Assignments

Assignments/Graded Activity:

General Requirements for all speeches

• You must prepare a written component for designated speeches, called a speaking outline.
• All written assignments (outlines) must be typed with attention given to grammar, spelling, punctuation and general appearance. Format with 1 inch margins in Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double spaced.
• All information you get from an outside source must be properly cited in three places: In your outline, in a “Works Cited” section at the end of your outline, and verbally during your oral presentation.
• Speak extemporaneously from an outline. Do NOT read your presentation to the class.
• Present a well-organized speech with a clear beginning, middle and end.
• Target your speech to your audience; gain and maintain their attention appropriately.
• Always ask yourself what main message(s) your speech will communicate to the audience.

Impromptu Speech & Special Occasion Speech

The impromptu speech is an ‘on-the-spot’ speech not planned in advance. This is a chance for the Professor to observe students’ speaking style and abilities and consider custom strategies for each student. This will be a fun ‘ice-breaker’ and I will be grading generously on this speech. No outline is required. The Special Occasion Speech is a chance to prepare a speech for an upcoming event such as a birthday, wedding, etc.

Object, Informative, and Persuasive Speeches

We will have three major speeches this semester—Object, Informative, and Persuasive. The Object Speech is where you bring an item to class and explain how it represents your success in life. The Informative Speech is where you educate the audience about a topic of your choice. The Persuasive speech is where you try to influence the audience to take an action on some issue. For each speech, you will earn a letter grade according to specific instructions. Be certain to follow the format for all written assignments associated with the speech. It is your responsibility to read the assigned chapters in the book, take notes on lectures, listen and participate in class discussions, and apply the appropriate concepts for each speech.

Peer Evaluations: You are required to evaluate other students. This assignment is designed to help both the speaker (by providing additional feedback) and observer, by encouraging audience members to pay close attention to speeches and to reflect on similarities with, and differences from, his or her own style. In addition it will familiarize you with the criteria the Professor uses to grade your speech. Your peer evaluations need to be substantial, thoughtful, supportive yet offering constructive criticism.

Participation: Speech is something that we learn by doing. In this sense, it will be quite different from other courses where you are expected to sit passively and absorb information. Attendance at each class meeting is crucial, and the Professor expects you to be attentive, engaged, curious, asking questions and actively participating during in-class discussions.

Group workshops: The class will often break into pairs or small groups to summarize the readings, brainstorm on topics and suggest arguments and supporting materials for one another’s speeches. These workshops will be orderly, engaged, and each student is required to participate equally. You are expected to take a genuine interest in helping each other achieve academic goals.

Exams: Exams are designed to test your knowledge of principles from the textbook that we will discuss in class. Questions will be written, multiple choice and T/F. Blackboard exams are mandatory as is the final exam.

Grading Criteria

A 94-100 A- 90-93 B+ 87-89 B 84-86 B- 80-83 C+ 77-79 C 74-76 C- 70-73 D+ 67-69 D 60-66 F 0-59. Your final grade will be comprised of the following:

Impromptu Speech 5%

Object Speech 15%

Informative Speech 20%

Persuasive Speech 25%

Special Occasion Speech 5%

Attendance and Participation 10%

Peer evaluations 5%

Exams 15%

TOTAL POSSIBLE 100%

For each speech, I will provide you with specific grading criteria. Evaluation will be based on your organization, your content, and your delivery.

In general, your speech grades will be based on the following criteria:

“C” level speech

• Conforms to assignment
• Student ready on speech day
• Speech within time limits
• Fulfills special requirements
• Has clear specific purpose and central idea
• Identifiable introduction, body, conclusion
• Reasonable directness and competent delivery
• Free of grammar and pronunciation errors
• Outline is clear, readable and free of errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
• All supporting material is cited properly and fully

“B” level speech

Meets all of the requirements for a “C” speech plus:

• Deals with a challenging subject
• Fulfills all major functions of introduction, body and conclusion
• Displays clear organization of main points and supporting material
• Support of main points with evidence is accurate, relevant, objective, and sufficient
• Skillful delivery: not distracting to message
• Proficient use of connectives:

-transitions
-internal preview and summaries
-signposts

“A” level Speech

All the requirements for a “C” and “B” speech plus:

• Genuine contribution by speaker to the knowledge and beliefs of the audience
• Sustains positive interest of audience
• Vivid and interesting use of language
• Unusual and amazing facts
• Speaker displays confidence, insight and uses storytelling and humor effectively
• Fluent delivery that strengthens message
• Student research shows sophistication and a range of supporting materials including books and academic articles

“D” level Speech

Is seriously deficient in “C” requirements

“F” level Speech

You’ve not completed the speech or you have done so, but have wasted your time, my time and that of your fellow classmates.