Course Assignments and Weight

**For more information on all course assignments, see “Assignment Criteria and Guidelines” area in Blackboard**

1. Speeches: All of our speeches this semester will center around the theme “Discovering and Sharing your Authentic Self.” 
   • Speech of Introduction (2-3 mins.; 75 pts.): This speech provides an opportunity to perform your first speech in a low-stakes environment. Students will use their time to tell us about something that matters to them. This could be a hobby, passion, interest, person, or experience. Students can imagine this as the “origin story” for the topic they will explore in future speeches. Topics and speech will be developed in class. The purpose of the speech is to give classmates insight into the speaker's background, personality, attitudes or aspirations– introducing us to your "authentic self.”

• Delivery style: Extemporaneous 
• Self-Critique required

1. Informative Speech (4-5 mins.; 150 pts.): Using an approved topic of their choosing, students will give an in-depth speech that informs their audience. The goal of this speech is to teach the class about something that you are passionate about so that we can both get to know you better and learn something new. The goal of this speech is to teach, not convince or persuade. 

• Delivery style: Extemporaneous 
• Outline required (see Outline Guidelines and Requirements in Blackboard) 
• Works Cited required with at least 3 academic sources cited 
• Visual Aid required (see Visual Aid Guidelines and Requirements in Blackboard)
• Peer Critique required
• Outline: 50 pts.; Speech: 100 pts.

1. Persuasive Speech (8-10 mins.; 200 pts.): Students will work in groups of 4-5 students. Working with the agreed problem, each team will develop a proposal to address the problem and present this proposal in a pitch-like presentation to their peers. Please note you will be evaluated by your fellow group members and earn an average of your scores.

• Delivery style: Extemporaneous 
• Outline required (see Outline Guidelines and Requirements in Blackboard) 
• Works Cited required with at least 3 academic sources cited 
• Visual Aid required (see Visual Aid Guidelines and Requirements in Blackboard)
• Peer Critique required
• Grading breakdown: 
  • Individual grade: 
    • Group member evaluation (20 pts.) 
    • Self evaluation (20 pts.) 
  • Group grade: 
    • Outline (50 pts.) 
    • Speech (100 pts.) 
    • Visual aid (10 pts.) 
    • In-class assignments for persuasive speech preparation (see participation section) 

1. Special Occasion Speech (2-3 min. 75 pts.): There are several options for this assignment. Students can choose any one of the following:
   1. Introduce someone who is receiving an award + Accept an award or scholarship.
   2. Make an after-dinner speech on a topic of your choice.
   3. Toast the happy couple at a wedding.
   4. Give a Eulogy for yourself or someone you know (living). 

• Students should use all of the factors involved in making a concise speech for a crowd of people gathered for a special occasion.
• Delivery style: Manuscript
• Self-critique required 

1. Exams (3 – 100 pts. Each): There will be three exams in this course spread throughout the semester (see Course Schedule for dates and content). Exams will consist of 25 multiple choice or true / false questions. Exams will be taken at home via Blackboard (unless otherwise stated in the syllabus). Exams will be based on a combination of lecture and textbook material. To do well on exams be sure to follow the course reading schedule, attend class, engage in class, and come prepared for the exam review session. The exam review session will always take place during the class meeting directly preceding the exam. The exam is open note but NOT open book or open friend. This means it is your responsibility to take thorough notes on your reading and class lectures. Exams should be taken on your own, even if they are taken from home. If you require testing accommodations please let me know prior to exam day. Study guides will be provided for each chapter and will pertain directly to the exam material. 
2. Self and Peer Critiques: 
   1. Self Critiques (2; 25pts. each): Following your Speech of Introduction and your Special Occasion Speech, students will submit a single-page, double-spaced paper reflecting on the performance of their first and last speeches. It may be helpful to record yourself delivering your speech for ideas on what you can improve on. See assignment instructions in Blackboard for more information. 
   2. Peer Critiques (2; 25pts. each): Following the Informative and Persuasive Speeches, students will submit a single-page, double-spaced paper providing their peers with positive praise and constructive feedback. See assignment instructions in Blackboard for more information. 
3. Participation (100 pts. Total): Participation will be evaluated based on the following: 
   1. Attendance and tardiness 
   2. Respect and decorum in class (including using technology outside of its allowed usage) 
   3. In-class projects, notes, and activity submissions
   4. Frequency of participation during class (answering questions and contributing to discussion in a positive and respectful manner) 
   5. For more on participation, please refer to “Attendance and Class Participation Policy” in the Course Policies section of the Syllabus. 
4. Extra Credit: Various options will be provided throughout the semester for extra credit. These are optional and students may decide if they would like the opportunity to improve their grade or not. 

ASSIGNMENT FORMAT

All major assignments in this class must be typed and submitted in either a Word document (.docx) or a PDF. Assignments submitted as plain text, Google doc link, Pages, etc. will not be accepted and will receive a zero. All written assignments must be:

• Typed using a one-inch margin (1.25 inches is also acceptable because it is the default setting)
• Typed using a 12-point, non-script font (i.e. Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma)
  • Note cards can be handwritten
• Double-spaced (except for formal speech preparation outlines, which should be single spaced)

*Assignments that do not conform to these expectations will not be accepted. See “Writing Guidelines” on Blackboard for more information on and examples of acceptable written assignment formatting. 

Assignment Points Tracking Table

Course Calendar

Course Calendar

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.