This course has an assignment that is due by 11:55 pm Central Standard Time on Wednesday night of the first week of class. Failure to complete this assignment will result in your removal from the course for non-participation.

Textbooks

Students in the course MUST purchase access to Connect for the course. The item listed as "required" below contains Connect access and also an ebook version of the textbook. Students may wish to purchase the Connect access bundled with a bound version of the textbook. This item is listed below as "optional”

REQUIRED:

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking, 12 th Ed., (2015) with Connect Access. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill.  ISBN 13 : 978-0-07-779755-3  (includes e-book)

The Connect address for this course will be available when this course opens on August 19.

OPTIONAL:

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking, 12th Ed., (2015) with Connect Access. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 13: 978-1-259-54599-3 (includes physical book)

Additional Requirements

Use of/access to a video camera is required with the ability to upload to your computer (usually via a USB connector) Webcams may be used, but will present some difficulties for usage as compared to a separate digital camera which is strongly recommended as all speeches must be given from a standing position showing at least the upper half of the body so that gestures are visible.

You will need a high-speed connection to the internet.

Students will use the “McGraw-Hill Connect” web-based system which comes with the Lucas textbook for uploading videos and for additional class resource materials.  If you purchase a used textbook/digital textbook anywhere other than the CMU bookstore or from McGraw-Hill.com there will be an additional charge for this service, and you must contact technical services at McGraw-Hill.com to receive your id. 

 

Course Description

Students study the theory of speech communication to develop skills in public-speaking situations. Topics include the speech-communication process, ethics, listening, intercultural considerations, speech-topic selection, audience analysis, research, use of evidence in a speech, speech organization, language usage, speech delivery, presentation aids, and the types of public speaking. Students present introductory, impromptu, commemorative, informative, and persuasive speeches.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will:
 
  • Learn the concepts, principles, and theories necessary for understanding public speaking.
  • Understand his ethical responsibilities as a public speaker, and understand how public speaking can be used to promote the common good.  Students will also develop an ability to discern and analyze ethical issues in public speaking
  • Develop specific skills related to presenting an effective speech such as: audience analysis, conducting research, organizing material, using language and delivery style elegantly, properly using presentational aides, and more.
  • Develop specific skills related to effective listening such as critical evaluation of content, responding appropriately to the speech, and giving constructive feedback, and more.