Faculty

SPCH-1315 Public Speaking

BROOKE UPTMORE

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

SPCH-1315-060 (50332)
LEC MW 1:15pm - 2:45pm DIL DLS DIL

Course Requirements

Speeches:

Informative speech (40 pts): students will choose a cultural phenomenon of their choosing and educate the class on the topic. This speech will be presented individually and include a PowerPoint Presentation. Students will submit a written outline (10 pts) following the provided template on Blackboard and support main points with at least 3 scholarly resources. This speech will be extemporaneous.
Persuasive group speech (40 pts): In groups of 4-5, students will pitch a product/business to ‘investors.’ Students will be required to submit a written outline (10 points) following the provided template on Blackboard. Then, complete a Group Member Evaluation (10 points), where they will evaluate themselves and their team. This speech will be extemporaneous.
Special Occasion speech (20 pts): Students will have the option to Toast or Roast a person of their choice. It can be someone they know personally or a famous person.
Impromptu Speech (20 pts): Students will be assigned a random topic and present a speech to the class without preparation. Exams: Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of two (2) exams in this course.
Midterm and Final Exam (50 points each): Exams will be 25 multiple choice questions, based on textbook and lecture material. Students may use their notes and textbook on the exam. Students will get two attempts on the exam, Blackboard records the last attempt.

Additional Credit:

Attendance/participation during in-class activities (10 points)

Written assessments: Critical Thinking Assignment (10 Points)

Readings

Students are required to read chapters 1-20 of the course textbook.

Course Subjects

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.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

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.