COMM 101: Fundamentals of Public Speaking – Ms.

Wilde

“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic capable of
both inflicting injury and remedying it.”
– Albus Dumbledore, Harry potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II

Sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me).

“Man does not speak because he thinks; he thinks because he speaks. Or rather, speaking is not
different than thinking; to speak is to think.”
- Octavio Paz

Course Description

COMM 101 introduces fundamental concepts and skills for effective public speaking, including
audience analysis, outlining, research, delivery, critical listening and evaluation, presentational
aids, and use of appropriate technology.

In this course, we will focus on persuasion and persuasive speaking. Our approach will be
grounded in rhetorical theory as well as contemporary examples of great speaking in a variety of
contexts. You’ll learn how to prepare convincing arguments enlivened with confident delivery
and based on thorough understanding of your audience. Throughout the course, we’ll focus on
the importance of personal character – ethos – to your credibility as a speaker. Wherever your
future path leads, you’ll find public speaking is an indispensable resource.

Approach to Public Speaking

First, in COMM 101, we assume that public speaking should be a fun and engaging class that is
intellectually challenging – fun and learning are not mutually exclusive. However, if you’re
expecting COMM 101 to be solely a matter of great delivery and personal charm, you’ll be
disappointed. You have to have something meaningful to say before it’s worth saying.

Second, there are three key components to improving public speaking ability:
(1) studying many examples of effective speaking, both from contemporary life and from
history, (2) speaking in public frequently, (3) watching videos of yourself speaking, so that you
can see for yourself what you do well and what could use improvement. COMM 101 makes use
of all three of these components to help us translate what we read and see in others into our own
improved rhetorical skills.
Required Materials

A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by Dan O’Hair, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart.
Macmillan Learning: 2019, 6th edition. ISBN# 978-1-319-10278-4

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course the students will be expected to:

 Improve your confidence, vocal delivery, and physical control as a speaker.

 Analyze an audience and adapt presentations accordingly.
 Apply principles of composition to the development of oral presentations, such as
effective organization and outlining.
 Develop ideas with credible forms of support and appropriate documentation.
 Recognize and demonstrate nonverbal communication appropriate to the verbal message.
 Carefully reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses as a speaker in order to set
specific goals for improvement over time.
 Actively listen to and critically evaluate oral presentations.
 Apply the fundamental concepts of public speaking through a minimum of 4 oral
presentations of significance three of which must be delivered extemporaneously.
 Incorporate appropriate technology and presentational aids to support and enhance oral
presentations.

Assignments

We will work toward the learning objectives above through five main rhetorical events and one
analytical critique:

1. Introductory Speech
2. Speaker Review
3. Media Review Speech
4. Informative Speech
5. Advocacy Speech
6. Ceremonial Speech

During the semester, you will deliver graded speeches. The specific speech assignments will be
discussed at length before the due date, giving you plenty of time for preparation. We will also
spend some class time “work sessions” working on outlines and discussing details.

Speeches are delivered extemporaneously. This means they are prepared ahead of time,
thoroughly practiced, but wording may change at the time of your delivery. You should avoid
“memorizing” your speech.
Your speeches will be recorded, and you will be asked to review your speech to improve your
speaking skills. Speeches 3, 4, and 5 will be accompanied by an outline that will be reviewed by
your peers in class prior to your speech date.

In addition to your prepared speeches, you’ll deliver impromptu speeches and participate in class
activities designed to improve your speaking and listening skills. You will also take quizzes
during the semester. You will complete a handful of written assignments as public speaking is a
complex process rather than a one-time event.

How to Access the Ivy Tech Community College Library

The Ivy Tech Library is available to students’ on and off campus, offering full text journals and
books and other resources essential for course assignments. Go to www.ivytech.edu/library/
And choose the link for your campus.

Class Policies for COMM 101 - Be a good person. Work hard. Do your own work.

“Effort” – COMM 101 Public Speaking is a time-consuming, organizationally challenging

course. Missing small assignments will rapidly jeopardize your grade. Therefore, it’s important
that you keep close track of deadlines and due dates. Often students will argue that they “worked
really hard” on a particular assignment. Unfortunately, instructors cannot base grades on how
hard students work because effort is impossible to measure. They can only grade the “product”
of your work; that is, the speech or assignment produced. Be sure that if you “need” a particular
grade in COMM 101 you keep your eye on the ball, turn in all assignments that represent your
best work, and talk with your instructor regularly to see how you can improve your work to earn
the grade you want.

No Late Work – All work is due at the BEGINNING of class on the specified date. Start early
on your work to allow for contingencies. If you must miss class, contact Ms. Wilde to make
arrangements to receive your work before it is due. Computer/printer failure is not an excuse
and do not have parents/guardian write a note or send an email. Please respect your instructor
and speak to them personally.
 NOTE on E-MAIL – E-mailing an assignment to your instructor should only be done
after receiving the instructor’s prior approval. Your instructor is under no obligation to
accept e-mailed work. Never assume that e-mail is a viable alternative to personally
handing in your work to class.

