Western Connecticut State University

Concepts of public speaking, both traditional and contemporary are explored. The course involves preparation and presentation of various speeches.

This course is designed to assist the beginning public speaker, or the student who expects to be called upon to make speeches in the future. Basic ideas in effective rhetoric will be covered and there is a great deal of practical application. Informative and persuasive speeches, the most common forms of public speaking, are the focus of this course, although other forms will be introduced as well. Students are able to tailor some of the assignments to suit their majors or interests and to use information from their other courses and extracurricular activities in their speeches.

1. To increase your understanding of the process of public communication and the part that speaking plays in that process;

2. To learn to analyze, organize, and deliver speeches designed for different purposes and audiences;

3. To learn specific techniques for effective speaking and dealing with nervous tension.

Public speaking is an activity at which some people are naturally talented. But not many. For most of us, it is rather difficult to do well, and for many of us it is a frightening venture. It is also something that many of us will have to do. This class provides the opportunity to learn how, and the opportunity to practice speaking in a safe environment.

Your helpful criticism of each other in encouraged; class participation is important in understanding and developing yours and others' styles of public speaking.

Selection of Topic	What kinds of speeches are there? How do you decide what kind of speech is appropriate to the occasion.
Introduction	What creates an audience who is willing to listen to you? How and when do you establish credibility?
Familiarity with topic	How much do you need to know about a topic in various circumstances? When do you need a great deal of research and when do you need none?
Clarity of issues	How do you let you audience know what you are talking about? What techniques minimize the chances you will be misunderstood?
Organizational pattern	When should you use sections, subtitles, and numbers? Where should you put the points?
Use of argument	How and when do you use logic correctly? When should you use assertions rather than arguments?
Use of Evidence	When do you need evidence? What constitutes evidence in different kinds of arguments?
Voice	How do you control your articulation, rate of speaking, and avoid verbal clutter in your delivery?
Non-verbal	How do you control body activity and how should you consider appearance? When and why should you use visual aids?
Cross-examination	How do you handle questions from the audience? What should you do when an audience member is hostile to your speech?
Structure and process	How do you use notes? When do you write a formal speech? How do you keep time?