SPCH1315 – Public Speaking – Spring 2024 – Online

Instructor: Diana Cooley, Ph.D.

Office: A264-B

Phone #: 281.765.7814

Office Hours: by appointement via phone or WebEx

E-mail: [email protected]

Textbook: A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking – 7thEdition Authors: O’Hair, Rubenstein, Stewart ISBN-9781319247607 ISBN:9781319492359 (eBook) TEXTBOOK IS REQUIRED

Course Description: Public speaking provides the student with the essential skills and tools necessary to communicate ideas. Selection of topic, organization of data, exercises in vocal awareness, evaluation of audience, situation, and techniques of delivery are discussed & put into action. Through oral presentations in class, students will enhance their competence in oral communication. This course explores the different styles of public speaking: argumentative, ceremonial, informational, motivational & persuasive. The information presented brings attention to the strategies of planning, preparing, and presenting the speech & focuses on skill building that will benefit the student long after the Public Speaking course is over. Upon successful completion of this course, students will (as established by the LSC System):

1. Recognize and understanding of the foundational models of communication. 2. Apply elements of audience analysis. 3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. 4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. 5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. 6. Understand how culture, ethnicity, and gender influence communication. 7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g., narrative, informative, or persuasive). 8. Demonstrate understanding of visual communication as it pertains to public speaking.

The human brain starts working the moment you are born

and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. ~ Sir George Jessel

All great speakers were bad speakers at first. ~Emerson

MESSAGE FROM INSTRUCTOR: In this course, which all of your learning will take place completely online, you have to opportunity to learn the major concepts and principles of public speaking which will provide you with the necessary tools to help you communicate effectively in your personal life and in the business arena. The course covers public speaking concepts/theories and topics such as audience analysis, communication apprehension, verbal techniques, effective use of technology, persuasion and researching etc. Each assignment builds on the next; you have explicit directions/examples provided to you to complete this course successfully and meet the course objectives set forth by the LSC system. It is your responsibility to have good time management skills and the incentive to review the necessary materials for you to be successful. You are responsible to be an active participant in your learning process. You can do the work correctly (following specific directions/examples), or you can do the work your way (for which you’ll receive a zero). The decision is yours, but the grade you earn comes from following the exact directions for each specific assignment as stated in this syllabus. You need to realize that the work you do at the beginning of the semester has a major impact on the end results (your grade). Each assignment builds on the next assignment, so it is imperative to complete your work on time. Since this is an ONLINE Public Speaking course, you are required to have an audience for all of your speeches (except for your speech of introduction). You are to have three (3) or more ADULTS in attendance for your speeches. If you feel you cannot arrange an audience of three (3) or more people, then you need to go and withdraw from this course and register for a face-to-face Public Speaking class at the college. Remember this is a Public Speaking class not a READING class, points are deducted if you read your whole speech.

COURSE INFORMATION:

All assignments are due on the dates assigned!

• You have approximately 206 hours to submit each assignment to an assignment folder. Assignment folders open at 8am and close on the due date at 10pm. Do not contact your instructor if you have technical difficulties, she cannot help you. Please contact tech support at 1-866-614-5014 and get a name and ticket number of the person who helped you. Please utilize the Microsoft Edge when in D2L. Alternative log-in to myLoneStar is d2l.lonestar.edu. There are NO DO-OVERS for submitted assignments, you are graded on what you originally submit to the assignment folder, so pay attention to what you submit.

• ALL work is deposited in the designated assignment folders in D2L as a WORD DOCUMENT ATTACHMENT ONLY, DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME AT THE TOP OF YOUR PAPERS and DO NOT submit PDFs, PAGES or JEPEGs – THEY CANNOT BE GRADED.

• NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. DO NOT send me an email message with an attachment of your work once an assignment folder has expired. I WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK.

• It is your responsibility to keep up with the readings of the assigned chapters for this course and utilize this information in your assigned work and in your presentations.

Attendance

Because this is an online course, it is recommended that each student check the online course at least two/three times a week during the course session. The instructor no longer drops students from this course, it is the student’s responsibility to drop this course when he/she feels they cannot successfully complete this course for whatever reason. The last day to drop this course and receive a ‘W’ is April 8, 2024.