No Late Speeches – There is no “right” to make up a missed speech. The only day you are
guaranteed to be able to deliver your speech is on your assigned speech day. Reasonable
adjustments may be made for extreme circumstances (e.g. hospitalization). If you do not deliver
your speech on your assigned speech date, you will receive a score of zero for that speech.

** Attendance** - Because this class will move rapidly and relies heavily on in-class
discussions, students presentations, and activities as well as lectures, it is critical that you are
regularly in class. You will be missed if you aren’t in class. We expect you to be an active
member of your learning community – speeches can’t be delivered without audiences.
Make up work is YOUR responsibility. When a student is absent from class it is his or her
responsibility to see me before or after class to discuss what was missed. Check your messages
on Canvas; I will send you a message with your missing work. For every day you are absent, you
will have one day to make up your work. If it is an arranged absence (dentist, field trip, etc.) you
must check with me prior to the absence and get the assignments.

Electronics Policy - You are NOT allowed to text or have your phone out during class.
Period. As soon as class begins, phones and earbuds must be put away out of sight. Violation of
this policy will result in a 3-hour Friday school. No picture taking or videotaping any person
in the classroom at any time without verbal permission.

Maturity - This course IS an entry-level college course. The literature/speeches/video clips that
will be used will also reflect this; therefore, adult themes or references could appear in required
reading/activities. Maturity regarding subject matter is expected.

Writing Conferences: Time management and revisions are necessary on writing assignments to
produce thoughtful and insightful work. It is highly encouraged to schedule a writing
conference for each writing assignment and multiple conferences can be scheduled.
Bulldog Writing Center – Writing conference with a peer during SRT. Sign up at the
front of Ms. Wilde’s room. See me for help.
Writing Conference with Ms. Wilde: Speak to me directly to schedule a writing
conference. I must be given the draft 24 hours before our scheduled writing conference,
so I have time to read over the paper carefully and give meaningful feedback. Please
keep your scheduled appointment as I have limited slots available.

Help - Ask questions when you do not understand!!! If you do not ask, how can I help
you? If you need to meet with me, I am available before school, after school, and during SRT.
Let me know how I can help! Let’s all work together to make this a successful year.

** Please visit Google Slides on the course home page to find a weekly calendar of events and
daily homework assignments.

Academic Honesty Statement

Academic Integrity – Respect for yourself, your classmates, and your instructor demands that
all work you produce in this class be YOUR OWN. This class is committed to academic
integrity in all its practices. I value intellectual integrity and a high standard of academic
conduct. Activities that violate academic integrity undermine the quality and diminish the value
of educational achievement.

Cheating on speeches, papers, tests, or other academic work is a violation of rules. No student
shall engage in behavior that, in the judgment of the instructor of the class, may be construed as
cheating. This may include, but is not limited to plagiarism or other forms of academic
dishonesty such as the acquisition without permission of tests or other academic materials and/or
distribution of these materials and other academic work. This includes students who aid and abet
as well as those who attempt such behavior.
Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:
I want to welcome you to an exciting new year. My name is Rose Wilde and this will be my 23rd year of
teaching. My mission is to create a student-centered curriculum, which provides opportunities for students to
become lifelong writers, readers, and learners. I will establish high expectations and encourage them to be
successful by participating in their own learning and being responsible for the choices they make. By
providing successful and relative foundations, students will be empowered to reach their full potential and
learn to value themselves, others, and their world.

Parents/guardians also play an important role in helping their child achieve success. Please talk to your child about
his/her classes this year and encourage them to give 100% from the start. Take a moment to read over the syllabus
your child received for COMM 101 Public Speaking and check the Google Slides on the course home page to find a
weekly calendar of events and daily homework assignments. The syllabus explains the basic policies and procedures
for the class. Afterwards, sign the form on the bottom of this letter and return it with your child by Thursday/Friday,
August 12/13. It is important that both you and your child understand the objectives and policies of this class.

While I encourage you to email or call me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please
encourage your child to speak to me directly themselves if they are struggling or have questions. This is a college
level course, and your child should be a responsible, independent learner. Let’s work together to make this a
successful year. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Rose Wilde

Rose Wilde
English Teacher and Ivy Tech Dual Credit Instructor
rwilde@batesville.k12.in.usrlacey@batesville.k12.in.usl
(812) 934-4384

I have read and understand the class policies for COMM 101 Public Speaking. I will work hard and submit
work that is original, my own, and avoids plagiarism. I understand what is expected of me in this class, and I agree
to abide by these policies.

Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________

Student’s Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________

I have read and understand the ground rules, class policies, and expectations for COMM 101 Public Speaking and
understand what is expected of my child in this class. I will encourage my child to follow all policies and
procedures.

Please provide me with information on the best way to contact you:

Phone: __________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name: _____________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _____________