At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Apply rhetorical theories to create and analyze public speeches in a variety of contexts including historical and/or contemporary.
2. Formulate and implement effective research strategies to gather information and ideas from primary and secondary sources, evaluating them for credibility, accuracy, and relevancy.
3. Employ sound reasoning and construct compelling arguments in support of a guiding thesis and organizational pattern appropriate for the audience, occasion, and purpose.
4. Demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging and adhere to ethical communication practices which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason.
5. Compose and deliver a variety of speeches, including Informative and Persuasive speeches, to a live audience (one to many) using effective delivery practices.
6. Employ effective listening practices.

Additional course objectives:

1. Investigate the process and nature of oral communication.
2. Gain experience in the presentation and evaluation of public communication presentations.
3. Organize and plan speeches for a variety of purposes, including narrative, informative, persuasive, and special occasions.
4. Utilize supportive materials, such as visual aids and documentation.
5. Practice audience analysis with emphasis on cultural, gender, and generational diversity.

1. Foundational rhetorical theories, including the canons of rhetoric and Aristotelian proofs, as well as relevant principles of human communication.
2. Critical analysis of historical and contemporary public discourse.
3. Ethical communication practices as senders and receivers.
4. Effective listening and principles of constructive feedback.
5. Rhetorical sensitivity to diverse audiences.
6. Adaptation to audiences, rhetorical situations, and purposes.
7. Types of speeches (for example, speeches to inform, persuade, entertain).
8. Outline and compose effective speeches based on purpose and appropriate subject matter, topic, thesis, and organizational patterns.
9. Research strategies for locating and critically evaluating ideas and information from primary and secondary sources.
10. Use of credible evidence and sound reasoning to support a variety of claims, including appropriate written and oral citations.
11. Effective practice and delivery skills using various modes of delivery.
12. Effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech.
13. Techniques for managing communication apprehension.
14. Delivery of a variety of student-composed speeches, including Informative and Persuasive speeches.
15. Understand oral communication theory.
    1. Common characteristics of the public speaking process.
    2. The competent communicator's view of cultural diversity as a communication opportunity.
    3. The effects of mass communication on modern rhetorical theory.
16. Effective critical evaluation of speech presentations.
    1. Self-analysis through use of at least one video-taped speech.
    2. Peer evaluations of student speeches.
    3. Instructor evaluations.
17. Effective organization and planning of the speech performance.
    1. Traditional patterns of organization to include Dewey's motivated sequence.
    2. Effective introductions and conclusions.
    3. Oral communication skills.
    4. Outlining techniques.
18. Use of supporting materials.
    1. Visual aids.
    2. Documentation and support of claims.
19. Practice audience analysis with emphasis on diversity.
    1. Analysis of audience belief and value structures in terms of cultural and societal influences.
    2. Consideration of cultural, gender, and generational elements when planning inspirational and motivational speech strategies.

Not applicable.

A minimum of three faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated, oral presentations in front of a live audience (one to many), including an Informative speech of at least five minutes and a Persuasive speech of at least six minutes in length; speech outlines and works cited/references; critiques of speeches. Additional methods of evaluation are at the discretion of local faculty.
Formal written outlines for speeches, including thesis or claim statement, supporting ideas or arguments, evidence, and full citations
Submission of assignments in alignment with student learning development, including peer evaluation and constructive critique
Equity-centered authentic assessment exams on course content material

Lecture
Discussion
Cooperative learning exercises
Field work
Oral presentations
Electronic discussions/chat
Independent study
Demonstration
Internship/preceptorship
Community service
Field trips

Texts used by individual institutions and instructors may vary based on local college practice.

Barton and Tucker. Exploring Public Speaking. (Latest edition). LibreTexts. (OER)

Mapes, M. Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy. LibreTexts. (OER)

Cunill, M. Fundamentals of Public Speaking. (Latest edition). LumenLearning (OER)

Floyd, K. Public Speaking Matters. (Latest edition.) McGraw-Hill.

Lucas, S. The Art of Public Speaking. (Latest edition.) McGraw-Hill.

German, K. Principles of Public Speaking. (Latest edition.) Routledge.

1. Weekly chapter reading assignments from textbook, as well as outside sources, ranging from 20-40 pages per week
2. Written speech outlines; essays in response to lectures, class discussions, and exercises; textbook assignments; and written tests based on course material