SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 1 Discussion
DQ1 Course Introductions
Let's get acquainted! Please introduce yourself to your classmates and instructor. As a part of your introduction, please share with the class your career goals and the essential steps you are taking to achieve your goals. Provide some detail about who you are, your background, your interests, and so forth. You may include things like work that you are doing outside of class, the city and state where you live, how far along you are in your degree program, and when you expect to graduate.
Please be sure to check your spelling and grammar in each of your posts that you make in our course; for example, always use uppercase I when referring to yourself and avoid "textspeak." We want to use our best writing at all times in the discussions. Good writing leads to good speaking.
Feel free to introduce yourself "out loud" by using the Kaltura video creation software that you will find under My Media or the Canvas Record/Upload Media tool that is built into our discussion toolbar. This is a great opportunity to practice being on camera, which will be required for your upcoming speaking assignments.
DQ2 Managing and Overcoming Speech Anxiety
Nervousness about giving a speech is normal; even the most successful public speakers feel a bit of stage fright. Are you nervous at the thought of giving a speech? Share your thoughts about taking this speech course and in what ways you think this course will help you meet your personal, academic, and professional goals. What strategies can help you control your nervousness? In what ways can you use what our text calls "positive nervousness" to manage your speech anxiety? Review the Checklist for Speaking With Confidence in Chapter 1 and tell us how you plan to overcome any speech anxiety to achieve success.
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 2 Discussion
Informative Speech Preparation: Topic Selection and Outlining
This week's chapter readings, lesson, and this discussion begin to lay the foundation for the 3- to 5-minute Informative Speech that you will be giving in Week 5. The purpose of the Informative Speech is to inform the audience about [fill in your topic]. Please share your topic ideas for your speech. Why did you choose this topic? Is it something that you already know about or something that you want to know more about?
Show how you would begin to organize the information about your topic into a Preparation Outline (as explained and illustrated in Chapter 11) using complete sentences.
My specific purpose is to inform the audience about _____. (Example: To inform the audience about secondhand smoke)
The central idea (thesis statement) that I will be talking about is _____. (Example: Secondhand smoke is harmful to our health.)
I. Main point
A. Subpoint
B. Subpoint
II. Main Point
A. Subpoint
B. Subpoint
Ask your peers for feedback. As you read and discuss each other's topics and outlines, apply what you are learning about selecting a topic and a purpose (from Chapter 5) and the guidelines for identifying the main points in the outline (Chapter 11).
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 3 Discussion
Annotated Bibliography for Your Informative Speech
Our discussion this week brings us to the next step in preparation for your upcoming Informative Speech. In collaboration with your instructor and peers, you will be locating scholarly sources of research that you can use to support your topic and cite within your preparation outline. Be sure to read this week's lesson about supporting your presentation with research.
You will prepare and share an annotated bibliography here in the discussion. You will also provide feedback on two classmates' annotated bibliographies and receive feedback from your instructor and peers.
What is an annotated bibliography? An annotated bibliography is a list of citations of books, articles, and documents that may possibly be used for your speech. Each citation is followed by a descriptive and evaluative paragraph—the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to explain the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources.
Directions: Write an annotated bibliography for three scholarly sources in preparation for your Week 5 Informative Speech. Document the sources using APA seventh edition format. Alphabetize by author last name, double-space, and use the hanging indentation style as shown in the Week 3 Sample Annotated BibliographyLinks to an external site..
As early in the week as possible, but no later than Wednesday, discuss the process you followed in locating sources that will be useful for your Informative Speech topic. If you are having any challenges locating materials, describe what support you need from your peers and instructor. We will do our best to assist.
Deliverable by Friday this week: Attach your Annotated Bibliography to your discussion post as a Microsoft Word file (not a PDF or a MAC .pages file) to the discussion no later than Friday this week.
Organize the three sources in alphabetical order by author last name. Cite the book, article, or document using APA seventh edition style. Note in the Sample Annotated Bibliography the use of hanging indent style and double-spacing for the citations and how the annotations are aligned with hanging indent.
Write an annotation for each source that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article, gives information about the author, and tells how you might use this information in your speech for each of the three sources.
Paragraph 1: First, summarize the source. This is the annotation. Be sure to write the summary in your own words and not copy from the article abstract to avoid plagiarism. Second, evaluate the authority or background of the author. What makes them an authority or expert on this subject? You may have to search beyond the article to find out more about your author.
Paragraph 2: Explain specifically how this work might be used in your speech. For example, it would be good for background, good for discussion of different viewpoints (state what they are), good for valuable facts and statistics, a good summary to help with your conclusion, good quotations from experts in the field, and so forth.
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 4 Discussion
DQ1 Assessing Skills and Goals
This week you will take the Profile Proficiency Test for the University. In order to participate in this discussion and receive full credit for the week, you will need to:
Complete the Profile Proficiency Test. Please see the instructions located in the "Files" section of the course for information on how to login and access the test.
