Text

• A Concise Public Speaking Handbook by Steven A. Beebe and Susan J. Beebe. Second Edition.
  Pearson, 2009.  ISBN-10: 020550244X; ISBN-13: 9780205502448

• Handouts are provided in class.

• Students select sources for speeches from Library databases and authoritative web sites.

Goals and  Objectives
· To gain in self-confidence before a group
· To improve listening skills
· To evaluate speakers and message content
· To acquire the essentials of the oral communication process including ideas, design, audience analysis, wording, voice articulation, body language and non-verbal symbols, and speaking personality.
· To successfully present prepared and impromptu speeches

Course Requirements
To successfully meet all requirements, students

· listen attentively, then pose questions and discuss classmates’ speeches.
· deliver each of five prepared extemporaneous speeches of 5-8 minutes on assigned dates and according to directions. Late speeches may be delivered if time permits and if an extension is granted. Students lose points on any speech presented late.
· provide written evaluations of student speeches and a listening journal.

· complete quizzes on text chapters as assigned.

· submit a written outline and source list for some speeches.

Class Procedures

Brief lectures; group tasks and discussion, student speeches, evaluations of speeches, and videos

Class Policies
1. Attendance:

Since class participation is vital to this course, attendance is expected at ALL class meetings and students are responsible for all materials covered in class.

A student may miss 3 classes with no penalty if no speech is scheduled for the missed class. A student’s grade is lowered for each absence beyond the third. Two late arrivals or early departures count as an absence.

2. Assignments must be presented on time to earn full credit.
3. For the student discipline policy, see the Student Handbook.
4. Student responsibilities
For optimal learning, students
· participate in all class meetings for the full class session and with full attention
· maintain behavior and attitude that respect and optimize the learning environment
· generate thoughtful questions about assignments and bring questions to class
· collaborate willingly with other students from different educational, cultural and social backgrounds
· exhibit a high level of responsibility, punctuality, and involvement in the course
· discuss any concerns or problems about your course progress immediately with the instructor.
 

7. Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

Our purpose in the classroom is to seek the truth; this work requires trust and honesty between teacher and student. If we are not honest about what we know and don't know, our learning will always be impaired. Because our teaching and learning depends on this honest communication, we expect all students to understand what plagiarism is and why it is unacceptable.

Plagiarism means taking someone else's ideas or words and presenting them as one’s own. The offense can take many forms including cheating on a test, passing in a paper taken from the Internet or from another student, or failing to properly use and credit sources in an essay. Sometimes the issue is subtle, involving getting too much help on an assignment from someone else. In every instance, plagiarism means cheating both oneself and the owner of the source. Since the cheating sabotages a student’s learning experience, consequences range from no credit for the assignment to failure for the course and possible expulsion from the college.

Any student considering plagiarism should recognize the consequences and consider alternatives. Students uncertain about what constitutes plagiarism may request help from faculty or from appropriate college services. For information on using sources in essays, see the English Department web site: http://www.qcc.mass.edu/english/own.html

Special Needs
Please let me know the first week of class if you have any concerns about this course. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, see me or a learning specialist at the Disability Services, 854-4245, Room 246A. All information is strictly confidential.

Grading

Basis for determining final grade

· 5 extemporaneous speeches (4-8 minutes depending on assignment directions)- 80%
· Written evaluations, quizzes, peer feedback, class participation - 20%

Basic criteria for evaluating speeches

• relevance of topic and effective connection with audience

• organizational principles of introduction, body, conclusion

  • includes opening with attention and preview and closing with signal and final thought

• use of accurate, concrete, and appropriate details and examples

• poise and clarity in delivery

• accurate attribution of sources when required

• thoroughness in following directions of assignment

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