PSCourseDesc

Public Speaking

Public Speaking is as much as listening course as it is a speech course. The Cardinal Rule in this class is
that when someone else (especially a classmate) is speaking, you are quiet and you are listening!!! Anyone
who is talking, heckling, or goofing around during a speech will be shown the door and sent to Mr. Evans!!

Activities/Writing Assignments

1.   Your responses to questions presented by me or your textbook will be shared either within small
       groups or with the class as a whole. Be prepared to read or express your ideas at any time. You
       will have to participate in this class!!!!

2.   Each activity or assignment may be worth anywhere from 10-50 points!

Speeches

1.   Traditionally, the five main speeches for this class have been: introduction/collage, personal
        experience, information, demonstration, and persuasion. I reserve the right to add, delete, or
        change these as the semester progresses.
2.   We will also be doing several other mini-speeches or presentations throughout the semester.
3.   I will always try to give you time in class to work on your speeches. This is a privilege, not a right.
        If you don't use the time I give you in class to work, then I will find other ways for us to fill that time!
4.   Notecards are a required part of every speech. The WHITE, LINED 3" by 5" or the 4" by 6"
        cards are the appropriate kind. Your notecards will be turned in at the completion of every speech.
        GO BUY SOME!
5.   I will be presenting a good portion of information on the chalkboard--TAKE NOTES! If it's on the
   powerpoints, then you need to write it in your notes.
6.   You will also be critiquing some of your classmates' speeches later in the semester. Critiques will
   be handed in to me (so you can get points for them) and then passed along to the speaker (so
       he/she can get feedback).    Please note that critiquing a speech is NOT the same as criticizing it.
       You like to hear positive comments about your speeches, so be sure to give them to your
       classmates.
7.   Always be prepared to speak! At the start of each round of speeches, I take volunteers. After
       that, the previous speaker and I can start calling on people. If you are not prepared, your grade will
       be docked. Please don't gamble that there will be enough volunteers or that you won't get called on!!
8.   Remember, speaking in front of others is a skill that requires instruction and practice, just like
       playing a sport or playing an instrument. You will be graded on your individual improvement as the
      semester progresses.
9.    All speeches are required to receive credit for this course.

Library Use

1.   We will be using the library for research for two speeches: the information and persuasion
        speeches.
2.   If you don't know how to use the library and its resources, you will know by the end of the
       semester.
3.   I know you know how to behave in the library. Space permitting, my rule is one person to a table.
   If you want to confer with a classmate, ask me first and then keep it QUIET! I reserve the right to
       assign tables or deny you the privilege of class time in the library.