ENG22 Public Speaking Course Description Speaking in public is something most of us will have to do at some point in our professional lives. Some of us dread it. Others love being the center of attention. But one thing is certain: speaking in front of groups of your peers is an important part of professional development. This course will aim to help students understand the basic principles of public speaking as well as provide opportunities to improve and practice the skill. We will listen to the speeches of famous entrepreneurs, politicians, keynote speakers, and other respected leaders. By listening to famous speeches, we will understand how the experts do it, and learn from their example. By learning how to consume speeches critically and analytically, we should also learn what makes a good speech and a skilled speaker. The productive aspect of the course will guide students through the steps of choosing topics, themes, and delivery styles; preparing and delivering speeches, and adapting to the audience. Students will give a variety of speeches to their peers each week, both giving and receiving constructive feedback. Students can take these skills far beyond the classroom into their careers and communities. Course Objectives Improve ability to deliver speeches Develop speech writing skills Understand how to plan effective speeches that inform, persuade, or fit special occasions Learn how to effectively use technology (like PowerPoint) and other speech aids Enhance critical thinking
Build confidence in speaking Gain familiarity with the norms of American academic culture Listen to and consume public speeches Expectations This course will be taught in an interactive manner. It is common in American academic culture for professors to expect active participation from their students. This means that, while there will be lectures, there will also be group and pair work in the classroom. In-class discussion is an essential element in the progress of every member of this skills-based class. Students are expected to engage their peers and take an assertive role in their own progress. Grade Scale A+ 100-97 C+ 79-77 A 96-94 C 76-74 A- 93-90 C- 73-70 B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67 B 86-84 D 66-60 B- 83-80 F 59-0 These grades are based on students performance in the classroom. There will not be much written homework, so the vast majority of the grade will come from speeches the students give in front of their peers. Course Requirements
Daily Homework (including readings) - 10% Class Participation- 10% Self-Evaluations - 5% Four In-Class Speeches: Introductory Speech - 10% Informative Speech - 20% Persuasive Speech - 20% Group Presentation - 25% If students are absent on the day of their speeches, percentage points will be deducted from the grade so that a full letter grade is lost. This varies depending on the grade value of the speech. Textbook I will be using Speaker s Guidebook: Text and Reference. 5th edition, by Dan O Hair and Hannah Rubenstein. This is not the newest edition, but it is much more affordable than the 6th edition. I will also be referencing a book called The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking by Sims Wyeth. Course Hours This class meets five days a week for 120 minutes each meeting. There are a total of 20 class meetings over four weeks. Course Outline
WEEK 1 Course and class introduction Becoming a Public Speaker Managing Speech Anxiety Audience Analysis Developing Supporting Material Delivering an Introductory Speech WEEK 2 Speech Planning and Preparation Types of Speech Organization Developing Openings and Conclusions Speech Analysis Doing Research for a Presentation Delivering an Informative Speech WEEK 3 Using Language to Style the Speech Methods of Delivery The Voice and Body in Delivery Developing Persuasive Arguments Analyzing Rhetoric Delivering a Persuasive Speech WEEK 4
Using Presentation Aids in Speech Designing Presentation Aids Using Presentation Software Organizing Group Presentations Collaboration Analysis Delivering a Group Presentation Syllabus Subject to Change: This syllabus and course plan is flexible and is subject to change over time. An official syllabus will be handed to each student on the first day of class. If changes are made while the course is in session, there will be an announcement in class. Code of Academic Integrity You must familiarize yourself with the Code of Academic Integrity in the Beijing Jiaotong University. It is your responsibility to ensure your behavior does not violate this code. You must observe the policies regarding various forms of academic dishonesty. The following statement about academic dishonesty has been provided by the Beijing Jiaotong University, Activities that have the effect or intention of interfering with education, pursuit of knowledge, or fair evaluation of a student s performance are prohibited. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and may be handled by the Office of Student Conduct. Inappropriate activity during exams (e.g., consulting notes or other students) may result in a zero on the exam and will be submitted to the Office of Student Conduct. As a student in this course, you will be held accountable for your actions.