Speech Communication 250 - Advanced Public Speaking

Houser - Fall 2000

Tuesday/Thursday - 8:10-9:25 (HSS 71A)

I.  Course Objectives


 

A. You will develop an understanding of the importance of persuasive speaking in a democratic society.
 

B. You will develop an understanding of the dynamics of the communication process.
 

C. You will focus on the preparatory process including writing speech goals, analyzing audiences, discovering material, forming persuasive arguments, organizing speeches, creating a speech plan adapting content to specific audience and implementing the speech plan with persuasive speaking style that uses effective language and delivery.
 

D. You will develop an appreciation of the importance of personal and ethical responsibility in effective public speaking.


 

II.  Course Information

Instructor:  Marian L. Houser
Office:  103 Communications Bldg. & 105 McClung Tower
Office Phone:  974-0696 (Speech Office - leave message)
Home Phone:  983-9059 / Cell Phone: 384-3195
Email:  S_Houser@bellsouth.net
Office Hours:  Tues. 11a.m. - 12 (Let me know during class if you’d like to meet.)
                      Thurs. 11 - noon
                      or by appointment
Textbooks:  Gronbeck, Bruce E., Principles and Types of Speech Communication, 14th edition (New York: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc., 2000).Available at the campus bookstore. - REQUIRED

 

Course Packet:  Available at Graphic Creations - REQUIRED

 

III.  Student Responsibilities

 

In order to insure uniform treatment of all students enrolled in Speech Com 250, these policies will be followed:

 

A.    You will prepare and present 3 prepared oral speeches, 2 Impromptu Speeches, submit 3 formal outlines with sources included, an Audience Profile for the 1st Speech, 3 Self-Assessments, 2 Video Assessments, Peer Reviews of 3-4 speakers for each of the prepared speeches, and take 2 Examinations over the course material. (You will be given Learning Objectives prior to each exam.)

 

B.    Except for a few occasions, this is NOT a lecture class.There will be numerous exercises!Much of your time will be spent interacting with others in preparation for upcoming speaking activities.You are responsible for reading the textbook material assigned each class. TO PARTICIPATE EFFECTIVELY,YOU MUST READ!!!!

 

C.    Class attendance is mandatory.Undue unexcused absences will affect your final grade.10 points will be deducted for missing more than TWO classes (10 pts. per absence!).Absences on speaking days (whether it is your day to speak or not) will not be excused unless it is a documented emergency, and I have been notified.If you incur an unexcused absence on a speaking day there is an automatic loss of 10 points.
 

D.    Class will begin ON TIME.Do NOT come to class late.The door closes at 8:10!
 

E.    All assignments must be submitted on time.Since speaking days are announced well in advance, no make-up speeches will be allowed.Exams and impromptu speeches may not be made up.Only an illness (certified by a Dr.’s note) or family crisis (certified in writing) will allow you to make up any assignment.Speech Outlines will be evaluated by another class member and an “Outline Requirements Form” turned in to me for each one in order to earn the required outline points.Outlines are due prior to the speaking dates, as indicated on the schedule.I will xerox these and return them to you.I will email my responses and suggestions to the speakers in GROUP 1 so they will have them for their speaking date (the next class).

 

F.    It is your responsibility to contact the instructor concerning illnesses or other circumstances which prevent attendance.

 

G.    Speech presentations are to be original and reflect careful preparation.Standards of originality and thorough preparation require that the viewpoint, structure, and style of the presentation be your OWN, except where specific indebtedness is acknowledged by oral and written citation. University policy concerning ACADEMIC INTEGRITY will be applied; see your Student Handbook.

 

H.    Three broad guidelines have been established for the presentation of your speeches:

1. All speeches must be within the boundaries of good judgment and taste.If in doubt, check with me BEFORE the speech is presented.

2. You must adhere to all legal statutes governing the community and university.

3. You may not jeopardize the safety of your audience or any audience member.

 

I.    I consider STUDENT PARTICIPATION critical in my class.It is important to read and be prepared for all class discussions, and participation is my only indicator of this.Therefore, 25 points will be assigned for your classroom participation.In addition, if class discussion becomes problematic due to lack of class preparation, pop quizzes may become necessary.

COURSE GRADES

Your final course grade will be determined by your performance on the following assignments.The total points possible for each assignment are recorded in the left column.The right column is provided for you to keep a record of your scores during the semester.

 
Impromptu # 1                            25                    ________
Sales Speech # 1 Outline                 25                    ________
Audience Profile                          5                    ________
Sales Speech # 1                        100                    ________
Self-Assessment # 1                       5                    ________
Video-Assessment # 1                     10                    ________
Problem-Solution Speech # 2 Outline      25                    ________
Problem-Solution Speech # 2             100                    ________
Self-Assessment # 2                       5                    ________
Video-Assessment # 2                     10                    ________
Midterm Quiz                             50                    ________
Impromptu # 2                            25                    ________
Refutation Speech # 3 Outline            25                    ________
Refutation Speech # 3                   100                    ________
Self-Assessment # 3                       5                    ________
Final Quiz                               50                    ________
Class Participation                      25                    ________
Penalties for Absences                -_____                   -_______
        (10pts. for EACH absence over 2 or any absence on a speaking date)
TOTAL POSSIBLE                           590          YOUR TOTAL______


GRADE SCALE:

531-590=A
513-530=B+
472-512=B
454-471=C+
413-453=C
354-412=D
353-below=F


Class Participation

Your participation score has a maximum worth of 25 points.This score is designed to reward the student who consistently strives to comprehend the text material and actively contributes to the learning value of the class.Utilizing the following criteria, you will earn one of the scores below for participation this semester:
 

Criteria

1. Class preparedness - on time, outlines complete and ready for review.

2. Willingness to contribute to class discussion and exercises - exhibiting you have read the assigned material.

3. Involvement in in-class discussion groups/activities and always ON TASK.

4. Eagerness to promote a congenial and supportive classroom.

5. Class attendance.
 

Scale

 

Student is always prepared, having read the                                            23-25 points

assigned textbook material and always ready with
complete outline.  Consistently participates in daily
discussions and activities. Very involved! Never late.

