Welcome to SPCH 1315: Public Speaking! I am your instructor, Professor Jeff Stringer. I look forward to working with you this semester, and I hope you find this class to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Course Rationale

Developing communication skills can give students a competitive edge in their professional and academic career. Not only are communication skills highly valued in the workplace, communication courses taken at ACC transfer to all colleges and universities in Texas. Communication skills are essential to personal and professional success. A public speaking class is incredibly valuable to any college graduate - so much so that Carmine Gallo, communication coach and speaker, calls public speaking an essential skill for every job field.

Students may feel some natural anxiety about giving speeches. However, public speaking is a skill that is learned and developed over time and through practice. In this course, students will learn skills to help them elevate their public speaking skills such as confidence, organization, and clarity of thought and expression. These life-long skills are used by professionals in every industry.

Course Description

Public Speaking is the application of communication theory and practice within the public speaking context. Emphasis is placed on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity, and speech organizational techniques to develop students' speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations. Additional emphasis given to the use of verbal and non-verbal skills to make points clear and effective, and reducing stress when speaking publicly. Skills: E

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3

Course Skill Levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll for ACC Speech courses are expected to demonstrate competent English speaking and listening skills:

“Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.”

“Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.”

As a student, they can expect to acquire these abilities only if they honor all course policies, attend class, participate in class exercises and complete assignments in good faith and on time. Students may vary on their achieved competency levels regarding theses abilities.

Instructional Methodology

I understand that speaking in front of others can be a challenging and often nerve-wracking experience. Yet arguably the most desired quality in professional and personal relationships remains excellent communication skills. My goal as an instructor is to assist you in becoming a more competent communicator. I have a simple teaching philosophy when it comes to public speaking: learn by doing. Each class day is an opportunity to improve upon your abilities in speaking well to others, thus it is crucial that you attend class.

This course is taught as a traditional classroom course meeting two days a week. Class time will consist of lecture, class discussion, and group work, and you will also present your speeches in class. Additionally, there are homework assignments that must be completed online in Blackboard. It is your responsibility to complete these online assignments by the due dates listed on the Course Schedule. While the format of this course is designed to allow students to work at times convenient for them, there are deadlines by which assignments must be submitted. These deadlines are strictly enforced! This is to discourage students from getting too far behind. Falling behind and becoming frustrated is the number one reason cited when students don't complete this course.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this course as much as I have enjoyed developing and administering it!

Course Textbook

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking. (13th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2020.

• ISBN: 978-1-260-41293-2 (loose-leaf edition)

You will also need webcam or smartphone video capabilities to complete some assignments.

General Education Competencies

• Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

• Critical Thinking Skills

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

• Personal Responsibility

Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.

• Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness)

Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

• Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate skills in researching, planning, organizing, rehearsing, and delivering a variety of speeches individually and/or in groups.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundation models of communication leading to effective and ethical communication based on audience and context. 
3. Illustrate and appropriately employ verbal and nonverbal various modes of delivery in oral communication (e.g. manuscript, extemporaneous, impromptu, memorized).
4. Recognize and use principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in gathering information for the development of oral presentations and argument. 
5. Employ appropriate research and provide speeches with appropriate documentation.
6. Practice effective use of computer-based technology in communicating and acquiring information.
7. Recognize the roles that public speaking plays in civic awareness.
8. Identify how culture, ethnicity and gender influence communication. 
9. Utilize listening skills for analysis and evaluation of a speaker’s message. 
10. Participate in teamwork situations to foster interpersonal and collaboration skills.
11. Practice strategies for reducing stress while presenting to an audience.

Course Assignments and Weight

Your grade in SPCH 1315 will be based upon four individual oral presentations which you will present in class plus an in-class group presentation. You will also submit three online exams covering the chapter material. A description of each assignment and the weight assigned to it is listed below:

Online Exams (30%): There are three online exams covering the chapters in the textbook that you will submit on Blackboard. The exams cover six chapters each and consist of written essay questions. The exams are “take- home” format and are not timed, but they are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the date assigned.

Date of Birth Speech (Not graded): Your first speech is a self-introductory “icebreaker” speech designed to help you become familiar with speaking in front of your peers. The Date of Birth speech is not graded.

Informative Speech – Student's Choice (20%): Prepare a speech designed to increase your audience’s understanding of some concept. There are several different types of information areas you might want to consider for this speech. These include:

• a place you have visited

• a culture different from your own

• something related to your work or job

• musical interests

• a sport or hobby

• human interests

• arts and crafts

Remember that you goal is to inform the audience about the topic you select for the speech. This speech should be 5 – 7 minutes in length.

Manuscript Presentation (10%): The manuscript presentation is an exercise in using your voice effectively by reading a brief news item. This presentation is the one time you will read directly from a manuscript. This presentation should be 3 – 5 minutes in length.