Communicating with the instructor

The instructor communicates with students via D2L email only ([email protected]). I check my emails from 8am up to 8pm during the week so if you email me at 11pm please do not expect a reply until the next day – it is my policy to reply to you within 24 hours. Disrespectful or rude emails will be forwarded to the Dean of Dean Fine Arts, Business, Communication, Computers & Design, Mr. Eric Sims.

Speech Videos

• Please read/review the EXPLICIT DIRECTIONS given to you regarding recording your speech video under the content tab in D2L. An audience is required (3 or more adult individuals) for your informative, persuasion and final speech.

Dress Policy for Speeches/Speech Videos Please dress appropriately on the day of your speeches. NO jackets, hoodies, hats, headgear, sunglasses, no tank tops, swimsuits/trunks, pajamas, or evening wear. Good appearance is vital when appearing before an audience. Speech Topics

• Informative Speeches are to inform the listener (audience) of a particular topic, you have the opportunity to pick from forty (40) top ten topics, please see enclosed list under your content D2L tab (Topic Selection) or the list at the end of this syllabus. The LSC-NH librarian for this class has this informative speech list, and they can assist you in your research.

• Persuasion Speeches – the topics for your persuasion speech come from the LSC-North Harris Library Issues and Controversies web site. Please choose one of the 25 topics provided to you on the enclosed list under your content D2L tab, this list is also at the end of this syllabus. Once again, the LSC-NH librarians can assist you in your research for this speech. All your information for the persuasion speech can come from the issue/controversy’s web site.

• Information for your speech topics must come from valid sources, you cannot use Wikipedia, blogs, or Twitter, TikTok, or Social Media.

Research Assistance: Your research for your speech topics MUST come from valid sources NO Wikipedia, NO Blogs, NO Generic Web Sites. You CANNOT google your topic (especially for your speech of persuasion) and take information directly from the internet – points will be deducted from your final score. The following LSC-NH librarians can assist you with your research. Email either of the course librarians to set up virtual appointments:

• David Puller ([email protected]) You should schedule one because the research task is complex and meeting with a librarian can make it much easier and faster. These librarians have all the specific requirements for your speech assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to begin your research or contact a librarian for assistance.

Assignments: Syllabus Quiz – This quiz permits the student to be assessed on the policies and assessment of this course. Students are required to take this quiz online on or before the due date. POINTS: 50 possible points Speech of Introduction – This speech will be the basic speech of introducing yourself to the instructor. You are to take the letters of your first name and describe yourself. Example: “Good morning professor, I am Diana Cooley and if I had to describe myself by using the letters of my first name, I would say that I am Dynamic, Intelligent, Artistic, Nice, and Articulate. And I am going to college to be —– when I grow up.” After you describe yourself, please inform me as to why you are going to college. Basic speech which will be 2/3 minutes. – no notes or audience required. POINTS: 50 possible points Speech of Information – A speech with the intentions of educating the listener/audience on a specific subject. Please see the list of the TOP 40 from which to pick your topic. Directions/Requirements: Proposal submitted to assignment folder, library research, formal, full-sentence outline submitted to assignment folder with reference page in APA format, visual aid (PowerPoint), 5-6 minutes. POINTS: 130 possible points Speech of Persuasion – A speech with the intentions of educating the listener/audience on a controversial topic in which many (not all) have opposing viewpoints. You are to pick your topic from the list provided to you under the content tab or at the end of the syllabus and prepare a presentation that utilizes several of the methods of persuasion that are presented to you in Chapter 23 and 24 of your textbook. Directions/Requirements: Library

