COMM 1300 - PUBLIC SPEAKING
SPRING 2013
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10 am – 10:50 am
Instructor: Hannah Drain
Email:
Office: Hellems 65 (east wing basement)
Hours: Monday/Wednesday 9-10 am and by appointment
Required Items
· The Public Speaking Project: Virtual Text http://www.publicspeakingproject.org/psvirtualtext.html
· Additional readings will be made available on D2L
Course Description
How is writing a speech different than writing a paper? Why does public speaking seem to come naturally to some, but not to others – or does it? How do you manage speech anxiety? How do you construct and articulate an effective argument? How do gendered, cultural, and ethical norms impact your credibility as a speaker?
Undoubtedly, the ability to speak eloquently in a variety of settings is a vital component of contemporary leadership. This course is designed to introduce you to the skills needed to communicate effectively in a variety of public settings – from interview situations and boardroom meetings to public speeches and social contexts. We will focus on the practical application of rhetorical concepts, while maintaining an emphasis on empowerment and constructive civic engagement.
Objectives
1. Become a confident, articulate and ethical speaker.
2. Gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of public speaking.
3. Learn to analyze and adapt speech content and delivery for different audiences.
4. Learn to research and organize ideas to create a clear, concise and engaging presentation.
5. Practice public speaking skills as both a speaker and an observer.
6. Become familiar with introductory concepts in rhetoric.
7. Begin to think rhetorically.
Course Policies
Attendance
This is a public speaking class. Not only are you expected to be an active audience on speech days, but observing your peers is one of the best ways to learn what effective speaking looks and sounds like. Class participation is critical for the success of this class, and the attendance policy will be strictly enforced. There is no penalty for missing three class days during the course of the semester. For every class you miss after three, you will be penalized 10 points from your final point total for the class. The only exception to this policy is for a documented religious, legal, University, or physician’s excuse. Please note: you do not get 3 “extra” absences if you have documentation. It is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet each class meeting. A missing signature will be counted as an absence.
You will commit to a speaking schedule for the semester. You are responsible for adhering to this schedule. If you fail to speak on your scheduled date, you will NOT be able to make-up your speech in class and will earn a ZERO for that assignment. There are no exceptions to this policy except for potentially life-changing events such as sudden illness, infectious disease, a death in the family, or a situation that would make it dangerous for you to come to class. In such exceptional cases, I must know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in order for there to be the possibility of rescheduling under such circumstances (a few hours before or after you were supposed to speak won’t work). In the case of illness, I will need a doctor’s note later in order to allow you to make up your speech day.
Classroom Citizenship
In this class we will have discussions, some lectures, and class presentations. Learning involves more than simply the dissemination of factual information, and this is especially true when we are working on building our communication skills. If we are to engage this material completely, we will need to build a classroom space that is grounded in mutual respect. This entails that we all come to class ready to engage with each other and be respectful to different belief systems and points of view. Disruptive behaviors, such as talking while others are speaking, arriving late, reading the newspaper, napping, working on your laptop, wearing headphones, eating lunch, or reading materials from another class negatively impact the learning environment and will negatively impact your citizenship grade. I note these down especially during speeches when people are prone to think that I may not notice.
You will be expected to be attentive to your classmate’s speeches. At least once for each speech, you will be asked to help me rate the speeches made during that day. I will hand these evaluations out at the start of a speech day. They are worth points, so it is especially important to arrive on time these days.
**On speech days you may NOT enter during someone’s speech. Please wait in the hallway until you hear applause. Intruding on another’s speech may result in 10 point deduction from your own speech grade. Giving speeches is stressful – don’t make it more so by interrupting.**
Technology
NO cell phones, iPods, iPads etc. Electronic devices should be turned off during class. If your phone rings during another person’s speech, you will lose 10 pts from your speech grade.
NO laptops, unless you have acquired authorization first. Exception: You are encouraged to use a laptop or similar device during outline workshops for the purpose of researching citations, as well as on group project days.
Communication
It is important to check your CU email and D2L (learn.colorado.edu) on a regular basis (at least three times per week). Email is the official form of communication in the University; Assignments and class emails will only be sent to CU email addresses.
Email is the best way to reach me. I will provide a response within 24 hours, though this may vary on weekends. I also have office hours, and you are encouraged to visit me any time you have questions and concerns. As a courtesy, and if time permits, please send me an email notice that you will be coming to office hours.
Life is often full of unexpected surprises. We get sick. We have babies. Sometimes we get curveballs thrown at us. The important thing to remember is that communicating with your instructor early is the way to handle things. i.e., if there is an emergency in your family and you must go out of town without Internet access, you MUST let me know beforehand that there is an issue. Telling me after the fact is too late, and it will be unlikely that I will be able to assist you.
University Policies
Honor Code: All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Additional information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.Colorado.edu/policies/honor.html
Disability Statement: If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to your professor a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner (for exam accommodations provide your letter at least one week prior to the exam) so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact Disability Services at303-492-8671or by e-mail .
If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see Temporary Injuries under Quick Links at Disability Services website (http://disabilityservices.colorado.edu/) and discuss your needs with your professor.
