Speech 301 - Public Speaking

Professor Alisa Shubb

Office: D311

Phone: 484-8468

Office Hours: Fall 2003 MWF 11-12;  TT 12:15-1:15; by appointment

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Speech 301 will introduce you to the fundamentals of oral composition and delivery, focusing on methods for improving your skills as a communicator and public speaker. You will be involved in a variety of activities designed to enhance your understanding of speech preparation and delivery including lectures, reading assignments, in-class presentations, papers, exams, and critiques.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

1. Deliver six (6) prepared speeches:

#1 Introductory Speech - 15 points

#2 Visual Aid Speech - 30 points

#3 Informative Speech - 75 points

#4 Sales Speech - 50 points

#5 Persuasive Speech - 100 points

#6 Celebratory Toast - 30 points

2. Take a midterm examination - 100 points

3. Complete 2 video-tape evaluations

Self analysis #1 - 25 points

Self analysis #2 - 25 points

4. Attend Class; Submit critiques of classmates' speeches ; Participate in class activities including impromptu speeches - 50 points

POLICIES:

þ Absence or lack of preparedness on a day in which you are assigned to speak will result in a ZERO for that speech.

þ There will be NO MAKE-UPS for any missed exam, speech, critique, or paper. Students with doctor verified illnesses or other grave circumstances should contact me before the due date of the assignment to discuss possible arrangements.

þ Incomplete or untyped outlines/preparation sheets will not be accepted and will result in a ZERO for that assignment.

þ Absences from class will seriously compromise your understanding of the course material and will dramatically affect your participation grade.

Course Calendar - Fall 2003

Grading Criteria for Public Speaking Courses

"C" Speeches

• present a clear topic to their audience
• follow the assigned organized format
• make a thesis statement in the introduction
• offer necessary supporting materials
• uses language which is appropriate to both the audience and the topic
• fulfill special requirements of the speech (visual aid, audience analysis, etc)
• appears comfortable with extemporaneous delivery
• delivers the speech with at least 50% eye contact
• demonstrates that the mechanics of the assignment is understood

 

"B" speeches

- fulfill all the requirements of "C" speeches and ALSO

• present an interesting topic or point of view
• adhere to a clear and definite organizational pattern with clear transitions between main points
• have a memorable thesis statement
• offer a variety of supporting materials
• gain and hold the audience’s attention
• uses language that enhances the goal of the speech
• appears confident with extemporaneous delivery
• demonstrates that the goal of the assignment is understood

 

"A" speeches

- fulfill all the requirements for "B" speeches and ALSO

• present an exciting, original topic or point of view
• use clarifying internal summaries and transitions
• offer convincing supporting materials
• convinces the audience and makes them care
• uses language that is vivid and effective
• appears to have mastered extemporaneous delivery
• demonstrates an understanding of the theory of the assignment

 

"D" and "F" speeches

• deviate from the assignment
• offer overused, irrelevant topics
• lack discernable organization
• are read
• plagiarize

 

FAQs

Answered directly by your prof. Alisa Shubb

Is Speech 1 an easy class to get an "A" in?

Not really. While the material you are learning is not the most difficult to understand, the amount of work you have to do in this class is very high. Building speeches takes a great deal of time and effort, plus practice and determination. The exam is not tricky, but you must study and be prepared. Your writing skills must be up to par also in order to do well on the self evaluation papers. Finally, you MUST come to class. That said, "A"s are definitely achievable.

The thought of viewing myself on videotape appalls me. Do I have to do it?

A portion of your grade relies on the videotape evaluation papers. Videotape is one of the only ways for you to study your speech performance with some degree of objectivity. On videotape you can see what the audience saw. Viewing your videotapes and writing the evaluation papers is a process of self exploration. You may not be completely comfortable with this process but you will benefit from it.

What if I am not prepared on the day I have to give a speech?

You have a choice: speak anyhow without being prepared, or, lose your turn to speak and receive a zero for that speech.

How come X got a better grade than me when my speech was better?

The primary reason people think one speech is better than another is because the delivery was better. Delivery counts for about 20% of the total speech grade in this class. The rest of the grade is composition and how well the speech adheres to the assignment. (See grading criteria.)

What if I freak out while I am giving a speech?

Occasionally this happens. If you feel you need to stop and leave the room for some reason, you may. I once had a student who had to leave the room three times before she finally stood up and delivered a good speech. If you are very nervous, there are some anxiety reducing techniques you can use. Talk to me in or after class and I will be able to direct you to these resources.

OK, what if I don't completely freak out but mess up. Can I start over?

Yes. Especially if you are just beginning your speech. But you may find that the "messing up" is better handled by simply continuing your speech and not giving the mess up too much more thought.

My printer has been acting up, my hard drive crashed, my roommate has been ill... Can I turn in my outline late or untyped?

No.

_______________________

If you think you have a question that may qualify as frequently asked - please post it with you name in the guestbook. Questions may also of course be asked in person. See you in class.............

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Copyright Alisa M. Shubb, 1999