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COMMUNICATION 1301, PUBLIC SPEAKING
SYLLABUS
&
DETAILED ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS
DR. MARY TREJO
Department of Communication
The University of Texas at El Paso
Summer II, 2004
COMMUNICATION 1301 #32583, Summer II, 2004
Classroom: Cotton 201
Dr. Mary C. Trejo, Instructor
Office: Cotton 102; Phone, 747-5431; email,
Office Hours, MTWR 4:10-5:00 PM; by appointment
Course Texts: Stephen Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking, 7th Ed.
Isa Engleberg & Ann Raimes, Pocket Keys for Speakers.
OVERVIEW OF SEMESTER:
This course provides an introduction to the art of public speaking. The major grading emphasis is on the conception, development, and logical communication of ideas. The course will be designed or modified as a result of diagnostic analysis utilized during the initial meetings. The planning of assignments reflects the adult status, wide-ranging interests, intelligence, and good mastery of language skills expected of college students. Students are anticipated to be mature and well prepared to take responsibility for preparation and completion of assignments. Students are expected to manage their time effectively and provide self-motivation in completing assigned readings and speeches, and to be ready to participate in text discussions each day. In addition to taking responsibility for completing readings and speech preparations, students will be encouraged to select real-world topics of substantive interest that call for challenging research and idea development. Both hard work and creativity will be rewarded. Detailed explanations of all assignments will be provided as the semester progresses. If clarifications are needed, students are encouraged to ask questions whenever they wish.
As the primary objective of the course is to teach students to speak in formal settings, by the end of the course, students are expected to be able to meet the following objectives:
· Learn to transform nervousness into an effective presentation
· Conceptualize, focus and develop a topic into a meaningful, purposeful communication
· Understand the organizational components of a speech
· Organize logically and develop ideas fully, utilizing examples and analysis
· Develop research skills utilizing the library and the internet
· Speak in a natural, extemporaneous manner without reading from a text
PROJECTED COURSE OVERVIEW; SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION AS NEEDED:
Week 1: June 28-July 2
Introduction; Assigned reading: Lucas, Chapters. 1-5, 11-12. Focus on fundamentals of public speaking.
Text Discussions begin June 29 and continue throughout session.
Assignment #1, Descriptive/Narrative Speech, due July 1
Week 2: July 5-9 NOTE: Drop deadline with W is Friday, July 9!
Continue assigned reading: Lucas, Chapters 6-10, 14. Focus on organization and logic; introduction to informative speaking and library/internet research.
Assignment #2, Midterm Examination over Lucas text readings, July 8
Week 3: July12-16
Assigned reading: Lucas, Chapters 15-16; focus on persuasion and refining idea development and delivery.
Assignment #3, Informative Speech, due July 12
Assignment #4, Persuasive Speech, due July 16
Week 4: July 19-23
Assigned reading: Lucas, Appendix B, B-1 to B-20; bringing it all together; synthesis of skills learned.
Assignment #5, Persuasive/Motivational Speech, due July 22
Week 5: Assignment #6, Final Examination, June 27, 10:00 AM-12:45 PM, Cotton 201
Specific Requirements of the Course:
# 1, Descriptive/Narrative Speech 100 Points due July1
# 2, Midterm exam over Lucas text 100 Points July 8
# 3, Informative Speech 200 Points due July 12
# 4, Persuasive Speech 200 Points due July 16
# 5, Persuasive/Motivational Speech 300 Points due July 22
# 6, Final exam 100 Points July 26, 10 AM-12:45 PM
GRADING SCALE--TOTAL: 1000 Points
1000- 900 A
899- 800 B
799- 700 C
699- 600 D
599 & below F
ABSENCE POLICY: Over 3 unexcused absences will result in being dropped from the class or, after the drop date, a lowered grade. Only documented excuses will be accepted.
NOTES ON PREPARATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF SPEECHES:
Each graded speech assignment includes formal documentation: a typed title page, outline, and, for the Informative, Persuasive, and Persuasive/Motivational speeches, documentation of research. The due dates for your formal outline packets are at the beginning of class on the first day speeches are due for each assignment. The instructor will call on students in random order to perform speeches after all students have handed in the outline packets to demonstrate their preparedness. Lateness will result in a lowered grade, with extenuating circumstances being considered on a case-to-case basis.
SEMESTER READING ASSIGNMENTS From Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking, 7th Ed.
