Faculty Syllabus

SPCH-1315 Public Speaking

Gretchen Harries


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

SPCH-1315-059 (50331)
LEC MW 11:10am - 12:40pm DIL DLS DIL

Course Requirements

55% Individual Speeches/Presentation, including: 1 Memorized, 1 Impromptu Presentation, 1 Special Occasion Speech, 1 Informative Extemporaneous Speeches, and 1 Persuasive Speech with Multimedia 

10% “Make A Difference” Service Learning Motivational Presentation      

5% Small Group Team Building Exercise with Debate of Opposing Views in Teams 

10% Comprised of audience analysis, outlines with works cited and bibliography, self critiques for each speech, public speech that you attend critique, peer critique for persuasive speech. 

5% Class discussions, “public speaking in the world journal-6 entries with class discussion,” and overall participation. 

15% Chapter Tests 

 

Readings

Required Textbook: Public Speaking, Beebe, Pearson Publishing, 9th Ed., ISBN: 9780133979176

Course Subjects

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. Skills: E 3 Credit Hours, 3 Contact Hours

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Demonstrate skills in researching, planning, organizing, rehearsing, and delivering material using presentational aids. 

• Formulate appropriate and ethical communication choices based on audience and situation. 

• Illustrate and appropriately employ various modes of delivery in oral communication (e.g. manuscript, extemporaneous, impromptu, memorized). 

• Recognize and use principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in gathering information for the development of oral presentations and argument. 

• Employ appropriate research and provide speeches with appropriate documentation. 

• Practice effective use of computer-based technology in communicating and
acquiring information. 

• Recognize the roles that public speaking plays in civic awareness. 

• Identify the influence of cultural diversity on communication competence in public speaking situations. 

• Utilize listening skills for analysis and evaluation of a speaker’s message. 

• Participate in teamwork situations to foster interpersonal and collaboration skills.

 

Office Hours

T 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ONL

NOTE Available plenty of times by appointment too virtually. Just reach out: gharries@austincc.edu

Th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM RVS

NOTE Tue & Thur 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Virtual Also available plenty of times by appointment. Please email me at: gharries@austincc.edu

Office Hours

T 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ONL

NOTE Available plenty of times by appointment too virtually. Just reach out: gharries@austincc.edu

Th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM RVS

NOTE Tue & Thur 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Virtual Also available plenty of times by appointment. Please email me at: gharries@austincc.edu

Published: 01/27/2026 15:40:45