Course Information

Course Reference

SPCH 1315.039.83045

16 Week Session

January 16 – May 12, 2024

Day & Time

Fully Online

Location

Online

Instructor

Prof. Twainya Parker

Instructor Contact Information

Email: Twainya.Parker@austincc.edu

Office: Elgin Adjunct Office 1204 or Zoom

Send Text messages through Remind App

Registration info provided in Blackboard course.

Office Hours

Day of week:

Tuesday and Thursday 5-6 PM;

Students who wish to meet via Zoom please communicate with instructor prior to logging into Zoom

By Appointment Only:

Friday 11:00am-1:00pm

Learning Lab Tutor

Click here for info

Course Textbook & Supplies

The Art of Public Speaking

Edition: 14 2023 Release

ISBN:  1265455643 or 9781265455644

• Computer access for Blackboard (Bb) quizzes and course materials
• One set of Note Cards
• Access to stable Internet
• A Microphone
• Headphones

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

Instructional Methodology

The class is designed around online readings/videos, working with partners and in small groups, as well as individual and group presentations. Students are expected to contribute to all lectures and activities with questions, ideas and relevant business or personal experiences.  This course is delivered through the distance learning methodology, so the content is delivered online through Blackboard, and the course has three required virtual meeting sessions through Zoom. It will include work outside of class.

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 Skill Levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll in Communication Studies courses at ACC 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.”

Assignments and Grading

Course Assignments and Weight

The requirements listed below fulfill this class, SPCH 1315, as stated by Austin Community College.

The Communication Studies Department at Austin Community College requires that all students who take SPCH 1315: Public Speaking successfully complete these minimum requirements:

Course Information and Mandatory Online Orientation:

Students must complete an Online Orientation to acclimate to Blackboard. Students will need to achieve 100% on the Orientation Module. Students may take the assessment as many times as necessary to achieve 100%

Speeches:

SPCH 1315 requires that students complete a minimum of four speeches throughout the course of the semester. Full assignment details will be available prior to the due date and available on Blackboard.

• Motivational (Pep Talk) Speech (100 points): 3-4 minutes:                                 A Motivational Speech (Pep Talk assignment) is meant to inspire or motivate the audience. The intent is often to raise morale or productivity in the workplace.  The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate strategies to manage public speaking anxiety and to use storytelling to engage the audience.

• Manuscript Announcement Speech (100 points): 2-3 minutes:                                    Students are to write and present an announcement to your audience as you would in a news conference. You should cater to your audience in this one. You may tell us who we are supposed to be as your audience. It may be our class, students. Or, for instance, if your audience is mostly neighbors, talk about something going on in the neighborhood. If the audience is a work audience, talk to them about a new policy, or something of that nature. If the audience is family at a gathering, talk to them about news in the family or about the next gathering and information. Grading will be on manuscript delivery. Even though you are reading a manuscript, you should practice it and know it well enough to speak expressively and make lots of eye contact.

• Extemporaneous Informative Speech (100 points): 5-7 minutes:                                      The More You know: Informative Speech. Students will research a culture, religion, or country other than their own. Possible topics include social customs, family traditions, holidays, clothing, food, religious traditions, sporting activities, etc. Students will choose topics in a discussion so that cultures and topics are not repeated. Library research is required for this assignment. Research, Outline, Speaking Notes, Visual Aid and Peer Evaluations Required.

• Extemporaneous Persuasive Group Speech (200 Points) 3-4 minutes per person:.                                           Persuade the audience on a topic of your choice. Instructor approval is required. Groups can choose one of several issue options or create a topic of your own: Try to convince others of your values or of your beliefs on a controversial subject.
  • All group members need to agree on a topic. Audience analysis and adaptation will be stressed. Instructor will evaluate presenters on the overall presentation and persuasiveness. Immediately prior to the presentation, turn in a preparation outline, your peer evaluations on the individual evaluation form, and a list of at least five sources.
  • Research, Outline, Speaking Notes, PowerPoint or Google Slides, Group Member Evaluations and Self Evaluation Required. Please note you will be evaluated by your fellow group members and earn an average of your scores.
  • Delivery: 100 points
  • Outline: 25 points
  • Visual Aid: 10 points
  • Peer evaluation: 50 points
  • Google Doc/Technology: 15 points

• Special Occasion Speech (100 points): 2 - 3 minutes.                                                 Students will prepare a special occasion speech, topic choices are:
  • Introduce someone who is receiving an award.
  • Accept an award or scholarship.
  • Make an after-dinner speech on a topic of your choice.
  • Toast the happy couple at a wedding.
• Students should use all of the factors involved in making a concise speech for a crowd of people gathered for a special occasion.

Please note:

I reserve the right to assign additional assignments that will need to be completed. These assignments will go towards your Participation points. These assignments may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Individual and group speech preparation activities and/or presentations
•  Analysis of written, recorded, and/or live speaking performances.
• Written self-assessments of individual speech performances
• Written assessments of other students’ speech performances.

Grading Policy/Schema

Specific grading criteria will be provided for every assignment. If you have any questions regarding the expectations of an assignment, please do not hesitate to seek clarification. Use of proper grammar and punctuation is a requirement for all assignments.

