Speech I - Elements of Public Speaking, Santa Monica College, Fall 2007
Instructor: Barry L. Preston
Class Hours: 6:45p-9:30 p Thursday night, AET120
Contact Information: Campus Mailbox or email at gkwillie@aol.com (please, no attachments) Email is the best way to contact me outside of class. I also show up early to class and can stay late if need be.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
TEXT: BUILDING A SPEECH by SHELDON METCALFE
Also suggested is any Style Guide, like the Little Brown Handbook as we will be
citing sources inside your outlines and using either the APA or MLA style,
whichever you choose. Students are required to print out class handouts and any
other materials I advise in class. You can find all these class materials at
http://homepage.smc.edu/preston_barry
under Class Resources button. Not following sample outline formats can and may
reduce your grade.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: In addition to the predetermined goals for the class, each student should have personal priorities for what information or skills should be emphasized depending on their personal goals for the class. THIS CLASS IS ALL ABOUT PREPARATION. Preparation is by far the most effective step toward controlling nervousness about giving a speech. Also, proper preparation means no reading (typing out entire speech and reading it like its from a book to the class) your speech, but deliver it with eye contact to the entire audience.
CLASS ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES
1. Never read your speech. The highest possible grade you will receive will be a C and then only if it is a superb speech. This is an extemporaneous speaking class. We will draft outlines, not scripts and deliver speeches on a daily basis. Outline your speech and practice its delivery and make eye contact. A script is when you write out your speech, word for word, then read it without looking at the audience. This results in an automatic C grade. Don’t let yourself down by doing this, its very obvious when a speech is read versus delivered. If you simply read your speech you will be stopped. Try to make eye contact.
2. When it is your turn to speak give a copy of your outline to the instructor. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade. It should be in the proper outline form and typed.
3. Please participate, it’s your class. Listen when others speak. DO NOT WORK ON YOUR SPEECH OR OTHER MATERIAL WHEN ANOTHER STUDENT IS DELIVERING THEIR SPEECH. Doing so will result in a lower grade on your speech.
4. Students will evaluate each speech. Failure to do so will reduce your grade. Being absent on speech days will cost you points without a doctor's note.
5. Students will participate in classroom speaking exercises. These exercises make up the participation portion of your grade. They are designed to improve your speaking skills. There is no make up for these exercises.
6. Any electronic device that makes noise is prohibited inside the classroom. Five points will be deducted from your grade for any type of distraction caused by your device. You can have them, but turn your phone to silent. Do not leave your phone on your desk and play with it. Do not play games or watch video on your phone. If you are that into your phone, you shouldn't be in this class.
7. The instructor will make appropriate accommodations for disability related needs. You must first contact SMC Disabled Student Services for accommodations.
8. No auditing of this class is allowed per Santa Monica College policy. That means you cannot have any friends or your children attend this class unless they are enrolled.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES (In addition to those above)
1. Keep this syllabus. Read it often, it is a guide to this course. It can answer many of your pressing questions. It can also help you plan your class. Your job is to attend this class, do assignments on time and study for the exams. Failure to do so will obviously result in a lower grade. You will need to download various handouts/quizzes/samples during the course. You will be notified of this while you are in class. Example: You will need to download the feedback sheets and bring them with you on the day you deliver the speech. For quizzes, you will print those out and bring them in on the day we will take the quiz.
2. Be ready to speak on time. There is no acceptable excuse for being unprepared except a doctor’s written excuse for your absence. Being on time is a very important rule in this class as it will disrupt the schedule of everyone if you are not on time and prepared. This also means being on time to listen and evaluate the speeches. If you are absent on a speech delivery day, you must be ready to deliver your speech when you next appear in class and have a doctor’s written excuse for your absence at that time. The day you deliver to me the absence excuse is the day you deliver your speech. Leaving early for any reason except a legally recognized excuse under Santa Monica College policy will result in a reduction of your participation points. You are not a captive audience. ANY EXCUSE besides you being ill and with a doctor’s note on a speech day will result in a 20 pt. reduction of your participation points. It is your responsibility to give me your doctor's note otherwise the points will automatically be deducted for your absence.
3. Speeches are due the first day they are assigned to be delivered. Example of this: You have a Monday, Wednesday class and speeches are to be delivered both days. They are due on Monday even if your not chosen or do not volunteer to speak. You must be ready to go if your name is randomly chosen. If a student is not ready to deliver their speech at that time, the speech then is considered late and your participation points are subject to the above reduction. PLEASE BE PREPARED. Outlines are also due on the first speaking day.
4. ABSOLUTELY NO eating in class.
5. If you are late getting to class, wait until any speech in progress is finished before entering the room. After class report to the instructor so that you will not be counted as absent.
6. If English is not your primary language, you still will be held to the level of English that is required to attend this class. Speaking with an accent is very acceptable. Hint: Keep your speeches simple. The biggest mistake non-native English speakers make is choosing a topic that is too difficult to explain, for example Cloning or Physics. Or thinking it best to write a script and then not being able to pronounce difficult words. Use your own outline.
