Speech 1315: Intro to Public Speaking (Online)
Instructor: Ms. LesLeigh Conway, M.A.
Email: [email protected] OR through the Blackboard messaging tool
**Note About Emails ** I will respond to your email within 24 hours of receiving your initial email. I will not respond to emails over
the weekend or during school holidays!
***If you make the decision to continue to stay enrolled in this online public speaking course, then you
automatically agree to the terms and conditions of this syllabus!***
I. Course Description
This course is a systematic study of the basic principles of effective verbal communication. It provides experience in
public speaking and listener analysis. Emphasis is placed on speech construction for extemporaneous speaking.
II. Course Content
This course is designed primarily as a public speaking course, but also includes sections on small group
communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, and mass
communication.
III. Prerequisites
No prerequisites course are required, some prerequisite technology and knowledge necessary, discussed below.
IV. Textbook and Readings
The Art of Public Speaking by Stephan E. Lucas is the current textbook needed for this class. For purposes of this
course, I’m using the 11th edition.
V. Method of Instruction
Presentations, Online Quizzes, Exams, Discussion Boards, and Other Assignments.
VI: Course Policies, Procedures, and Assignments
1.) Deadlines
All deadlines for this course are non-negotiable and fixed. The due dates listed on our Blackboard site serve as your
guide. If you fail to turn in an assignment or speech (via the appropriate channels) by midnight CST (Central Standard
Time) of the due date, you will receive zero points for the assignment, regardless of extenuating circumstances.
Because life happens, I strongly encourage you to turn in all work early. There will be absolutely no deviation from this
late work policy. I will not respond to emails requesting extra time on ANY assignment.
2.) Written Assignments:
All homework assignments must be submitted electronically. References that are turned in must be done in accordance
with the most recent APA style guide – see www.purdue.edu (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/) for excellent
information. All work should be free of spelling and grammar errors and include content appropriate for an academic
discussion.
3.) Class Participation:
In order to do well in this course, you must stay ahead of all deadlines AND use/participate in the Discussion Board for
the course.
4.) Turning in Speeches:
All speeches will be turned in by submitting a link to a youtube page under the appropriate assignment on Blackboard.
You are responsible for obtaining the necessary equipment/technology to create an easily viewable and audible
recording of your speeches, which can be uploaded to a (preferably secure) youtube channel. I will not provide any
assistance with this process, access to this equipment and the requisite knowledge to properly use it are
prerequisites for this course. If you are not familiar with the technology and tasks described above, you should
not take the online version of SPCH 1315. Also, I will not accept ANY emailed speeches for any reason! They
must be turned in under the appropriate assignment by the appropriate time.
Our Brownwood and Stephenville campuses have indicated they may be able to provide access to cameras/computers
as well. Contact those campuses for more information. I know [email protected] for info in Stephenville.
5.) Attendance:
This class uses the Early Alert Report (EAR) service. By week 3 of the spring semester,
I will notify the Retention Coordinator if you have struggled with excessive online
absences, incomplete work, or difficulty with the course content. This warning is not
an official grade, yet it indicates concerns about your progress that need to be addressed
immediately. If you are contacted about an Early Alert Report, please respond to the
Retention Coordinator and respective campus personnel (i.e., athletic coach, Dean of
Students, instructor, campus administrator) to discuss action strategies and resources for
academic improvement and, ultimately, success.
6.) Academic Dishonesty:
The class discusses ethics in public speaking. We will cover this subject in great detail. All sources must be cited and in
the PROPER manner, again, see www.purdue.edu (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/). Failure to do so will result in
a failing grade, and may be cause for dismissal from the class and/or college. Any student caught cheating will be
dismissed from class.
7.) Available Support Services:
Library, student services, tutors, laptop computer checkouts, mentoring programs, are all available through other
departments at Ranger College campuses.
8.) ADA Statement:
Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and/or physical disabilities. The student is
responsible for making the initial contact with the Ranger College Counselor. It is advisable to make this contact before
or immediately after the semester begins.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
VII: Spring 2016 Course Schedule
- Complete Student Introductions (Discussion Board) - 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 1 (Speaking in Public)
- Read Chapter 3 (Listening)
- Complete Quiz 1 (Chapters 1 & 3) - 20 Pts.
- Thoughts & Goals Mini Quiz – 10 Points
- Submit “Tell Me About Yourself” Mini Speech – YouTube Delivery – 30 Pts.
- Complete Nervous? (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 4 (Giving your First Speech)
- Read Chapter 5 (Selecting a Topic & Purpose)
- Complete Quiz 2 (Chapters 4 & 5) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Informative Speech Topic – 5 Pts.
- Complete Introduction with a Startling Statistic (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 9 (Organizing the Body of the Speech)
- Read Chapter 10 (Beginning & Ending the Speech)
- Complete Quiz 3 (Chapters 9 & 10) – 20 Pts.
- Read Chapter 11 (Outlining the Speech)
- Read Chapter 13 (Delivering the Speech)
- Complete Quiz 4 (Chapters 11 & 13) – 20 Pts.
- Complete Introduction with an Anecdote (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 15 (Speaking to Inform)
- Complete Quiz 5 (Chapter 15) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Informative Speech Outline (Follow Template!) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Informative Speech – YouTube Delivery – 100 Pts.
- Complete Introduction with a Quote (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 7 (Gathering Materials)
- Reach Chapter 8 (Supporting Your Ideas)
- Complete Quiz 6 (Chapter 7 & 8) – 20 Pts.
