This course is designed to expose you to several speech-delivery strategies
to enable you to communicate orally in an intelligent and convincing way in
any situation, with or without time for preparation.
Throughout the course, students will be expected to show evidence of mastery
of the following skills. Students must...
1. model the appropriate role when speaking to an audience.
2. model the appropriate role as an audience member.
3. use appropriate speech delivery skills.
4. use effective non-verbal communications skills.
5. demonstrate the skill of speaking for a variety of purposes and
within different contexts.
6. write effective speeches of various types by consciously applying
strategies for organization
7. research effectively for speeches when research material is needed.
8. utilize mechanical devices (e.g., podium, microphone, aids, video
cameras, computers, etc.)
9. create characters, mood, tone through appropriate reading and
expression.
10. actively and effectively listen (this skill includes hearing,
recognizing structure, evaluating the message and method of
delivery, and responding) to a presented speech.
Most units will be introduced with a short lecture of explanation and/or an
example to clarify the concepts and requirements of the activity or speech
type. Students will then be given time in class to practice and/or apply
the skill(s). Students will generally have a few days to research, prepare,
and practice the speech. On the set due-date, each student will then
present a speech to the class-- regardless of how well-prepared he or she
is. Audience members are expected DAILY to provide specific, supportive
feedback and constructive criticism to each speaker both orally and in
writing. Candid self-reflection is also an important part of students'
growth.
> Each speech is given one major grade and counts in total as 60
percent of the quarter grade. Speeches
> MUST be submitted on the due date whether or not you are in school.
> MUST show clear evidence of applying the skills learned in class and
overall preparedness.
> Are due the same day for ALL students even if you are not delivering
yours that day.
> Shall be TYPED (unless specified otherwise) and be a reasonable
model of what you deliver orally.
> Shall not be "thrown together." Regardless, you will still be
expected to deliver a speech for the allotted time, but you will receive
between a 40 and a 50 only.
NOTE: Not delivering a speech is NOT an option.
> MUST be rehearsed SEVERAL times before being delivered to the class.
There are non-negotiable, automatic penalties for late and
short/long speeches: Ten points per day will be deducted prior to the
delivery date.
Class participation will be measured by the teacher through daily
observation of the student's behaviors, contributions, and "blue book"
journals. Participation includes...
> adhering one-hundred percent to the class's confidentiality and
no-ridiculing agreements
> not talking or whispering while others--especially the teacher--are talking
> providing daily and professional feedback to speakers
> willingness to make "learning stretches"
> supportiveness of others
> homework completion
> class attendance (-1 point per unexcused tardy; -2 per absence
regardless of reason; total deduction may not excede 10 points per quarter)
> the seriousness with which the student takes class activities and
the course in general.
Together, these elements of participation count as 40 percent of the quarter
grade. For a detailed breakdown of the participation rubric, see
the "Speech Handouts" folder on this site's homepage.
Students will be required to type out a full-text version of their speeches,
to use an outline, and to use note-cards. Extemporaneous or impromptu
speeches are always a possibility at any time.
Some possible speech types include the following:
> Speech of introduction
> Eulogy speech
> Toast speech
> Personal experience speech (telling an anecdote)
> Persuasive speech
> Comedic speech
> "I Have a Dream" speech (personalized)
> Advertising pitch speech
> Historical speech
> Demonstrative speech
> "Hook" speech
> Impromptu speech
> Extemporaneous speech
* The final speech is a separate grade equal to 10 percent of the final,
semester grade.
Students are expected to come to class dressed appropriately for the type of
speech they are presenting. Some speeches are more formal than others.
Your teacher will inform you of the expectations for attire before each
speech.
If you are ever unclear or frustrated with an assignment, do not hesitate to
schedule some time with me so we can work through your problem. I AM HAPPY
TO MEET WITH STUDENTS WHO NEED EXTRA HELP. Be sure not to wait until the
last minute, however, as rushing through an assignment can seriously limit
the quality of your work and is insulting to your teacher.
I wish you the best of luck throughout this course and your entire academic
career. I am sincerely looking forward to working with you.
Please feel free to drop by my office unannounced or to arrange a meeting
for extra help-- H periods are usually best. I am unavailable for extra help
during E and F periods.
(Visit the bottom of this website's homepage for a more detailed schedule
matrix of my availability during the day.)
At any time, you are expected to be able to speak extemporaneously about the
news. Use the following links to remain current...
http://www.currentevents.com/
http://pub28.bravenet.com/news/headlines
