoned written and oral arguments using evidence to support conclusions. | Assessment of analytical skills used to develop arguments for presentations; class discussions; and oral/written assignments/ exams. Claims must be supported by evidence and cited meticulously. |
| Articulate and assess ethical views and their underlying premises, including uses of data and other information resources to respond to problems and questions. | Assessment is based on students’ understanding of ethical and culturally-informed speaking—typically demonstrated through verbal/nonverbal communication; using supporting material; building arguments; providing constructive peer feedback, and displaying tolerance of other values/beliefs. |
| Identify and engage with local, national, or global events, trends or ideologies, and analyze their impact on individual or collective decision-making. | Speech topics must be topical and relevant to current events. Demonstrated through research and oral/written assignments, exams and discussions. |
| Demonstrate the skills to compose and present appropriate verbal and nonverbal messages to diverse audiences. | Assessment based on formal and informal speeches and participation in oral discussions throughout the semester. This includes responding to the instructor and to other students. |
| Demonstrate effective use of varied presentational aids and communication technologies to enhance their speeches. | Student computer skills are evaluated through use of online learning platforms (Blackboard) and based on the effective and purposeful use of visual aids using digital presentation technologies |
| Demonstrate the skills necessary to compose/create and present informative and persuasive messages. | Assessment is based on the development of an informative and persuasive speech, from selecting topics, gathering data, organizing outlines, citations, delivering an audience centered messages, and providing constructive critiques. |
| Demonstrate competence in active and effective listening skills. | Assessment is based on observation, peer evaluations, class discussions, and class activities. |
| Demonstrate observational and critical evaluation skills by critiquing student speeches in an appropriate fashion in oral/written format. | Students will critique speeches throughout the semester. Assessment can include both oral and/or written format. |
