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. In-depth examination of speech text within a cultural context. (Honors)
16. Accelerated historical and contemporary oral interpretation. (Honors)
17. Advanced presentational delivery customized toward intended audiences. (Honors)
18. Honors-level post-speech analysis and self-reflection. (Honors)
19. Employ a high standard of self-awareness as public speakers and speech-writers by identifying specific areas to improve in their own research, speech-writing, and delivery. (Honors)

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 speech presentations in front of a live audience
Self-reflection paper
Written speech analysis and critique
Written examination

Lecture
Discussion
Cooperative learning exercises
Oral presentations in front of a live audience
Electronic discussions/chat
Demonstration

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.

Fujishin, Randy. The Natural Speaker, 9th ed. 2018.

1. Weekly chapter reading assignments from textbook, as well as outside sources, ranging from 20-60 pages per week. (Honors)
2. Written speech outlines; essays in response to lectures, class discussions, and exercises; peer critiques; textbook assignments; and written tests based on course material.