Note: In a 20-day summer session, it is necessary to keep up with assigned reading in order to derive maximum benefit from course instruction. Most of the readings are grouped in the first half of the session; please schedule your time carefully! You are asked to read for comprehension and mastery of concepts.
· The midterm examination will cover the following chapters from Lucas: Chapters 1-12, 14-16.
· The final examination will cover all chapters assigned: Lucas, Chapters 1-5, 11, 12, 6-10, 14, 15, 16, and Appendix B. (Chapters presented in the order assigned, above.) IN ADDITION, the final will cover selected materials (to be announced later) from Engleberg & Raimes, Pocket Keys for Speakers.
Week 1: Chapters 1-5, 11, 12
Week 2: Chapters 6, 8, 9, 10; also read 6 & 7 to prepare for research, and read Chapter 14 early to prepare for Informative Speaking
Week 3: Chapters 15 & 16; should be read early to prepare for Persuasive Speaking
Week 4: Appendix B, pgs. B-1 to B-20; try to read these excellent model speeches earlier in the
semester if you possibly can!
COMMUNICATION 3101, PUBLIC SPEAKING
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: #1, EXPRESSIVE/ DESCRIPTIVE NARRATIVE SPEECH
(150 Points)
Time limit: 3-5 minutes; brief typed outline with title page required, utilizing standard English mechanics.
Your objective is to plan, practice, and deliver a speech of approximately 3-5 minutes, using brief notes.
This first formal speech assignment asks you to tell a story in an expressive, descriptive way. You are asked to plan, briefly outline, and tell a descriptive personal story. Childhood memories or old family stories are good topics. In selecting what story to tell, keep it simple; you may simply tell about some event that you or some member of your family experienced. Remember your ethical responsibility to your audience, and keep the stories non-offensive. It is often a good idea to concentrate on happy topics or memories. This is intended to be an easy to approach, icebreaker exercise, so choose a topic that you will enjoy sharing with your audience.
Your speech should have three main sections: (1) an introduction, in which you establish interest and preview, (2) a body, in which you develop your story, and (3) a conclusion, in which you summarize. You may look at your brief outline while speaking, but DO NOT READ ALOUD FROM A WRITTEN TEXT. Your objective is to speak naturally and directly to your audience.
Plan an introduction, a body, and a conclusion for your speech. Include interesting details.
Sensory descriptions will make these speeches more vivid. Remember the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Using at least some of the five senses in your speech will make it more memorable.
Notes should be brief, easy to read, should occupy no more than one side of a 4x6 note card. A 1-page photocopy of this card must be handed in before your speech.
Speak extemporaneously; utilize good delivery skills such as good eye contact, poise, and vocal variety; review Chapter 12, Delivery, before this assignment.
Be brief--plan, practice, and time your speech to fit the time limit.
Make sure your speech is well prepared--this instruction speaks for itself!
Adapt your remarks to the audience--assume your audience is comprised of intelligent adults.
Relax, enjoy yourself, and feel free to be a little creative. Public speaking can be fun!
COMMUNICATION 3101, PUBLIC SPEAKING
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: #3, Informative Speech (200 points)
· Time limit: 5 minutes
· Outline with title page, works cited page and attached photocopied sources (with material cited highlighted) must be handed in before delivering speech.
· Speaker’s outline and specific source citations may be used at the podium.
· Research requirement: 3 sources , minimum
The task in Assignment # 3 is to select a researchable topic and plan and deliver a five-minute informative speech, utilizing library and internet research. You are advised to start early to enable you to research, plan, practice, and deliver a well thought-out informative speech, using very brief notes. Review Lucas, Chapter 14, Speaking to Inform, for specific instructions; follow these guidelines carefully.
Special assignment adaptations are as follows:
Type of Informative--Announce before you begin your speech which type of informative speech you have chosen (See Lucas, Ch. 14, on speeches about Objects, Processes, Events, or Concepts.) You may not choose Processes, or Process Analysis, for your speech. Please choose from the other types (Objects, Events or Concepts) of Informative Speaking.
Topic/Research--Choose a topic that fulfills your speaker’s ethical responsibility to the audience, which interests you and which can be researched. Find and photocopy or print out at least three research sources to be cited. At least one paraphrase and one verbatim quotation with clear and accurate citations from at least two of the three sources should be used in the speech. Therefore, a minimum number of four clear citations of research are required in the speech. Note cards with research items to be cited may be used in addition to the brief speaking outline. Note cards should be cut and pasted from photocopies or printouts.
