In this course, students will read and analyze texts to support their examination and understanding of the fundamental principles and skills of public speaking. Students will develop communication skills in listening, speech criticism, audience analysis, and writing, and will be required to use these skills in debate, public speaking, rhetoric, and interpretation.

Instruction emphasizes organization, selection, and arrangement of material, as well as use of transitions and rhetorical choices in writing and delivering speeches. The course will also focus on effective delivery techniques (body language, voice, diction, etc.) for presenting a variety of styles of speeches including (but not limited to): Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Original Oratory, and Informative Speaking. Other speaking opportunities include: Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Prose Interpretation, Duet Interpretation (dramatic or humorous), Special Occasion Speeches (Eulogy, Commencement Speech, Award Presentation, Acceptance Speech, Dedication Speech, etc.), Extemporaneous Commentary, Radio Broadcasting, Storytelling, Interviewing, and others.