7. Laughing at or otherwise making fun of another student for any reason will result in loss of participation points. Being amused and having fun is fine. Do not talk while someone is delivering a speech. If I have to ask you to be quiet, your grade will be reduced. I am very sensitive on this issue.
8. The academic honesty policy of Santa Monica College will be strictly enforced.
9. Go to the restroom before class! If I notice you leaving class before break more than once to go to the restroom, you will be docked 10 pts. from your participation grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
1. This is a 16 week course, once a week. Missing any class will cause you to miss one week’s material.
2. Do not be absent on a day you are to deliver a speech. After one absence, your grade may be reduced, regardless of excuse, as you are missing participation in classroom exercises.
3. A student will be dropped after the 2nd unexcused absence. It is your responsibility to inform me of your reasons for being absent. If you just vanish for 2 classes, then arrive at the next class with any excuse, it’s too late. I need notice sooner than that. Two absences for any reason = minus 10 pts. Three = minus 20 pts., and so on. Subtract off your total class score. Many things occur in class, if you're missing class, your missing points.
4. Each tardy will count 3 points. Title 5 regulations specify that students will attend class regularly, and that instructors will have a method of monitoring attendance on a regular basis. Tardy is anytime after class begins. Additionally, a student that is disruptive of the class will be dropped after one warning.
5. No adding until end of week 1. It is your responsibility to add or drop the class, not the instructor’s. You will not be able to sit in class unless you can prove you are enrolled. There will be no end of semester adding allowed.
6. You can not be absent Week 15 and 16. If you have to leave early in Week 16, drop the course now and take another class. You must be present to evaluate speeches. If you can't be, you will lose points. Do not wait until near the end of the class to discuss this. If you do, it is your mistake and you will lose points. It is YOUR responsibility here, not mine.
GRADING
(In addition to any prior grading criteria herein)
All grading of speeches will be by the Instructor. Student evaluations will NOT
count towards your grade. On speech presentation days, students not delivering
must evaluate. Evaluating is as important as speaking. Your speech’s grade will
be reduced by 20 pts. if your absent for any reason and not evaluating on a
speech presentation day. Your participation grade will be reduced by 20 pts. if
your speech or test is late unless you submit a timely doctor’s excuse for that
regularly scheduled day. Timely means the very next class after your absence.
All late speeches may be made up, subject to the 20 pt. penalty, at the
discretion of the instructor. There will be no makeup’s on the quizzes,
classroom speaking exercises or homework. Under no circumstance may any
assignment be made up after the last day of class. Participation means active,
positive additions to the class and fulfillment of classroom exercises. Keep a
running total of your points, it is easy to do.
GRADING POINTS
Personal Experience Speech 65
Demonstration/Visual Aid Speech 90
Persuasive Speech 150
Final Exam 100
Impromptu Speech 50
Quizzes 30
Outlines 90
Outlines must follow proper outlining format; Must be typed. Stapled in the left
hand corner, no folders, includes Work Cited list; Grammar and Spelling are part
of this grade; Outlines are separate assignments and will be evaluated that way.
Participation 75 (Homework Assignments/Classroom Exercises; 10 pt. speeches Bugs
Me, Weird, Interview, Non-verbal, Special Occasion Speech, and listening make up
participation grade points. Other class assignments may be assigned in class.
There is no make-up for these)
Total Points Scale
650 - 585 = A
584 - 520 = B
519 - 455 = C
454 - 390 = D
389 - F
Note on Grading: Keep a running total of
your points as you receive your assignments back from me. To receive an “A” on
any assignment, there can be no errors in the assignment, you must hit on all
the things we talk about in class or mention in this syllabus (so your presence
in class is important). A “B” grade indicates you almost achieved “A” status,
but fell short in one area. This is an important distinction as an “A” is work
that clearly stands out as error free. A “C” grade is average, that means you
did good, but nothing beyond the average level of performance. A “D” grade means
you didn’t meet expectations and didn’t follow instructions. An “F” is total
failure to follow course procedures and meet any objectives of the assignment.
Under no circumstances are you to come to me after the course and tell me you
need an A to transfer. If you need an A, you must earn it! I hear this far too
often from SMC students. You are missing the point of education if you fall back
on this type of psychology. You will be evaluated fairly, based on your work
product and performance in class. Take your suggestions and learn from them.
This may be the most important lesson you learn about education and life. You
will lose significant points if you aren't in class to evaluate other speeches.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF
CLASSES/ASSIGNMENTS: ****Students
should be familiar with each chapter assigned prior to the start of class for
which it is assigned. Note that you will be reading some chapters out of order
and that the reading is top heavy, more in the beginning than in the end. As you
can see, the course is divided into weeks. That means the reading for each week
will comprise the topics to discuss that week. Class time is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
- this is where you will explore these concepts and those you discover on your
own. Your speech drafting/outlining will begin in class, but to be successful,
you should work on the speech continuously from week 1 through time to deliver.
It is a process, not a last minute relay race.