Make an initial post that explains the correlations you see between the exam and some of the skills that you have gained during your education and how you will develop these skills in SPCH275 this session. What are some of the ways the Learning Objectives for this course will help support your skill development as you prepare for the workforce?
Complete response posts (2) that provide additional ideas for skill development and/or connections to other courses and Learning Outcomes in your program of study.
DQ2 Speech Analysis for Style, Organization, and Impact
Our discussion provides the opportunity to demonstrate listening and speech analysis skills as you observe speakers who exemplify effective communication. Watch and listen closely and analyze their style, organization, and impact.
Choose one of the following famous speeches to analyze. Listen to the entire speech, observe their presentations carefully, and then discuss the following in detail.
What was the goal of the speech?
How well organized was the speech? What was the thesis statement? What were the main points presented?
Which canons of rhetoric from this week's lesson—invention, arrangement, delivery, and style—did the speaker use? Provide specific examples.
Watch This!
Here is a list of famous speeches to choose from. If you find another famous speech that you want to analyze, please do so!
Inaugural Address, John F. KennedyLinks to an external site.
I Have a Dream, Martin Luther King, Jr.Links to an external site.
Barack Obama's 2004 DNC Keynote SpeechLinks to an external site.
School Strike for Climate - Save the World by Changing the Rules, Greta ThunbergLinks to an external site.
Oprah Winfrey's 2013 Commencement Address at HarvardLinks to an external site.
Michelle Obama's Remarks at the 2012 DNCLinks to an external site.
Malala Yousafza's 2013 Speech to the United Nations Youth AssemblyLinks to an external site.
The Power of Vulnerability Brené BrownLinks to an external site.
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 5 Discussion
Informative Speech: Progress Check
What challenges are you running into as you prepare for your informative speech this week? What parts of the speech are going to require the most preparation? Are you getting prepared to reference your research sources orally during the speech? What are your plans for preparing your speaking notes for your extemporaneous delivery?
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 6 Discussion
Conducting Research and Preparing Your Persuasive Speech Outline and Visuals
Let's share your Persuasive Speech topics and your preparation progress here. For your outline, follow the SPCH275 Speech Preparation Outline Template in the Files section.
Respond to the following questions.
What is your specific purpose and your thesis statement for your Persuasive Speech?
What are some sources of research you will use in your Persuasive Speech Preparation Outline that you can also cite orally in your speech? Your research should include a minimum of three to five academic peer-reviewed articles or books from scholarly sources.
What challenges are you running into as you prepare your visuals for your Persuasive Speech this week? How is it going overall? Have you worked with creating a narrated PowerPoint plus webcam before? What help do you need?
Optional: If you would like peer feedback to last week's Informative Speech, please share your recording here and classmates will respond for one of their peer responses.
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 7 Discussion
Persuasive Speech: Progress Check and Speaking With Style
An important aspect of delivering a speech, especially a persuasive speech, is to increase your vocal variety. Watch the video in the Week 4 Lesson under the Speaking With Style section called Get More Vocal Variety. Then post your own short (30- to 45-second) video to this discussion that demonstrates your most charismatic voice! Also make sure you apply these skills when you deliver your persuasive speech.
Next, please provide an update on your Persuasive Speech preparation progress. What challenges are you running into as you practice your persuasive speech with visuals this week? What is your preparation process for speaking extemporaneously without reading your speech to the audience?
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 8 Discussion
Evaluating Your Progress
Looking back at your progress over the session, what are your thoughts? What is your self-evaluation of your progress in using your body, voice, and your eye contact with the audience? What have you learned about using presentation aids effectively? Describe the journey of public speaking practice you have taken over the course of the session. Which skills will translate to the workplace?
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 2 Assignment
Presentation 1: My Plans for My Informative Speech
In this week's chapter readings, lesson, and class discussion, you learned the first steps for how to prepare a speech by selecting a topic, establishing the purpose, identifying the central idea, and organizing the information into a preparation outline.
Deliverable: Prepare and practice making a short speech (2–3 minutes). In your speech, tell us about the topic you have chosen for your Informative Speech that you will deliver in Week 5 and explain why you selected this topic. State your central idea for informing the audience about this topic. Describe several of the main ideas and subtopics that you are planning for your outline.
Review your recording to ensure that it meets the grading rubric criteria. Check to confirm that the link to your recording is a shareable link that works!
Instructions for Making Your On-Camera Video Recording: Review the Week 2 Lesson for instructions about how to use Kaltura Capture to make your video recording and how to get the shareable link to your video. Although submitting a cell phone video is an option, it is not ideal, because the recording is often not of the best quality. Creating a YouTube account and submitting a YouTube link is acceptable as well. If there is another video recording system that you want to use, please check first with your instructor.
