SPEECH I

(Revised Winter of 2007)

 

PHILOSOPHY

Research suggests that public speaking is the number one fear of most people and the ability to communicate is a necessary lifelong skill enabling the student to be a responsible, contributing citizen. Students need to develop skills, knowledge and confidence to speak and listen in a variety of settings.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Speech I is designed for students to be given an opportunity to explore various means of expression, listening skills, and communication through public speaking situations. Emphasis is placed on preparation and delivery of various speaking circumstances, including the overall communication process which entails human relations and listening skills.

 

COURSE GOALS

Students will increase and develop communication, listening, human relations, and public speaking skills.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

Communication

Students will

·        Understand the function of the basic elements in the communication process

·        Comprehend the role of the speaker in communication

·        Understand how individual perceptions affect communication

 

Listening

Students will

·        Develop an understanding of the complexity of the listening process

·        Develop skills necessary for effective listening

·        Identify and comprehend verbal and nonverbal communication

·        Develop and appreciate techniques of emphatic listening

·        Develop and appreciate techniques of critical listening

 

Human Relations

Students will

·        Gain an appreciation of how self-concept affects human relationships

·        Overcome fear of speaking in front of a controlled audience

·        Learn ways to communicate through self-disclosure

·        Learn ways to increase sensitivity to the communication needs of others

·        Understand the significance of non-verbal factors in communication

·        Discover the importance of group discussion and develop those communication skills that facilitate working in groups

 

Public Speaking

Students will

·        Select topics and speeches appropriate to their audiences and purpose

·        Use a variety of research sources, organizational patterns and rhetorical devices in speech preparation

·        Learn and use oral communication skills necessary to deliver messages effectively

·        Adhere to time limitations

·        Deliver a variety of speeches and presentations including:

o       Newspaper article

o       Introduction

o       Information

o       Oral Interpretation

o       Mass Media

o       Sales

o       Demonstration

o       Political

o       Impromptu

Speech Benchmarks

2007

 

 

SPEECH:

END OF COURSE ASSESSMENT

 

A portfolio will be maintained for each student throughout the semester that will show their competence in the following areas:

 

·        Preparation for speeches- assessed through student generated outlines

·        Topic selection

·        Research

·        Outlining

·        Rehearsal

·        Delivery of the following types of speeches: assessed through teacher generated evaluation forms

·        Information

·        Persuasive

·        Demonstration

·        Impromptu

·        Oral Interpretation

·        Knowledge of the following: assessed through curriculum based or teacher designed tests

·        Verbal and nonverbal communication

·        Traits of effective communicators

·        Importance of listening skills

·        Recognition of faulty reasoning and propaganda techniques