Course Assignments and Weight

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College requires that all students who take SPCH 1315: Public Speaking successfully complete these minimum requirements:  Specific assignment descriptions are included after the schedule of course dates.

1. Speeches: SPCH 1315 requires that students complete a minimum of four speeches throughout the course of the semester.

Students will be assessed over their ability to reflect and consider multiple points:

1. One Informative speech
2. One Persuasive speech
3. One Special Occasion speech
4. One speech category of the Instructor’s Choice

In order for students to gain experience with various forms of delivery, the speech assignments listed above should utilize at least two of the following forms of delivery: 

1. 1. 1. Impromptu o Manuscript o Memorized o Extemporaneous
      2. At least two of the above listed speech assignments must include presentation outlines and cited research, which include a bibliography/works cited page with a minimum of three academic sources.
   2. At least one of the four major speech assignments must be a team-based presentation.  Students will be assessed on ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to construct and deliver the team presentation.
      1. The chosen speech should be weighted at a minimum of 10% of the final course grade.  

Syllabus must indicate which assignment is the team-based presentation* 

No more than two of the above listed speech assignments may be team-based. 

1. 1. At least one of the above listed speech assignments must include a multimedia component, used to support and supplement the speech (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi).

1. 1. The Informative speech assignment OR the Persuasive speech assignment must include peer evaluations/feedback.

1. 1. In distance learning sections, of the four mandated speeches a maximum of two may be recorded and a minimum of two must be live (face to face or live stream); all speeches must be delivered to an audience.

1. Exams: Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of two (2) exams in this course. You may require more. 

• You may choose to segment these exams into smaller assessments, administered at different times. 

1. Additional Credit Options: You may assign other work. Students are required to successfully complete all work assigned by you. These assignments may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assignments at a Glance

Quizzes

Five Quizzes tests, between 20-40  multiple choice and true/false questions. Quizzes are based on Key Takeaway sections of each chapter but may include other information. You are allowed 1 page (81/2 x 11, both sides) of notes to use during each test. Notes may be written or typed in ink, pencil, blood, sweat or tears. If you prefer a different medium, just ask.

Attendance and Participation

Your participation, in the form of reading before class, participating in discussions and exercises, turning in short homework assignments and participation on Blackboard are all a part of your participation grade.

Introductory Speech

Your first speaking event will be a short 1-2 minute speech about yourself. You are asked to bring-in an object that is important to you and tell the class what the object is and the story of significance behind it. You will be limited to using one (1) 4x6 note card. Your delivery will need to be “spirited”. A written description of this assignment will be posted on the course Web Page as well as some other materials.

Special Occasion Speech: 20 x 10 About Texas

You will present a modification of a 20 x 20 Pecha-Kucha event. Specifically, you will present 10 slides speaking for 20 seconds only on each slide. Your delivery method for this speech is called manuscript. You will be writing and reading the speech to us word-for-word. You are asked to use at least one research source to document any factual information you include. A typed and printed copy of your speech manuscript and a Works Cited page for your research source(s) are required with this assignment. You will also either provide a link or print a set of your slides. A written description of this assignment will be posted on the course Web Page.

Informative Speech/ Formal Outline/Bibliography-

You will develop an informative speech of 4-6 minutes in length. You will be limited to five (5) 4x6 note cards and must speak in an extemporaneous manner.  There are several requirements to this speech. A written description of this assignment and requirements will be posted on Black Board.

Persuasive Speech-Team Symposium Formal Outline/Bibliography

A symposium is a planned public event that features a series of speakers talking on a central topic. You and the members of your team will be selecting a “problem” as the topic for your speeches. You and members of your team will be completing a brief research project. Your individual speech in the symposium will need to be 6-8 minutes in length. You will be limited to seven (7) 4x6 note cards in your delivery and must speak extemporaneously. A written description of this assignment will be posted on Black Board.

https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/part/chapter-1-why-public-speaking-matters-today/  and an additional chapter that will be posted in Blackboard.  See schedule of topics below to see daily assigned work

Introductory Concepts

Introductory Speeches (and you will present one)

20 x 10 manuscript speech with slides--a modification of a Pecha Kucha

Informative Speech

Persuasive Symposium  (contains a group project element. 

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. 

You may contact the instructor via ACC email for more information, a daily schedule of readings and activities and more complete information on the assignment. 

  Please note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

  Please note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement.