For this course we will use an OER Digital Textbook (which means it is free, you don't have to buy a textbook for this class). Available on the first day within the course.

ETextbook Title: Exploring Public Speaking: The Open Educational Resource College Public Speaking Textbook Version 4.1 (2020)

• Must have access to computer, equipment (cellular phone, tablet, computer {laptop or desktop}, video equipment).
• Notebook for writing and taking notes.
• 1 pack of 3"x5" white note cards (lined or unlined)
• Materials for creating Visual Aids or access to Powerpoint. 
• Students must have ability to print documents for class. 
• Must have access to Blackboard.

At the end of this class, students will be able to:

• research information for inclusion in their speeches
• utilize appropriate outlining
• develop informative, persuasive, group, and special occasion speeches
• employ appropriate delivery skills

* Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.

* Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

* Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

* Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Lecture Topics:

1. The Basics of Public Speaking & Speech Communication

2. Audience Analysis & Listening

3. Ethics in Public Speaking & Cultural Diversity

4. Developing Topics for Your Speech

5. Researching Your Speeches

6. Organizing and Outlining Your Speech

7. Supporting Your Speech Ideas

8. Introductions & Conclusions

9. Presentation Aids in Speaking

10. Language

11. Delivery

12. Informative Speaking

13. Persuasive Speaking

14. Logical Reasoning

15. Group Speech Communication

16. Special Occasion Speaking

1000 – 900     A

899 – 800       B

799 – 700       C

699 – 600       D

599 – 500       F

Communication between students and the instructor is essential for success. You are required to check your LSCPA email every 24 hours.  Questions or concerns about assignments must be addressed with the instructor via email prior to the due date.  Students must use their Lamar PA email account when sending emails to the instructor.  Please allow 24 hours for a response to emails during the week; weekend emails will be replied to on Mondays.

Cell phones, headphones, AirPods, earbuds, etc. are prohibited while in class.  If you have an emergency, you may step out into the hallway to take or make a call.  Otherwise, phones should be put away. Recording yourself or others in class is strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the classroom.

All written work must be typed using correct grammar and spelling and submitted as specified in the assignment instructions.  Student assignments are accepted solely on Blackboard. Work will not be accepted via email or in person. It is the student’s responsibility to learn to use Blackboard appropriately. Blackboard training is offered to students at no cost.

Participation is a critical portion of your final grade. Participation includes participating in class activities, discussions, as well as being an active and respectful audience member during classmates’ speeches.

Plagiarism, written or oral, will result in a zero on the assignment (1st offense) and failure of the course (2nd offense). If a student plagiarizes an assignment, the instructor will regrade all previously submitted assignments.

Speech requirements are listed below. Failure to comply with all requirements on a speech assignment will result in a zero grade for that speech. You must include all four items for each speech. Students must meet all four requirements below to avoid receiving a zero. 

1. Outlines (turned in via Blackboard before speech presentation)
2. Works cited page (turned in with outline)
3. Visual aids (used during speeches)
4. You should dress professionally for your speeches.  Business casual dress is required.

Students are required to complete a group project which requires students to communicate and collaborate outside of class.  For student safety, it is recommended that you not share your personal contact information with group members.  Please use the Blackboard email function or a text app (i.e. WhatsApp, GroupMe, etc.).