Speech syllabus

Welcome to speech class

Mrs. Zoz Room E-26

d.zoz@pndhs.org

Position in the curriculum: Speech is a required one-semester course available to students during their sophomore year.

Required Test: Speech: Exploring Communication

Required Supplies: 3 subject notebook, black or blue ink, pencil, note cards

Course Outline:

I. Developing Confidence: students will perform a series of four mini speeches during which time they will begin to develop the basic skills for effective speaking.

A. Self (60 seconds)

B. Favorite place (60 seconds)

C. Worst punishment, time you met someone famous, or your best friend (90 seconds)

D. Pet Peeve (2-3 minutes)

II. Understanding Communication Theory: Students will learn about basic communication theory, verbal messages and articulation, nonverbal communication, and concepts of decoding and listening. Assigned speeches will include:

A. Oral interpretation of a children's story

B. Preparing a radio broadcast (if time permits)

III. Preparing a Speech: Students will learn the following elements of speech preparation:

A. Planning

B. Outlining

C. Introductions

D. Conclusions

E. Bibliographies/Works Cited

IV. Informative Speeches: Students will learn how to prepare and give the following speeches:

A. Demonstration speech (to show a process)

1. Required outline and use of partial demonstrations

2. Time length: 3-5 minutes

B. Expository Speech (expositive-to explain, define, or describe)

1. Research time provided to prepare speech and power point

2. Topic will be a person, place or event

3. Length will be 3-5 minutes

4. Speech requirements: an outline, 4-5 notecards, visual aid, power point

V. Persuasion: Students will explore ways to explain their views while developing persuasive speaking skills. (Denunciation-taking a stand for/against some movement, institution, cause, or public figure: fact/value--supporting a specific statement; policy--support a certain action.Assignments will include the following:

A. Evaluating research materials for the purpose of persuasion

B. Group discussion

C. Formal outline

D. Power point presentation/note cards

E. Time length: 3-5 minutes

VI. Impromptu speeches

A. Time length: 2-3 minutes

VII. Debate (If time permits)--Students will be introduced to basic debate concepts and participate in a debate.

The Speech Experience

Conduct: Students should maintain a level of professionalism and respect in the class at all times, but most specifically, during speeches. Nothing destroys a speech and damages a speaker's level of self-confidence faster than rude behavior by an audience member. If a students is asked to leave the room for misconduct during a speech, that student will receive only half-credit on his or her next speech.

Due Dates: Any assignments/speeches given before an absence are due the day student returns.

Tips for Success:

1.Try it! You'll like like! One of the best ways to overcome "stage fright" is to make yourself get up, give your speech as soon as possible and get it over with. The more speeches you give, the more at ease you will feel about getting up in front of the class. I don't guarantee that you will become the next David Letterman, but before long you will find out what practically everyone who has ever taken speech before you has discovered: YOU CAN DO IT!

2. Take homework, tests, quizzes, speech preparation seriously. To pass this class, you are required to do more than give speeches.

3. Ask questions when you do not understand something. I would much rather help you get it right the first time than share in you frustration when "that something" goes wrong.

4. In speech class, participation and attitude are 100% of the learning process. Developing a good attitude will not only help you here, but is a key part to success in life itself.

Good luck and have a great trimester!