Students give five major speeches over the semester: a self-introduction speech, a demonstration informative speech, an informative speech, a persuasive speech, and a special occasion speech. Impromptu and practice speeches are also given. All major speeches are videotaped and evaluated.

Speech materials

Each major speech is videotaped. Each student is asked to purchase a new VHS tape (60 minute is adequate) and each is responsible for bringing their video cassette with them on their speaking day.

Each speech is evaluated for both oral and written presentation quality. The course workbook provides one speech and one outline evaluation form with each speech requirement sheet. Each student is asked to hand the evaluation forms (2), VHS tape and full sentence outline to the teacher at the time of the speech.

Students are advised to retain a copy of any written work turned in, and to retain all returned graded materials during the semester.

Speech time allotment

In public speaking it is vital to present within one's allotted time. In this course each speech specifies a minimum and maximum time for presentation, and penalizes speakers who run under or over this time allotment. The penalty is 1% for finishing under time and 2% for finishing over time, for every 15 seconds (under or over). The penalty is only assessed on the oral presentation, not the written outline.

Due dates

Each student receives a speaking schedule for the semester. All speeches and outlines are due in class on the scheduled day. If a speech is not given on the scheduled day, a 0 is given for that assignment. Due to the high volume of student speeches, no make-up speech provisions are made. Outlines (and other papers, if assigned) are due in class on the scheduled day. Written work submitted within one class period after due date receives a 10% penalty. After one class period, a 0 is given for the assignment. 

Speech scores

Speech scores are calculated on two components: oral presentation, which counts as 80% of the score, and a written outline, counting as 20%. Students prepare full-sentence outlines for four of the five major speeches. Outlines must be typed, double-spaced, and stapled. Both oral presentation and written outline are graded according to specific competence criteria which is detailed in the course workbook.

In the first two weeks of the course each student will commit to a speaking schedule over the semester. Students are responsible for holding themselves to this speaking schedule.  Failure to speak on a scheduled date renders a score of 0 for that speech.

Research and sources

This course requires research for speech preparation. To use any source without citation (both in outline text and in bibliography) is to commit plagiarism. Each student must identify quotations, expert sources in support of claims, and cite all sources. Reference sources in accordance with APA format. Consult any team teacher with questions about citing sources.

Students are required to use original work for speech preparation and are reminded that plagiarism and cheating are cause for suspension by the University.

[Home] [Curriculum] [Instructors] [Speeches]