Course Description - Speech: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced

Beginner Speech Class
This course is an introduction to speech communication which emphasizes the practical skill of public speaking, including techniques to lessen speaker anxiety and the memorization of a proven speech organization paradigm to enhance speaker presentations. 

The goal of this class is to prepare students for success in typical public speaking situations and to provide them with the basic principles of organization and research skills needed for effective speeches.  Listening and critical thinking skills are emphasized.

"Because life in postmodern America requires coping skills from all of us, we should not overlook the role of speech in public settings. In fact, Americans today seem to have only two real alternatives in coping with the challenges of the era – better speech or sullen silence."* The goal of this course is the former.   *The Heritage of Rhetorical Theory, New York: McGraw Hill, 1997

“Communication is the most important skill in life.”  

~Stephen Covey

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Intermediate Speech Class:

This course is an intermediate level speech communication class which emphasizes the demonstrated ability to plan and present impromptu and prepared speeches, conduct research, synthesize the information, and present to targeted audiences.

Using the principles of rhetoric as a guiding lens, this course allows students to gain practical experience in speech composition, delivery, and critique. 

The practice in evaluating historical and famous speeches, as well as  those of their peers, is integral to this course. 

“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Advanced Speech Class:     

This course focuses on the social and pragmatic aspects of public speaking as a communicative system, strategies of rhetorical theory, and the presentation of diverse forms of public communication. An advanced level of thinking, commitment to excellence, and class input are required. Advanced levels of thinking include:

• the ability to apply communication principles in and out of classroom situations

• rhetorical analysis

• the ability to organize and arrange speech content in timed scenarios

• the on-going improvement in producing unique and compelling communication messages 

 This course prepares students for school and future career situations that necessitate organized, well reasoned, effective presentations that are analytical, and/or persuasive.  Constant improvement in presentation is expected. 

"In college and career, strong public speaking skills will set you apart ... and give you the ability to take on leadership roles."  

~Steve Bailey (BestColleges.com)

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These courses are beneficial in bolstering excellence in school settings. Learning, practicing, and honing speech skills provide a life-long advantage. It is important to begin early so that students gain confidence and expertise. 

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” ~Colossians