Religious Observance: Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. If you have a potential class conflict because of religious observance, you must inform me by the 3rd week of class. See policy details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Classroom Behavior: Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. See policies at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Sexual Harassment - The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff and faculty. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats, coercion, or promises or create an environment that is hostile or offensive. Harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite gender and between any combination of members in the campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Harassment can occur anywhere on campus, including the classroom, the workplace, or a residence hall. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes he or she has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Sexual Harassment (OSH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about the OSH and the campus resources available to assist individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh/
Assignments and Grading
Assignments Point Value Approximate Length
Diagnostic Speech --- 2-3 minutes
Informative Speech 100 4-5 minutes
Public Service Announcement
· Pitch 50 2-3 minutes
· Group Storyboard 50
· Video PSA 150 1 minute
Significant Speech 100 5-7 minutes
Ceremonial Speech 100 4-5 minutes
Speech Concepts Exam 100
Final Exam 150
Class Activity Points 100
· Quizzes (25)
· Speech Critiques (20)
· Outline Workshop (5)
· Topics (20)
· Impromptus (10)
· PSA Group Work (20)
Self-Evaluation Video 50
Classroom Citizenship/Participation 50
1000 total points
Approximate Letter Grade Distribution for Assignments
A 90-100 Exceptionally well executed assignment.
B 80-89 Strong effort. Completed assignment with style and thoughtfulness.
C 70-79 Completed the minimum requirements of the assignment.
D 60-69 Inadequate, sloppy or incomplete
F 59-0 Failed to complete the assignment
The final grades for this course will be calculated as follows:
A 1000 – 933
A- 932 – 900
B+ 899 – 866
B 865 – 833
B- 832 – 800
C+ 799 – 766
C 765 – 733
C- 732 – 700
D+ 699 – 666
D 665 – 633
D- 632 – 600
F 599-
Assignment and Formatting Guidelines
Written assignments are always due at the start of class in hard copy. TYPED (1-inch margins, 12 pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced).These assignments should include your name, date, and a creative title on the top. If there is more than one page, they should be stapled together. Late work will not be accepted. Computer/Printer/Internet malfunctions happen. (Translation: Don’t wait until the last minute!) E-mail submissions are not acceptable unless prior arrangements have been made.
FURTHER ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE SEMESTER
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Dates / Topic(s) / Readings / AssignmentsM 1/13 / Introduction to Class
W 1/15 / Introduction to Public Speaking
Assign Diagnostic Speech / Chapter 1
F 1/17 / DIAGNOSTIC SPEECHES
M 1/20 / NO CLASS- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
W 1/22 / Narrowing a Topic
Assign Informative Speech / Lucas, “Choosing a Topic”
F 1/24 / Organization / Chapter 8
Chapter 9
M 1/27 / Research
Evaluating Sources / Chapter 7 / INF Topics DUE
INF Speech Sign Up
W 1/29 / Outlining and Citation
Audience Analysis / Chapter 5
F 1/31 / Delivery 101 / Chapter 12
M 2/3 / Outline Workshop / 4 Copies of Outline DUE
W 2/5 / Delivery Exercises / Chapter 11
F 2/7 / INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (6)
M 2/10 / INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (7)
W 2/12 / INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (6)
F 2/14 / Review for Exam
M 2/17 / SPEECH CONCEPTS EXAM
W 2/19 / Intro to PSA Assignment
Social Justice & The Public Sphere / Lind, "Digital Oratory" excerpt
F 2/21 / Persuasion and Rhetorical Theory
Supporting your Argument / Chapter 16 / PSA Questionnaire Due
M 2/24 / Critical Thinking & Reasoning / Chapter 6 / Groups Assigned
PSA Sign-Up
W 2/26 / Logical Fallacies
Ethical Speaking / Chapter 3 / PSA Topics DUE
F 2/28 / Speaking to Global Audience
Persuasion Practice / Chapter 14
M 3/3 / PSA PITCHES (7)
W 3/5 / PSA PITCHES (7)
F 3/7 / PSA PITCHES (5)
Assign Storyboard
M 3/10 / Storyboard Discussion
PSA Group Time / Chapter 18?
W 3/12 / PSA Group Time
F 2/14 / Origins of Public Speaking
Assign SIG Speech / Chapter 2or Chapter 17
M 3/17 / PSA Group Time
W 3/19 / PSA STORYBOARDS / Storyboard Report Due
F 3/21 / Gender Norms and Linguistic Style
Manuscript Delivery
Group Time / Tannen, “The Power of Talk” / SIG Topics Due
Excerpt and SIG Sign Up
M 3/24 - F 3/28 / NO CLASS – Spring Break!
M 3/31 / 30-second Excerpts or PSA Filming
W 4/2 / 30-second Excerpts or PSA Filming
F 4/4 / SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES (5) / PSA Progress ReportDUE
M 4/7 / SIGNFICANT SPEECHES (5)
W 4/9 / SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES (5)
F 4/11 / SIGNIFICANT SPEECHES (4)
Assign CER Speech
M 4/14 / Ceremonial Speech Discussion
Group Time / Chapter 17? / CER Speech Sign Up
W 4/16 / Language & Stylistic Devices / Chapter 10
F 4/18 / Developing Metaphor
Manuscript Delivery / Lakoff, “Metaphor” / CER Topics DUE
M 4/21 / Metaphor and Tone Practice
W 4/23 / Assign Self-Evaluation Video
FCQs & Group Time
F 4/25 / CEREMONIAL SPEECHES (10)
M 4/28 / CEREMONIAL SPEECHES (9)
W 4/30 / Review for Exam
Group Time
F 5/2 / SCREEN PSAs
(Chapters to consider: 4, 13, 15, 17, 18)
FINAL EXAM: Schedule and Room TBA (Self Evaluation Video Due before Final)