Outline--Before you speak, hand in a two-level (roman numerals and capital letters) sentence or phrase outline with works cited page and photocopies attached. Include a title page. This outline will be graded on neatness and clarity; word processing or typing is mandatory. The speech should be delivered extemporaneously from a brief speaking outline and research note cards. Hand in the speaking outline, printouts, photocopies and note cards at the end of your speech so that they may be evaluated along with the formal outline previously handed in. The formal outline, Works Cited page and photocopies/printouts will be considered part of the preparation for the speech and will represent 1/3 of the grade for this assignment. Outlines should exemplify good grammar and spelling; MLA (Modern Language Association) works cited or bibliography form should be used.
Remember, this is a formal speech; therefore, you will want to utilize text chapters covered which deal with all components of good public speaking, including those on organization, idea development, research, introductions and conclusions, good language use, and delivery. Start early, plan ahead, and practice, practice, practice.
Reminder:
Photocopies should be clearly highlighted, (use fluorescent highlighter, so that the photocopies can be reused with another photocopying) with notations stating whether cited material is quoted verbatim or paraphrased. Instructions for highlighting research materials will be given in class.
COMMUNICATION 3101, PUBLIC SPEAKING
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENT #s 4 and 5, PERSUASIVE SPEECHES
· #4 Persuasive Speech (5-7 minutes) on a Question of Fact or Value,
(200 Points)
· #5 Persuasive/ Motivational Speech (5-7 minutes) new topic, on a Question of Policy,
(300 Points)
Mastering the logic and organizational skills essential to the creation of a successful persuasive speech will provide you with a selection of strategies of idea development, which will be helpful in diverse areas. In order to prepare fully for the final assignments of the semester, please review Lucas, Chapter 15, Speaking to Persuade, and Chapter 16, Methods of Persuasion, carefully; Lucas provides specific and excellent instructions for mastering the art of persuasion. Remember, the motto of the national forensics organization, PI KAPPA DELTA, is "the art of persuasion, beautiful and just."
Please note that there are three main types of persuasive formats: these are
(1) Speeches or essays on questions of fact
(2) Speeches or essays on questions of value
(3) Speeches or essays on questions of policy (often called motivational because they are
intended to motivate the audience to, at the least, agreement, and often, to direct action)
· Assignment # 4 asks you to choose to produce a persuasive speech on a question either of
(1) fact, or (2) value.
· Assignment # 5 asks you to produce a persuasive/motivational speech on a question of policy; since your objective is to motivate your audience to agreement or action, you are asked to utilize emotional appeal in addition to using evidence and reasoning. Chapters 15 and 16 provide excellent explanations and samples of these types and methods of persuasion. For both assignments you are specifically asked to utilize evidence and reasoning as discussed in Ch. 16.
Topics--As in all earlier assignments, the type and format of the exercise is assigned; you choose the specific topics to research and develop. Choose a topic about which you are knowledgeable and that can be researched (remember, research is optional on # 5) without too much trouble. Be sure to remember that, while the topic for persuasion is always of necessity controversial to some degree, you are advised not to choose a highly sensitive or emotionally charged topic which is likely to offend your classmates or which will, by its very nature, make you nervous or uncomfortable. Keep your ethical responsibility to your audience in mind.
Audience--Use the actual class as your audience.
Assignment Descriptions for #4 and #5, Persuasive Speeches, continued
Specific Instructions for Outlines for Persuasive Speech Assignments:
(1) Before you speak, hand in a formal outline, which is defined as a two-level (roman numerals and capital letters) complete sentence outline with title page, works cited page and photocopies attached. This outline will be graded on logical organization of ideas, grammar, neatness and clarity. Typing/ word processing is required. All persuasive assignments (speeches and essays) will include formal outlines that follow the same guidelines.
(2) The speaker's outline is much more informal and should be planned to be easy to read at a glance. DO NOT READ ALOUD FROM AN ESSAY-TYPE MANUSCRIPT! Only very brief speaker's notes in the form of a word or phrase outline (1 page maximum) may be used; note cards may be used only to present verbatim quotations to be read aloud in the speech to demonstrate your research. The speech should be delivered in a natural, extemporaneous style from the brief speaking outline and limited research note cards. Hand in the speaking outline and photocopies, printouts and note cards at the end of your speech so that they may be evaluated along with the outline previously handed in. Outlines will be considered part of the preparation for the speech. Outlines should exemplify good grammar and spelling; Works Cited form should be MLA. MLA in-text documentation must be used in the outline. Proofread all pages, including verbatim quotations, carefully!