- Complete Midterm Exam! – 100 Pts.
- Submit your Peer Reviewed Informative Speech -20 Points
- Complete Importance of Considering Your Audience (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 2 (Ethics & Public Speaking)
- Read Chapter 6 (Analyzing Your Audience)
- Complete Quiz 7 (Chapter 2 & 6) – 20 Pts.
- Analyzing your Audience Mini Quiz – 10 Points
- Submit “How To” Speech Topic – 5 Pts.
- Complete Pros & Cons of Visual Aids (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 14 (Using Visual Aids)
- Complete Quiz 8 (Chapter 8) – 20 Pts.
- Submit “How To” Speech Outline (Follow Template!) – 20 Pts.
- Submit “How To” Speech – YouTube Delivery – 100 Pts.
- Complete What are some cool things you have learned? (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 12 (Using Language)
- Choosing your Words Mini Quiz – 10 Points
- Submit your Peer Reviewed “How To” Speech – 20 Points
- Complete How have you been persuaded in the past? (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
- Read Chapter 16 (Speaking to Persuade)
- Submit Persuasive Speech Topic – 5 Pts.
- Complete Fallacies (Discussion Board) – 10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 17 (Methods of Persuasion)
- Complete Quiz 9 (Chapter 12, 16, 17) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Persuasive Speech Outline (Follow Template!) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Persuasive Speech – YouTube Delivery – 100 Pts.
- Complete Special Occasions (Discussion Board) -10 Pts.
- Read Chapter 18 (Speaking on Special Occasions)
- Complete Quiz 10 (Chapter 18) – 20 Pts.
- Submit Special Occasion Speech Topic Selection – 5 Pts.
- Complete SHORT Special Occasion Outline – 20 Pts.
- Submit Special Occasion Speech – You Tube Delivery – 70 Pts.
- Complete Final Exam – 100 Pts.
- Submit your Peer Reviewed Special Occasion Speech – 20 Points
VIII: Grading Policy
Grades will be based on an 1100 system.
Discussions/Mini Quizzes = 140 Points
Quizzes = 200 Points
Speech Preparation = 100 Points
Speeches (5) = 400 Points
1. Tell Me About Yourself Mini Speech = 30 Pts.
2. Informative Speech = 100 Pts.
3. “How To” Speech = 100 Pts.
4. Persuasive Speech = 100 Pts.
5. Special Occasion Speech = 70 Pts.
Speech Peer Reviews (3) x 20 Points = 60 Pts.
Midterm Exam = 100 Points
Final Exam = 100 Points
A = 990-1100
B = 880-989
C = 770-879
D = 660-769
F = 0-659
IX: EXTRA CREDIT
At this time, I do not plan on offering extra credit opportunities.
X: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
ADMISSIONS, EMPLOYMENT, AND PROGRAM POLICIES OF RANGER COLLEGE ARE
NONDISCRIMINATORY WITH REGARD TO RACE, CREED, COLOR, SEX, AGE, DISABILITY, AND
NATIONAL ORIGIN.
XI: EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The Exemplary Educational Objectives are intended to contribute to the students’ intellectual and personal growth and
to assist them in understanding and appreciating not only their heritage but also to prepare them for responsible
citizenship and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing and highly technological world.
Communication
C-1 To understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision,
editing, and presentation;
C-2 To understand the importance of specifying audiences and purposes and to select appropriate communication
choices;
C-3 To understand and appropriately apply modes of expression, i.e., descriptive, ex positive, narrative, scientific, and
self-expressive, in written, visual, and oral communication;
C-4 To participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding;
C-5 To understand and apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the
development of exposition and argument;
C-6 To develop the ability to research and write a documented paper and/or give an oral presentation.
XII: BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES
The Basic Intellectual Competencies listed below are components of a process designed to assist and prepare students
for becoming well-educated individuals who are intellectually flexible, articulate, and have the capacity to become
responsible and creative members of society. These competencies are included in this course, and they are noted by the
following numbering system:
B1-READING: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials -books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods
of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
B2-WRITING: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose,
occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any
composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of
anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic and how to
develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through
practice and reflection.
B3-SPEAKING: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive
language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and
developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and
through the media.
B4-LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken
communication.
B5-CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills
analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies.
Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking, used to address an identified task.
B6-COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based
technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an
understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools
necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.
XIII. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Using appropriate technology, develop skill in researching and organizing materials for speech making (C-1, C-2, C5, C-6, B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6);
2. Practice various desensitizing techniques to assist in managing speaker apprehension (C-1, C-4, B-3, B-4,B-5);
3. Apply basic skills of critical thinking, (i.e. recognizing fallacies, defending beliefs with appropriate facts, identifying
differences between fact and opinion in media and speeches) in persuasive speaking and debates (C-1, C-4, C-5, B-1,B2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B- 6);
4. Identify and demonstrate various methods of audience analysis through the use of media and class examples (C-2, B4,B-5,B-6);
5. Present and/or identify various types of speeches (i.e., informative, persuasive, report, commemorative, entertaining,
testimonial, etc.) (C-1, C-2, C-3, B-1,B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6);
6. Individually and in small groups demonstrate ability to prepare speaker outlines, preparation outlines, and
manuscript speeches including a bibliography in APA format when appropriate (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-6, B-1,B-2, B-3,
B-4, B-5, B-6);
7. Demonstrate an understanding of ethics in gathering information, speaking, and the use of technology (C-1, C-5, C6, B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6).