 

Student sometimes participates in class. Often appears                            20-22 points

to know the textbook material, indicating some
reading. Interacts with peers in a positive manner.
A good and productive student. Outlines fairly
complete. Rarely late.
 

Student exhibits only minor involvement in class                                        17-19 points

discussion. Rarely obvious whether text has been
read beforehand. Good class participation in
activities such as impromptu speeches. Outlines
sometimes incomplete. Supportive to peers.
 

Student rarely, if ever, participates.  Seems unprepared                            15-16 points

uninterested.Frequently appears “off the subject”
during class interactions. Lack of quality preparation
in class assignments.


Assignment Requirements

Self Assessments

 

Immediately following each speech, you will turn in a self assessment of yourself.The idea is to get your immediate and “gut” reactions regarding you delivery and met requirements for each assignment.You will also be able to reflect on audience response.The following Video Assessment will enable you to compare what you “thought” happened as you delivered your speech and what you actually “see” happening on the videotape.

 
 

Video Assessments

 

You will need to purchase a NEW videotape (Old tapes with previously recorded material on them will not work!) to be used for recording your first two speeches.You will NOT be allowed to deliver a speech without the required videotape.You will be writing a Video Assessment based on the guidelines included in your packet.This will be turned in to me the next class following your speech.You should not erase the first speech.Have it “cued” up in order to record the 2nd speech immediately following the 1st one.Your analysis will be based on items specifically required for this speech’s requirements and concepts we discuss in class.Each video assessment is worth 10 points.

 

Impromptu Speeches

 

Impromptu Speaking requires the basic skills of good public speaking with an ability to think clearly “on our feet.”The key element is simple, clear organization.You will present 2, 1-3 minute impromptu presentations.I will provide you with the specific topic and requirements prior to each assignment in class.Your listeners will not expect a polished speech as they would for other prepared assignments, however you should not let distracting vocal and physical mannerisms interfere with the communication of your ideas.Each Impromptu Speech is worth 25 points.You will give me your Impromptu Grade Sheet from your course packet, immediately before you speak.

 

Sales Speech

 

Many of you will findyourself in a “selling” situation at some point in your career or even in your personal life.The Sales Speech will offer you the opportunity to prepare yourself for becoming a part of a long-range sales campaign.Since a sales speech provides a solution to a perceived need or want, the issues are similar to those for any policy speech. (See your course packet for specific steps/goals in speech preparation.)There are 4 BASIC STEPS to a sales campaign: 1.- Creating product awareness, 2-stimulating acceptance and preference, 3-triggering the purchase, and 4-reinforcement or reevaluation.Remember that a reality of sales is that if you sell yourself, you sell your product!Your Sales Speech will be4-6 minutes long, (I will time you and cut you off at 6 min. 30 sec.) should include sources where necessary to enhance your credibility, and include a Visual Aid (perhaps even the actual product) in order to “make the sale.”You will create an AUDIENCE PROFILE” worth 5 points in your outline and have additional copies ready to distribute to the class immediately prior to your speech.(i.e., O’Cedar mop being sold to grocery store management group.)You will hand me the Assessment Sheet from your course packet before class begins.Please study the Visual Aid Guidelines Sheet in your course packet. 

3-5 Sources are REQUIRED to be included in the Outline (A Reference List & placement in speech) and stated in the Speech!You must bring 2 copies of your Outline to class (One for me and one for Peer Review.)Self-Assessment of this speech is DUE at the conclusion your speech ON your speaking date. The Video Assessment is due the very next class.

 

Problem-Solution Speech

 

In this assignment you will induce your listeners to believe a claim that you are advocating or to alter their attitudes toward the ideas you develop.Your speech should have a clear Claim of fact, value, or policy.It should be organized to motivate your listeners’ acceptance of ideas.In addition, you should support your claim with clear, cogent reasoning.Be sure to consider the interests of your audience as you develop this speech.The Problem-Solution Speech should be 5-8 minutes in length and should include at least 5 outside sources as support for your ideas.Each source must be listed in the outline in the spots where they will be utilized and a full reference of each one at the end of your outline. You must bring 2 copies of your Outline to class.The Self Assessment is DUE immediately following your speech.The Video Assessment is due the very next class.

 

Refutation Speech

 

The requirements for this persuasive speech are listed in your course packet.3-5 Sources are required and are to be turned in with your outline.You must have 2 copies of your outline in class.

You must pick a partner and select a topic that has a PRO and CON side to it and appeals to you both.You will speak for 3-5 minutes for your Constructive Speech and 1-3 minutes for you Impromptu Rebuttal Speech.You will turn in your Self Assessment immediately following your speech.(There will be no Video Assessment this speech.)