Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL N
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: An introduction to the theory and techniques of public speaking in a democratic society including essential principles and skills of public speaking. Discovery, development, and criticism of popular speaking in public discourse through research, reasoning, creative expression, culture, organization, composition, and presentation including informative, persuasive, and storytelling modes. Research and formal outlines are required for all major speeches. (C-ID COMM 110) (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Create and deliver a presentation that connects with your peers and critique your speech making process.
  • CSLO #2: Engage in thoughtful speech making including: audience analysis, an audience-centered topic, academic research, organizational strategies, impactful language, and effective delivery to a diverse audience.
  • CSLO #3: Apply persuasive appeals to advocate for change with sensitivity to equity and cultural diversity.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Diagram the process of speech communication as a basis for improving speaking skills and solving communication problems.
2. Demonstrate public speaking skills by:
A. Selecting and researching appropriate topics for various speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches,
B. Developing a central idea/thesis,
C. Logically organizing the supporting material,
D. Employing sound reasoning, using ethical emotional appeals and establishing credibility,
E. Writing detailed outlines, and
F. Delivering speeches to classroom audiences, employing an extemporaneous style and appropriate verbal and non-verbal techniques.
3. Analyze information and arguments both to evaluate messages and to create effective oral and written messages.
4. Develop comprehensive and analytical listening skills to effectively critique speakers.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and effective use of visual and auditory presentational aids.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences
    • AA/AS - Comm & Analyt Thinking
    • AA/AS - Oral Comm Skills
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - A1 Oral Communication
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 1C Oral Communication

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: Class Discussions: Through the discussion board on LMS or through in class discussion, students will be evaluated on the ways in which they participate in discussion, demonstrating they have done the reading and offering constructive criticism to their peers after their speech performances.
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Essay Examinations: 1. Critical reflection in which students apply course concepts and critique their own performance and one of their peers' performances that resonated with them. In the essay, students draw on course theory and their experience in the event as a performer and audience member to reflect on what was well done, areas for improvement, and the effect and meaning of the acts of performance on the class as a whole. 2. After reading assigned articles and/or chapters, students will purchase and bring a blue-book to class to answer a set of essay questions on the material that assess critical thinking and application of concepts. Responses should be clearly and coherently written in essay-style. Rubric Grading.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: Objective Examinations: After reading assigned articles and/or chapters, students will then take a timed, multiple-choice test on LMS on key concepts from the reading; or take the exam in class through a hard-copy quiz the professor provides
    • Projects
      • Example: Projects: After researching a topic, students will organize and synthesize material into a PowerPoint or other digital format that will keep their audience engaged and support their spoken claims during a speech.
    • Skill Demonstrations
      • Example: Skill Demonstrations: To demonstrate knowledge and skill in the performance of various kinds of speeches, students will perform original works of informative and persuasive speeches, and acts of creative expression and/or true storytelling, for a classroom audience. They will receive critiques from their peers and be evaluated by their instructor based on a performance rubric that is shared with students in advance.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. To teach students public speaking skills, the instructor will lecture on key concepts related to delivery such as gesture, articulation, inflection, facial expression, and eye contact. Then, the instructor will lead students in an activity in which they practice delivery techniques by rehearsing and performing a reading of a children's story to the classroom audience.
    2. To teach students how to diagram the process of speech communication, the instructor will lecture and lead discussion on assigned chapters covering how to choose a specific speech purpose and how to write central ideas/theses. Instructor will present several effective and ineffective specific purpose phrases and several central ideas/thesis statements. Instructor will explain a critical thinking exercise for student practice in recognizing and formulating (writing) effective specific purpose phrases and effective central idea/thesis.

    Distance Learning

    1. To analyze the messages of others and learn how to create their own effective oral and written messages, the instructor will give a lecture to explain the process and illustrate how to with a video of an exemplary speech. Key concepts such as ethos, pathos, and logos will be explained. Students will write speech outlines that apply concepts and effective messages for the given speech assignment. Then students will perform speeches for audiences, video record them, and share them on the discussion board. Students in the class will analyze the messages of their peers’ and provide constructive criticism to each other.
    2. To teach students public speaking skills in the area of delivery, the instructor will lecture on key concepts such as gesture, articulation, inflection, facial expression, and eye contact and illustrate these techniques. A speech assignment will be given in which students focus on delivery. Students will post video recordings of their speeches on a discussion board and then students and instructor will watch the speeches, engage speakers, and give constructive criticism.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Read a chapter from the textbook that defines a type of speech and explains how this type of speech is used in daily life and civic engagement. Answer open-ended questions about the reading that provoke critical thinking in an essay-style post to the discussion board, or in an essay-style assignment and face-to-face share out in class. 2. In preparation for a speech assignment, read a chapter from the textbook that defines and explains the type of speech. Then read a transcript of an exemplary speech that illustrates the speech-type and puts into play concepts from the chapter. Analyze the specific speech purpose, message, language, and how the speaker connects to the audience and rhetorical situation. Answer questions about the reading and speech transcript in a written reflection or group discussion.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. Critically reflect on an introductory speech performance in a 1½ page, double-spaced essay. Focus on your speech and one of your peer's that most resonated with you. Comment on what you shared, what you believe it conveyed about who you are as a person, and what you believe sharing it did or accomplished for you and the class. Apply these same questions to your peer's performance. 2. In MLA style, write a thorough preparation outline for an informative speech, including a specific purpose statement, a central idea, a five-step introduction, a body with clearly stated main points and well-developed supporting material, an effective conclusion, and a Works Cited page. 3. In MLA style, write a manuscript for a commemorative speech, which clearly states why the subject is being honored and which inspires the audience with its specific examples and with its creative use of vivid and poetic language. Be sure to have an introduction which captures interest and reveals the topic, a well-organized body with strong support, and an inspiring conclusion.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Dynamically deliver a persuasive speech, in which you use ethos (building your credibility and citing reliable sources), logos (supporting your thesis with facts, statistics, examples, expert testimony, and logical reasoning), and pathos (appealing to the emotions of the audience) to persuade your audience that they should agree with your thesis (and possibly take action).

    Required Materials

    • Public Speaking: The Evolving Art
      • Author: Coopman, S. J. and Lull, J.
      • Publisher: Cengage
      • Publication Date: 2024
      • Text Edition: 5th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking
      • Author: O'Hair, D., Rubenstein, H., and Stewart, R.
      • Publisher: Bedford St. Martins
      • Publication Date: 2023
      • Text Edition: 7th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • The Art of Public Speaking
      • Author: Lucas, Stephen E.
      • Publisher: McGraw Hill
      • Publication Date: 2020
      • Text Edition: 13th
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Speak Out, Call In: Public Speaking as Advocacy
      • Author: Mapes, M.
      • Publisher: LibreText
      • Publication Date: 2021
      • Text Edition:
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER: Yes
    • Stand up, Speak out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking
      • Author: Anonymous
      • Publisher: LibreText
      • Publication Date: 2020
      • Text Edition:
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER: Yes
    • Exploring Public Speaking
      • Author: Barton, K., and Tucker, B.
      • Publisher: LibreText
      • Publication Date: 2021
      • Text Edition:
      • Classic Textbook?: No
      • OER Link:
      • OER: Yes

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.