“Studies show that many people fear the thought of giving a speech more than they do the thought of dying.” - Communication Matters (Chapter 2)
I hope that students find this class to be one that teaches them communication skills, helps them to gain confidence, and encourages them to grow as a person, an analytical thinker, a teammate, and as a life-long learner. This is an elective designed to improve student confidence, articulation, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Curriculum
- The best way to improve in public speaking is through practice, feedback, and repetition.
- Active participation in class is an essential factor for success.
- Students will be expected to deliver various types of formal and informal speeches.
Grading
- All speech / presentation grades are counted equally and averaged together.
Homework and Class Participation
- “Homework / Class Participation” counts as a major/presentation grade.
- Each person will begin each quarter with a 100% in the “Homework / Class Participation” category.
- Each time a student fails to participate by following “the spirit of the assignment,” it will cause a 5-point deduction in the category.
- Each missing HW assignment will also cause a 5-point deduction in the category.
- If a student fails to turn in a speech on the due date, there is a 10-point daily deduction.
Class Website
- All of my rubrics will be posted on this website.
- Students are expected check with this site for due dates.
- If a student is absent, he/she is expected to use this website to keep up with assignments.
- Even if there are “No New Announcements,” please be sure to check “Speeches and Assignments” for any possible new rubrics or assignments.
- Student rubrics will be posted on blackboard in the “Course Document” section.