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 5 Assignment
Presentation 2: Informative Speech
Informative Speech
This week, you will deliver your Informative Speech. This is an individual speaking assignment, 3-5 minutes in length, with the general purpose to inform. You are required to conduct research on your topic from a minimum of three scholarly sources from the DeVry University Library or other reputable sources that are current and credible, synthesize information, and remain objective about your topic. Resources that you use to support the information should be referenced orally (out loud during your speech).
The tone and messaging of the presentation should stay informative. Although you can bring yourself into the speech (making it personal), make sure you don't share any opinions on your topic or try to convince your audience of anything. Focus on your thesis statement and remain objective.
Your presentation should have a fully developed beginning, middle, and ending.
Extemporaneous delivery is expected for this presentation. Have a strong introduction and conclusion prepared while relying on limited notes during the body of your speech so that you maintaining eye contact throughout and not reading your speech to the audience.
Follow our public speaking process: Prepare, practice, present, and reflect.
Video Recording Options: Kaltura Capture (under My Media) is recommended for recording and submitting your on-camera Informative Speech. A YouTube video recording is another option. Although submitting a cell phone video is acceptable, it is not ideal unless the recording is high quality. Check to confirm that the link to your recording is a shareable link that works!
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 7 Assignment
Presentation 3 Persuasive Speech With Visual Aids
This week, you will prepare, practice, and deliver a 5- to 7-minute persuasive presentation with a PowerPoint. Review and apply the feedback from your instructor on your speech preparation outline and visual aids.
Live presentations should include a Q and A session at the end of the speech. Review Answering Questions From the Audience in this week's lesson.
Your speech will be evaluated based on the following.
Content: The Week 7 presentation needs to be persuasive in tone and execute a fully developed persuasive strategy that is supported by a PowerPoint presentation. This is not a vocalized PowerPoint; it should be a live or recorded video presentation of you delivering your presentation with PowerPoint (or something similar) as your visual aid. Keep in mind that a visual aid assists the presenter and does not become the entire presentation. The slides should not be read to the audience.
Preparation: Your final presentation should incorporate all four canons of rhetoric (invention, arrangement, style, and delivery) in designing and delivering your message. You should have a strong introduction, several main points supported by research, and a strong conclusion. Incorporate the techniques for vocal variety and using language vividly. Address opposing viewpoints to your stance, and incorporate at least one into your speech, followed by a strong rebuttal.
Timing: The presentation should be 5 to 7 minutes. You should have 5 to 10 slides, plus a title slide at the beginning and an APA-formatted reference slide at the end.
Research: Incorporate the research from scholarly sources that were referenced in your speech preparation outline. During the delivery of the presentation, there should be a minimum of three oral citations.
Delivery: This speech should demonstrate a mastery of the extemporaneous speaking style.
Instructions for Recording: Kaltura Capture (under My Media) is recommended for recording your computer screen that displays your PowerPoint slides while you are on camera delivering your persuasive speech. Check to confirm that the link to your recording is a shareable link that works!
SPCH275 Public Speaking
Week 8 Assignment
Presentation 4 Impromptu Speech
Your last presentation is a short speech (2 to 4 minutes) that should demonstrate your skill in public speaking. Presentational aids are optional for this speech but are not required.
You may use this opportunity to try using the impromptu delivery style rather than the extemporaneous. There will be many moments in your work career, starting with the actual job interview, where critical thinking on one's feet will be required. The impromptu delivery style is good practice for these moments when you are asked to report at a meeting or have to speak spontaneously about work experience or what you can contribute to a certain company, position, team, and so forth. Impromptu speaking requires the same skills of organization that you would use in an extemporaneous speech, but most of it is delivered with little or no opportunity for practice ahead of time.
Your Impromptu Speech is one of the special occasion speeches that you have learned about this week—a commemorative speech. In your commemorative speech, reflect on your achievement in this public speaking class, pay tribute to the support and collaboration among classmates and the instructor that you experienced, and talk about what you have learned about public speaking and the progress you have made toward becoming a more confident public speaker. Tell us your next steps for continuous public speaking improvement.
Try to relax and have fun with this speech. It's the last one, and you have come a long way; show what you can do. Remember to maintain eye contact without reading the Impromptu Speech to the audience.
No outline is required for this speech.
Watch this video to learn the tools you need to present a well-organized, confident Impromptu Speech.
Video Recording Options: Kaltura Capture (under My Media) is recommended for recording and submitting your on-camera commemorative speech. A YouTube video recording is another option. Although submitting a cell phone video is acceptable, it is not ideal unless the recording is high quality. Check to confirm that the link to your recording is a shareable link that works!
Review your speech to ensure that it meets the grading rubric criteria.
