Syllabus
Reddit thread
Do search on page for "public speaking."
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The instructor handed out a hard copy of the syllabus and we read it in class. She also showed students where a digital copy of the syllabus could be downloaded (see above link).
In addition, she gave students the ISBN to order a hard copy of the book. She explained that the book will be treated as a reference for the course and that readings will be assigned according to what areas are pertinent to the topics being covered in the class.
After reading the syllabus, she gave the class a reading assignment (see end of this post).
We began research work for the first speech, which is a speech of introduction, by brainstorming questions we have when we meet a new person. In addition, we added questions whose answers will give us insights about the person. The instructor asked the class to be sure to get the name and spelling of the name correct because a memory technique for names will also be taught.
The class was given 35" to do their interviews. The instructor suggested that students type out their interviews as soon as possible so they can remember better. The key to an interesting speech is having ample material.
The introduction speech is a "benchmark" and while it will be graded, the grade will not be entered. The speech is used to give students areas on which to work for their next speech, the demonstration or process speech.
Grading criteria is as follows:
1. Does the introduction grab the listener's attention?
2. Did the speakers put their names on the board?
3. Is the delivery smooth through the use of transitions?
4. Does the speaker maintain eye contact with all sides of the room?
5. Does the speaker use index card(s)?
6. Does the speaker enunciate clearly and project so that the audience can hear?
7. Is the outline organized?
8. Is the outline double-spaced?
9. Does the outline have the title " ____ introducing ____?"
10. Does the speaker repeat the colleague's name in the conclusion?
After the students returned from their interviewing, the instructor gave guidelines on how to shape content.
The assignments for next week are:
a) write the outline for the speech. Reduce the outline to key words and put them on a notecard or card stock. Practice. Make sure your speech is 3-4".
Be prepared to give your introductory speech at the next class.
b) read "Understanding Your Nervousness," pages 10-17.
Read Ch. 4, "Analyzing Your Audience," 79-84.
Be prepared for a reading check on points from the above readings. Five questions per reading.
d) Think about a skill that can be a topic for a demonstration speech.
e) Read the Reddit thread (link above). Be prepared for a 10" class discussion on the comments.
