Speech 101

Effective Oral Communication

Patricia Cohill

Ph: 609-894-9311 x 7779

Office: Parker 319W

COURSE DESCRIPTION

SPE 101 Effective Oral Communication 3cr.

This course is an examination of the process of spoken communication, with an emphasis on small group interaction. It includes public speaking experiences, problem-solving techniques, and approaches to discussion. Audio and video recording equipment is available for use in the course.

Corequisite: ENG 101

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course students will be able to:

1. Construct a statement that reflects your understanding of the meaning of another person’s non-

verbal cues.

2. Demonstrate the ability to clarify meaning by narrowing what is understood from a general category to a

particular group within that category, by appealing to the senses, or by choosing words that symbolize

exact thoughts and feelings.

3. Demonstrate the ability to relate to others in ways that meet their need to be appreciated and

protected.

4. Demonstrate the ability to intellectually identify with or vicariously experience the feelings, thoughts, or

attitudes of another.

5. Construct a response that conveys your understanding of another person’s message.

6. Construct a verbal emotional statement.

7. Demonstrate the ability to describe your feelings honestly and exercise your personal rights while re-

specting the rights of others.

8. Construct a statement that describes the basis of a conflict in terms of behavior, consequences, and

feelings.

9. Demonstrate the uncritical, nonevaluative process of generating associated ideas.

10. Demonstrate the ability to arrive a conclusion about a fact or value question.

11. Demonstrate the ability to arrive at a solution to a policy question by following the six step procedure to

problem solving.

12. Construct a single statement that specifies the exact response a speaker wants from the audience.

13. Create a written record of information drawn from a source with complete documentation.

14. Construct a sentence that outlines the specific elements of a speech supporting the goal statement.

15. Demonstrate the ability to use your voice and body action to show the audience that you are excited about the topic and your opportunity to talk with the audience about it.

REQUIRED TEXT

Communicate 10^th edition, Rudolph F. Verderber and Kathleen S. Verderber, Wadsworth, ISBN 0-534-5611-9.

COURSE STRUCTURE

This course will be a combination of lecture, reading assignments, discussion of the same, individual and group exercises, writing assignments, a prepared group project and a prepared speech.

Individual Writing Assignments (Check the outline for the due date)

Papers must be typed, double-spaced and include a cover sheet containing your name, course and section and the title of the writing assignment. Topics will be discussed is a separate hand-out.

Group Projects

Group projects will involve writing and presenting in conjunction with other class members. The group will collectively choose one topic, which relates to an area of communication. A list of ideas will be handed out later in the term. Groups are not limited to the topics on the instructor’s list, however topics must relate to communication and be approved by the instructor.

Groups will select their own members with size to be determined by the instructor. Each member will be responsible for a portion of the presentation, approximately 5-7 minutes per group member. Group projects must be presented extemporaneously and include visual aids. Grades will be assignment to individuals and not to the group as a whole.

Prepared Speech

Your prepared speech must include a formal typed outline to be submitted on the first day speeches are due for presentation. The formal typed outline must contain highlighted key words. Additional instructions will be given throughout the semester. Speeches must be presented extemporaneously and include visual aids. The students will select their own speech topic.

GRADING

Letter grades A, B, C, D, F will be awarded at the end of the semester. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED TO RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE. Grades will be determined using the following break down for assignments.

Writing Assignments (total of three assignments) 25 pts

Group Project 25 pts

Prepared Speech (including formal outline) 25 pts

Critique of a student speech 10 pts

Attendance 15 pts

Final Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A 91-100

B+ 89-90

B 81-88

C+ 79-80

C 71-78

D 65-70

F below 65

In addition, STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS IN ALL REQUIRED CATEGORIES IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE i.e. all papers, group projects, critiques and speeches must be completed on time.

ATTENDANCE

Records of attendance will be kept. The attendance policy for this class is the policy currently in effect and published by the college.

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