The Art of Public Speaking

Edition: 14 2023 Release

ISBN:  1265455643 or 9781265455644

Please note this textbook is First Day Access and no physical purchase of the book is necessary

• Computer access for Blackboard (Bb) quizzes and course materials
• Access to stable Internet
• A Microphone
• Headphones

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:

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.

• Manuscript Self Introduction Speech (30 points): 2 minutes. Students will utilize an Infographic Visual Aid to tell the classroom about themselves.
• Manuscript Announcement Speech (40 points): 2 minutes. Students will construct and deliver an announcement speech to their peers via computer. Focus on delivery and visual elements.
• Extemporaneous Informative Speech (150 points): 4-5 minutes: The More You know: Informative Speech. Students will research a culture, religion, or country other than their own. Research, Outline, Speaking Notes, and Visual Aid Required.
• Extemporaneous Persuasive Group Speech: 6-8 minutes. Students will work in groups of 4-5 students. Working with the agreed problem, each team will develop a proposal to address the scenario and present this proposal in a pitch-like presentation to their peers. 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.
  • You will earn an individual grade for (30 points):
    • Group Member Evaluation
    • Self Evaluation
  • Students will receive a group grade for (120 points):
    • Research
    • Outline
    • Speaking Notes
    • PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation
    • Speech
• Impromptu Special Occasion Speech (60 points): Students will construct an Acceptance Speech and deliver it to the class. Ensure all three elements are included in the speech.

Exams (300 points):

You are required to complete three exams. Exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay questions.

Participation (75 points):

You are required to successfully complete activities assigned. Routine class attendance, and class engagement is expected. Points will be deducted for not staying on topic, this includes being on your phone during class time. We will also utilize the Blackboard discussion board for engagement outside of the classroom.

Additional Extra Credit Options (15 points):

I may offer opportunities to earn up to 15 points of extra credit for the entire semester. It is up to you to take advantage of these extra credit opportunities to enhance your grade.

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.

Course Calendar

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

All readings are to be completed before class discussion to foster classroom discussion.

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 instructor lecture via in person learning. Students will work individually, with partners and in group settings.  Students will give presentations in either of those combinations. Students are expected to contribute to all lectures and activities with questions, ideas and relevant business or personal experiences.   

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. 

Practice strategies for reducing stress while presenting to an audience.