WEEK
1
Syllabus and Orientation
Class interviews/Introductions (Classroom Exercise #1)
Read Ch. on Reducing Apprehension (You will be discussing this throughout the
course) A key is to take three deep breaths, in and out. Relax while you breathe
in and out. Try it! Remember, if you do not take action to reduce anxiety, you
will not improve in this area. There is no magic to reducing anxiety, it takes
practice. Focus on your speech, not the feelings of anxiety that may arise. And
prepare, prepare, prepare! Try to have fun with it. Another key is to just be
yourself.
Here is some background on informative speaking: We will begin to construct your
outlines.
Read Ch. on Building 1st Speech - Personal Experience, Demonstrative, Person,
Place, or Thing.
Read Ch. on Selecting the Topic and Purpose (Your ideas are the key. You must
think for yourself, figure out what interests you and use that as a topic.)
Remember, choose an appropriate topic for you and the audience, the First
Amendment is very broad, but when addressing a class of students from all around
the world, that eliminates certain topics. Also avoid overdone topics such as
anything on smoking or cell phones unless you put a totally different and unique
spin on the topic.
WEEK 2
Read Ch. on Speaking to Inform - promotes understanding, enlightenment,
educates. Look at the different types of informative speeches.
Read Ch. on Analyzing Your Audience - Who are they? Do they all understand you?
If you are an expert on a topic, you must convey it in an easy to understand
way.
Read Ch. on Organizing the Body of the Speech - remember your time limit. It is
your responsibility to know where you are time-wise in your speech.
Read Ch. on Considering Language - choose appropriate words carefully. Choose
words
with impact/relevance to topic/avoid language not appropriate for audience.
WEEK 3
Quiz #1 - Keep your quizzes when returned to
you. They will form the basis of the final exam. I will inform you what chapters
will be on the final.
Read Ch. on Developing Your Delivery - Key is to Practice, Practice, Practice.
Common mistakes are rapid rate, too much movement, monotone voice, little eye
contact and READING!
Read Ch. on Choosing the Introduction and the Conclusion - done after main
organizing. Key is to have a STRATEGY and make it brief and attention getting.
The introduction includes at its end the SP and thesis. Common mistake here is
to just begin, without an intro or make your intro too long. That ruins your
time element for the speech. START WITH YOUR INTRO AND GET ATTENTION OF
AUDIENCE!
Week 4
Deliver Personal Experience speeches starting Tuesday! (3-4 minutes) Print
out feedback sheet from the website and bring it to class with your two copies
of your outline.
Week 5
Finish Personal Experience Speeches or being Visual/Demo speaking.
Begin Demonstrative Speaking - Read Ch. on
Using Audiovisual Aids - make them readable and use them effectively. SIMPLE IS
USUALLY BETTER! Just placing a picture near the podium is not effective. Think
about your visual aid. If you plan a VCR or other device, practice with it. You
only have 5 minutes.
Week 6
Quiz #2 - Chapters TBA.
Week 7
Deliver Demo/Visual Aid speeches.
Week 8
Finish speeches.
Week 9
Listening - Read Ch. on Improving Your
Listening Skills - listen to speakers, don’t do other things. Auburn University
study indicates listening takes place 52.5%, speaking 16%, 17% reading, 14%
writing.
Week 10
Do Impromptu Speeches. Read the quotes over starting a week before delivery day. Be prepared.
Week 11
Begin Persuasive Speaking. Pick a unique topic. Draft a clear proposition. Research your body points and support them. Conclude strongly.
Week 12
Continue Persuasive Speaking – Persuasive 1 minute speeches.
Week 13
Schedule TBA
Week 14
We will do a Special Occasion Speech this week - 1 minute! This is your last 1 minute speech!
Week 15
Persuasive Speeches (4 minutes) You must have
a clear SP, thesis, smoothly mention sources and create logical arguments to
have a chance at an A grade. For this assignment, you must choose an appropriate
topic that is unique for the audience. For example, just arguing smoking is bad
for your health is a given. Also, to meet the minimum standard for an A on this,
you need to mention in speech 3 separate credible sources, with authors. That
means web sites with no authors aren’t accepted. Find articles on the web with
credible authors. Or use other secondary sources. You can use a primary source
if you wish, but the 3 sources rule above applies still. Please bring an
envelope with a stamp for return of your speech if you deliver on the last day
of class. You
will not be able to retrieve it absent an appointment if you don't.
Print out feedback sheet and bring to class.
See tips on website too. Do not read your speech word for word, rehearse it.
*****Quiz #3 -
Final Exam - Compilation of the past quiz questions and new questions. Pay
attention to the quizzes. Write your name on your exam or you risk getting a
zero. Also, the exam is late and subject to a 20 pt. penalty if you missed the
due date as discussed in class.
Week 16 Continue Persuasives
Note that this is a tentative schedule of
assignments. As class size varies every semester, the instructor may have to
alter the syllabus during the semester. You will be afforded notice of any
syllabus change or class announcement. You are considered notified when changes
are announced in class even if you’re not present for the announcement for any
reason. Please stay in touch with the class.