If you have concerns regarding a grade given on an assignment, please wait 24 hours before contacting me. During that time, please review the assignment and grading criteria, contemplate the feedback given on the work, and then contact me if you still have questions about the grade given on the assignment. However, do not wait too long. Grades are only open for discussion for a period of five (5) class days after they have been handed back to the class, whether you were present that day or not.  Please track your points/grade throughout the semester.

Assignment Weights Tracking Table

Course Calendar

(Tentative, and Subject to Change) Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement and sent as an email.

Course Policies and Procedures

Distance Education

If you are new to online learning, there are a few differences between online and traditional face-to-face learning. This class is 100% online, asynchronous, meaning we do all of the work online. Participation is key. We will do class discussion activities for engagement. Time management and study skills are required to be a successful online student. I encourage students new to distance education to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/  Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. We may also use BB Collaborate for class meetings if there are difficulties in Zoom.

Attendance/Class Participation Policy

Students should attend each class day. As this course is online, failure to participate in discussions and submit assignments counts as absence. Plan to participate several times each week in order to avoid falling behind.

If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

The student is responsible for checking Blackboard for announcements and/or instructions, communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Late Work/Missed Exams

To be eligible for a make-up exam the student must provide valid documentation. Missing class on the assigned day does not warrant a make-up exam or speech.

Exams may not be completed late.

Late speeches will incur a 20% late penalty after grading and will only be accepted for 5 days after the speech due date.

Discussions and assignments may be submitted up to 3 days late with a late penalty of -20% after grading.  

Partner or group work is ineligible for make-up as other students are dependent on you. I may offer an alternative assignment, but this is at my discretion.

Assignments

Assignments must be typed, (12 pt. Calibri or Times New Roman font) double spaced paragraphs, include a title page (include your name, title, instructor name and class time), Deductions will be taken due to grammatical or spelling errors. Proofread your assignments! APA or MLA documentation will be required on assignments.

Only submit assignments in pdf, word (.doc or .docx), jpeg, or png formats.

MAC users please be aware that documents will download as pages format and are not readable in Blackboard. Assignments in incorrect format will receive a zero.

Utilizing AI

Instructional and generative AI provide opportunities for students in our classrooms, but we must implement their use thoughtfully and critically to equip our students with the tools they need to be successful technical communicators.

For this course, this instructor understands and encourages the use of AI tools as a resource. However, when utilizing AI students must cite it as a source and not claim it as their own work. Students will need to critically engage in their use of AI.

Additionally, no student may utilize AI to complete any assignment or speech in it’s entirety. AI may be used as a resource to generate idea and to find sources.

Email

Email or REMIND app is the best way to communicate with me outside of class time. Please note when sending an email to include your class time in your email. Include a greeting and a closing. Correct grammar and spelling are expected. Please allow me time to respond. If I do not respond I did not receive your email!

Virtual etiquette and distractions

Refrain from distracting behavior during your virtual class session. Be dressed accordingly for the school day. Please do not use your cell phone, have side conversations, smoke/vape cigarettes, or eat a massive meal on camera. 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.

 Please have your video camera on. If this is not possible, please add a picture to your profile.

Communication Apprehension

The successful completion of this course requires oral demonstrations of communication skills including classroom presentations. Class discussions and activities are designed to help make you feel more comfortable and confident with oral skills demonstrations; but if you are feeling extremely anxious or fearful of speaking with or in front of others, please visit with your instructor early in the semester. If you feel you might benefit from speaking with a clinical professional, you are encouraged to visit ACC’s office of Mental Health Counseling.

Respect for Diversity Statement

In our course we will focus on communication strategies, however I encourage us all to share our unique perspectives. We will be respectful of one another as we engage in both structured and unstructured dialogue with one another. It is imperative that we engage in communication that promotes diversity of many voices.

ACC’s General Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. You do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should you feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date (04/22/24). The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.” Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information.

Instructor Withdrawal Policy

I reserve the right to withdraw a student from the course due to lack of participation or attendance. However, I will only utilize this in extenuating circumstances, as withdrawing from a course should be the responsibility of the student. A conversation will take place prior to initiating the withdrawal.

Incomplete Policy Statement

Instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

A student must have completed a minimum of 75% of the semester’s work and maintained a “C” average or higher and provided a valid, documented excuse for not being able to complete the course on time and has contacted the instructor prior to the scheduled last class to request an extension for instructor to consider awarding an “incomplete.”

 Valid excuses will only consist of difficult circumstances the student has not foreseen, and specifically excludes being busy with work, other classes, extracurricular activities, or the various other responsibilities you have outside of class. If an “I” is awarded the student will sign a contract that includes the incomplete course activities and the new due dates. 

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****

Student acceptance of the conditions and policies outlined in this document is implied by their continued enrollment in this course.

ACC College Policies and Information

You can find ACC College policies at the following website: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies or in our Blackboard course in the section labeled ‘College Policies and Student Services.

Course Textbook & Supplies

The Art of Public Speaking

Edition: 14 2023 Release

ISBN:  1265455643 or 9781265455644

Speech 1315 - Public Speaking. See the syllabus document that is pasted above.

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.