research, proposal submitted, to assignment folder, formal, full-sentence outline with reference page in APA format submitted to assignment folder, visual aid, oral footnoting, 7-8 minutes each. POINTS: 130 possible points Closing Speech – This speech allows the student to reflect on the concepts/principles learned throughout the semester and present to the class what they have gleaned. This speech is about you and your learning, it is NOT a book review (what did you do well, what did you wish you would have done, do you look at PS differently now than you did when the semester first started. Directions/Requirements: Proposal, formal, full-sentence outline submitted to assignment folder, visual aid (PP), 5 minutes. POINTS: 120 possible points Proposals – Speech proposals allow the student the opportunity to present his/her speech idea to the instructor for approval and to receive feedback & suggestions on your presentation. Directions/Requirements: Proposals are to be typed and are a basic statement of intent. They identify the topic and the three main points the student will address in his/her speech (these three main points will be your thesis of your speech and you will address them in your outline and when you speak). You must state your source(s) that you are utilizing for your information. Your proposal will look exactly like the example provided to you under the content D2L tab. POINTS: 3 at a possible 10 points each Outlines – Formal outlines are your roadmaps to success. The outlines you submit to the assignment folders are to be formal, full sentence outlines. Please see the example in your content D2L folder. All outlines will look EXACTLY like the example: Proper Introduction, Credibility Statement, Thesis Statement, Body organized and follows thesis statement, Proper conclusion/signposting/recapping. Citing within your outline and your reference page MUST be in APA format – SEE APA reference sheets for citing properly in APA Format under the content tab – do not cite in MLA. PLEASE NOTE: Your outlines will be submitted to Turnitin.com to check for originality/plagiarism. Points will be deducted when Turnitin.com identifies the work of others and/or direct plagiarism. You will have points deducted for the following percentages: 20-24% minus 5; 25-35% minus 10; 36-45 minus 15; 46-55 minus 25; 56-67 minus 35; 68 and above minus 50. There will be three (3) formal, full sentences submitted. POINTS: 3 at a possible 30 points each. Please note if you do not submit a formal, full sentence outline you will have 20 points deducted off your speech grade. Exams – There will be three (3) exams this semester (see exam chapter schedule for each exam under the content tab). Directions/Requirements: The exams will be taken online. You have eight days to take an exam, but a 2- hour time limit to complete it once you open the exam. Plan accordingly once the due date & time has expired you will not be able to take the exam. POINTS: 3 at a possible 80 points each PSA Assignment – This assignment affords the student the opportunity to see/hear the many different levels/types of persuasion and be able to recognize the methods of persuasion. Directions/Requirements: View Werner Herzog’s documentary From One Second to the Next – It can Wait (a documentary on texting while driving at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fev32zxoh00 it is 35 minutes long). Answer the questions related to the documentary and submit to the assignment folder in D2L. POINTS: 1 at a possible 80 points each Introduction/Conclusion Assignment – This assignment permits the student to recognize and become familiar with the proper methods to begin and end a speech by reviewing 5 of the greatest speeches of century from American Rhetoric (https://www.americanrhetoric.com/). Directions/Requirements: Please follow the exact direction provided to you in the assignment folder for this assignment in D2L; see example under your content D2L tab. DO NOT put your name at the top of your paper. POINTS: 1 at a possible 80 points each Visual Aids – Visual aids help your audience retain information and allow the speaker to stay on track during his/her presentation. Please review the PP on visual aids provided to you under your content D2L folder. Submit VA to assignment folder before submitting your speech video. Your instructor will view your visual aid while she is reviewing/listening to your speech video. All speeches (except introductory speech) require a visual aid (PP).

Procrastination is the BAD HABIT of putting off until the day after tomorrow

what should have been done the day before yesterday. ~ Napoleon Hill

COURSE SCHEDULE, ASIGNMENT DUE DATES, ASSIGNMENT FOLDER OPEN & CLOSED DATES READING REQUIREMENTS: Twenty-one (21) chapters will be covered in this course, and it is the student’s responsibility to read/review the following chapters: 1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,19,20,22,23,24 and 25.

ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNMENT FOLDER OPENS

ASSIGNMENT FOLDER CLOSES

Syllabus Quiz 1/16 at 8am 1/23 at 10pm

Introductory Speeches 1/16 at 8am 1/23 at 10pm

Introduction/Conclusion Assignment 1/23 at 8am 1/30 at 10pm

Informal Speech Proposal 1/30 at 8am 2/6 at 10pm

Exam #1 2/6 at 8am 2/13 at 10pm

Informative Speech Outline 2/6 at 8am 2/13 at 10pm

Informative Speeches & Visual Aid 2/13 at 8am 2/20 at 10pm

PSA Assignment 2/20 at 8am 2/27 at 10pm

Exam #2 2/27 at 8am 3/5 at 10pm

Persuasion Speech Proposal 3/19 at 8am 3/26 at 10pm

Persuasion Speech Outline 3/26 at 8am 4/2 at 10pm

Persuasion Speeches & Visual Aid 4/2 at 8am 4/9 at 10pm

Closing Speech Proposal 4/9 at 8am 4/16 at 10pm

Closing Speech Outline/Notes 4/16 at 8am 4/23 at 10pm

Final Speeches & Visual Aid 4/23 at 8am 4/30 at 10pm

Exam #3 4/30 at 8am 5/7 at 10pm

Official Withdrawal/Drop Date: April 8, 2024 (Students must drop themselves if they feel they

cannot successfully complete this course). GRADING REQUIREMENTS/GRADEING SCALE/GRADING TABLE:

GRADING REQUIREMENTS POINTS GRADING SCALE

Syllabus Quiz 50 1000 – 900 = A

Speech of Introduction 50 899 – 800 = B

Information Speech & Visual Aid 130 799 – 700 = C

Persuasive Speech & Visual Aid 130 699 – 600 = D

Closing Speech & Visual Aid 120 599 – 500 = F

Speech Outlines 3 at a possible 30 pts. each 90

Speech Proposals 3 at a possible 10 pts each 30

Exams 3 at a possible 80 pts. each 240

Introduction/Conclusion Assignment 80

PSA Assignment 80

TOTAL 1000

PLEASE NOTE: The grading scale for this class is a simple point system, the points you earn for each assignment can add up to a possible 1000 points for the semester, the above grading scale identifies what constitutes an A-B-C-D or F for this class. You can view all the points you earn throughout the semester under the grading tab in D2L for this class. However, you are required to read the feedback from each assignment submitted in order to have your grades posted (the system informs the instructor when the feedback has been read/reviewed (date/time).

Course Policies: 1. Students are responsible for understanding D2L AND dealing with any technical issues that may arise. DO NOT call or e-mail the instructor with these kinds of issues. Please contact the

Help Desk (the link is on the D2L homepage) if you experience problems. Once again DO NOT contact your instructor when having technical issues.

2. All course assessments and assignments (unless otherwise instructed) are due by the date and time indicated in D2L. DO NOT ask for extensions. DO NOT send assignments to your professor’s e-mail after the assignment deadline; they will not be accepted.

3. The best way to contact your professor is through D2L e-mail when you are actually in the class/course. Outside e-mails cannot be verified and may not be received. It is recommended that you log into the course daily to ensure you stay on track and read any messages from your instructor.

4. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS OR DO-OVERS FOR WORK IN THIS CLASS. You have ample time (206

hours) to complete assessments and assignments if you practice good time management. 5. All written materials submitted to the instructor and/or the class must be typed in an acceptable fashion. A standard format would be paperwork consisting of 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and at least three sentence paragraphs. Assignments must be submitted in a doc or docx format. NO PDFs, PAGES or JEPEGs these type of documents will not be

accepted/graded. CHECK YOUR FORMATTING SETTINGS AND PROOF READ YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMISSION there are NO do-overs.

6. For written assignments always answer the questions and/or address all the criteria for an

assignment in a coherent manner (i.e., be organized, use detailed examples).In addition to proper grammar and appropriate language, demonstrate a good understanding and application of terms used in the notes/lessons and your textbook.

7. Avoid plagiarism and collusion (see details regarding plagiarism at the beginning of the course syllabus). All material, not originally your own must be cited properly using the APA style guide. Additionally, there should be no collaboration among students on any course work.

8. According to the LSC- Student Handbook, “disruptive activity that hinders other students’ learning or deters an instructor from effective teaching will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” Take special care when sending e-mails and responding to discussion board items.

9. It is the student’s responsibility to drop him/herself from this course. You are an adult – you

registered for this class, and you should be able to comprehend if you cannot successfully complete this course. The last day to drop this course and receive a ‘W’ is April 8, 2024.

10. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING. If some aspect of the course is uncertain, it is your responsibility to clarify it – ask questions!

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS,

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ~ Agnes Allen

TOP 40 INFORMATIVE SPEECH TOPICS SELECTION LIST – SPRING 2024

TOP 10 MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN

HISTORY

➢ Insulin

➢ Antiseptics

➢ Heart Surgery

➢ Genetic Engineering

➢ Organ Transplantation

➢ Germ Theory

➢ X-Rays & Medical Imaging

➢ Anesthesia

➢ Vaccines

➢ Antibiotics

TOP 10 CELEBRATIONS OF THE WORLD

➢ Holi – India

➢ Burning Man Festival – Black Rock

Desert, Nevada USA

➢ Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

➢ La Tomatina, Bunol – Valencia, Spain

➢ The Carnival of Venice – Venice, Italy

➢ Octoberfest – Munich, Germany

➢ Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Lantern

Festivals – Chiang Mai Thailand

➢ St. Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland &

New York USA

➢ Running of the Bulls, Pamplona – Spain

➢ Mardi Gras – New Orleans USA

TOP 10 BIGGEST HEISTS OF ALL TIME

➢ Central Bank of Iraq Heist-2003

➢ Russian Hacking Ring – 2010

➢ Antwerp Diamond Heist – 2003

➢ Hatton Garden Saft Deposit Burglary –

2015

➢ Pink Panther Ring – 2003

➢ Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft –

1990

➢ British Bank of the Middle East Heist –

19976

➢ Brinks Mat Warehouse Robbery – 1993

➢ Wilcox Train Robbery – 1899

➢ Crown Jewels Robbery – 1671

TOP 10 MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE

U.S. (ACCORDING TO OSHA)

➢ Fishing & Hunting Workers

➢ Logging Workers

➢ Roofers

➢ Construction Workers

➢ Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers

➢ Structural Iron & Steel Workers

➢ Delivery & Truck Drivers

➢ Underground Mining Machine Operators

➢ Farmers & Agricultural Workers

F.E.A.R.

Has two meanings:

Forget Everything and Run

OR

Face Everything and Rise

The choice is yours!

PERSUASION SPEECH TOPIC SELECTION LIST – SPRING 2024

The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is your integrity.

~Derek McCoy

GOVERNMENT/GOVERNMENT

PROGRAMS & FUNDING

1. Tap Water Quality: Should the federal

government more strictly regulate the

U.S. water supply?

2. Should presidents claim strong executive

power?

3. Are government programs like welfare,

food stamps, Social Security, Medicare,

and Medicaid beneficial to the United

States?

4. Opioid Epidemic: Should the

Government Take More Aggressive

Measures to Address the Opioid Crisis?

5. Government (Climate Change): Should

the U.S. government take aggressive

steps to address climate change?

6. Should the U.S. government mandate

large, graphic warning labels on cigarette

packaging?

7. Red Flag Laws: Should courts confiscate

guns from people they deem a danger to

themselves or others?

8. Universal Basic Income: Should the U.S.

government guarantee every American a

minimum income?

GOVERNMENT/MILITARY

9. Drones: Should the United States use

drones for both military and law

enforcement purposes?

10. Private Property Rights: Should the

government be able to use the power of

eminent domain to take property for

private development.

11. WikiLeaks: Is WikiLeaks justified in

publishing classified military and

government documents?

HEALTH/MEDICINE

12. Should the U.S. government impose so-

called sin taxes on cigarettes, alcohol,

and other products deemed harmful to

public health?

13. Should the Federal government strictly

regulate the vaping industry?

14. Should the federal government be

involved in the fight against childhood

obesity?

15. Smoking Bans and the Tobacco Industry:

Are smoking bans necessary to protect

public health?

16. Should the government impose soda

taxes?

17. Do social and cultural factors cause

eating disorders?

18. Should physicians be allowed to accept

payment from pharmaceutical companies

to endorse drugs?

19. Should prescription-drug prices be

regulated?

20. Right to Die: Do terminally ill patients

h