Persuasive Speech (15%): Your goal in this speech is to take a stance in support of one side of the topic and to convince your listeners that you have a better position regarding that issue. This type of speech typically stops short of asking for or pleading with the audience for their support. It is an exercise in argument, in which you seek the intellectual consensus of the group. Your speech will most often advocate a position of policy (that something should or should not be done). This speech should be 5 – 7 minutes in length.

Team Presentation (15%): The team presentation is a chance to work together with your peers in the class. As a group, you will develop and present a team presentation working toward a shared purpose or goal. The team presentations will be given during regular class time.

Commemorative Speech (10%): You will choose a famous individual, living or deceased, and prepare a commemorative speech to celebrate/commemorate their life. Your goal is to provide details about the life of someone we all know, but to provide some special insight into that person’s life that the audience may not know. This speech should be 3 – 5 minutes in length.

Your final speaking opportunity will be a team-based discussion. As a group, you will consider different points of view and work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal. Your group will meet in class on your assigned day.

Every speaking opportunity is a chance for you to build your confidence while eliminating common errors. In no way will I be expecting polished, error-free speeches in the beginning. Our goal is to improve upon each speech by being mindful of past mistakes through graded opportunities as well as peer reviews.

Grades are calculated based on the weight of the assignments shown above. There will be no opportunities for extra credit. At the end of the term, your average will be converted to your letter grade as follows:

Attendance Policy

ACC Attendance Policy:

“Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

In situations where classes are canceled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies:

“The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.”

Class Attendance Policy:

This course emphasizes interaction and class participation. Much of the learning that takes place in this course is a result of listening to and analyzing other students' presentations. This type of knowledge cannot be obtained by simply reading the text or borrowing someone’s notes. Additionally, your classmates will need an audience to speak in front of. As a result, CLASS ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. The attendance policy for this course is as follows:

• You are allowed to miss three class periods without penalty.
• For every absence over three, your final grade will drop by 3 points.
• No distinction is made between "Excused" or "Unexcused" absences. For the purposes of this attendance policy, you are either present in class during the scheduled class meeting time or else you are absent.
• Doctor’s appointments are not excused absences. Please schedule your appointments so they do not conflict with class time.

In order to receive credit for attendance, students must be on time and must remain in class for the entire class period. Attendance may be taken at the beginning, during, or at the end of class. If you do arrive late or leave early, it is your responsibility to see that the records accurately reflect your attendance on that day.

Late Work/Missed Assignments

The late/make-up policy for assignments is as follows:

• Individual speeches presented after the due date will receive an automatic 10% deduction – no exceptions.
• Exams submitted after the due date will receive an automatic 10% deduction – no exceptions.
• The team presentation CANNOT be made up. If you do not participate in the team presentation with your assigned group, you will receive a zero for the assignment.
• Note: Late assignments will not be accepted after the final withdrawal date.

Other Class Policies

Written Assignments: All written assignments, including outlines, must be typewritten and proofread! Write outlines in complete sentences and turn them in ON THE DAY YOU PRESENT YOUR SPEECH. Outlines are a critical part of the speech preparation process. Failure to hand in the typed outline on the due date will result in a decrease of one letter grade for that speech.

Arriving late: If you arrive late to class on a scheduled speech day, do not enter the room while another student is delivering their speech. Wait outside until you hear the applause signaling the end of that speech.

Cell phones and texting: Please silence cell phones before bringing them into class. Texting is not allowed during class. Students who spend class time texting will be counted absent on that day.

'E-Cigarettes': The use of 'e-cigarettes' or 'vapor-cigarettes' on ACC campuses is forbidden.

Incompletes and Withdrawals

Incompletes will only be given in extenuating circumstances. In order to be considered for an Incomplete, a student must have completed a minimum of 75% of the semester’s work and maintained a C average or higher. Students who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

If for any reason you are unable to complete the required work, you should withdraw. You are responsible for withdrawing yourself. The final drop date is Monday, April 22. If you do not withdraw by the final drop date, you will receive an F.

Note: Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Virtual Etiquette and Distractions

Please refrain from distracting behavior during your virtual class session. Please do not use your cell phone, smoke or vape cigarettes, or eat a massive meal on camera unless permission is granted by the instructor. You are responsible for making sure distractions are minimized by silencing your phones, shutting your doors if possible, and not playing music in the background. If your behavior is a distraction to the class or instructor, the instructor reserves the right to remove you from the virtual class session for the day.

Course Evaluations

All course evaluations will be completed online.  Students may access the course evaluation when released by the college in the “Tools” section of their Bb course. Please encourage students to provide feedback on positive experiences in the classroom and any constructive feedback that would improve the experience for future students.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Contractual Agreement

• Your acceptance of the conditions and policies outlined in this document is implied by your continued enrollment in this course.

Note: All assignments are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the date assigned.

College Policies & Student Support Services