COMM 111Z Public Speaking

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

COMM 111Z emphasizes developing communication skills by examining and demonstrating how self-awareness, audience, content, and occasion influence the creation and delivery of speeches and presentations.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 or completion of WR 090 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Recommended: Placement into WR 121Z (or higher), or completion of WR 115 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Common Course Numbering Outcomes:

Develop messages for diverse audiences, purposes, and contexts.
Identify and utilize skills to manage communication apprehension.
Deliver and adapt speeches and/or presentations to live audiences.
Evaluate public speeches, including their own, by identifying aspects of preparation, credibility, logic, and delivery.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.
Respond to the needs of diverse audiences and contexts.
Build and manage relationships.

Content Outline

Introduction to Public Speaking
- Understanding communication and its elements
- Ethical speaking and listening
- Components of a speech
- Steps to planning, preparing and delivering a speech
- Types of public speaking and speeches
Informative Speaking
- Characteristics of informative speaking
- Types of informative speeches
- Functions of informative speaking
Analyzing the Speech Situation
- Picking your topic
- Planning for the audience
- Planning for the setting
Research and Support
- Researching your topic
  - Collecting information
  - Evaluating information and sources
- Organizing your speech
  - Purposes of supporting materials
  - Types of supporting materials
  - Tests of evidence
  - Citing your sources
Writing Your Speech
- Organizing the body of your speech
- Introducing and concluding your speech
- Outlining your speech
- Using language in your speech
Delivery Skills for Public Speaking
- Methods of delivery, with extemporaneous mode as the primary, preferred method
- Elements of vocal delivery
- Elements of physical delivery
- Using visual aides
Brief Overview of Persuasive Speaking
- Types of persuasive speeches
- Types of arguments