Students will study the theory of speech communications to develop skills in public speaking situations. Topics include the speech communications process, ethics, listening, intercultural considerations, speech topic selection, audience analysis, research, use of evidence in speeches, speech organization, language usage, speech delivery, presentation aids, and types of public speaking. Students present introductory, impromptu, commemorative, informative, and persuasive speeches. Students will be expected to incorporate visual aids in two major speeches. This course is required of all CMU students and must be taken during the first three semesters.