Honors Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Dr. Richard E. Vatz
VB 211B
Office: 10 - 10:50 MWF
or by appt.

 

Introduction

The study of public speaking is not an abstract enterprise. Learning to speak with care and eloquence is the best preparation for entry into the public dialogue that surrounds a multitude of important and controversial issues. Whether we address groups that are large or small, our participation in these "national conversations" is a hallmark of an educated person.

 In order to orient ourselves toward that conversation and provide a common reference point for the course, this section will ground our study of speech communication in controversies surrounding selected contemporary issues and individuals. Our approach is to learn effective public speaking, not as a disconnected activity, but as an integrated part of contemporary public life.

 Accordingly, the objective of this course is to teach basic principles of public communication within the context of significant contemporary issues and concerns. Its emphasis is on improving your ability to develop your ideas by gathering and selecting information, organizing your views on important national issues, and presenting those views clearly, confidently, and effectively in a public setting. The course will focus on issues of America's culture: the knowledge, language, and values that unite and/or divide us as a people.

REQUIRED READING

Otis Walter, SPEAKING TO INFORM AND PERSUADE (on reserve)

 Robert P. Newman and Dale Newman, EVIDENCE

 Ernest Bormann, SPEECH COMMUNICATION

 

SUGGESTED READINGS

Allen and McKerron, THE PRAGMATICS OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

 Bettinghaus, Edwin P., PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION

 Borrman, Ernest J., DISCUSSION AND GROUP METHODS

 Barker, Karry, COMMUNICATION

 Brooks, William, SPEECH COMMUNICATION

 Capps, Randall, FUNDAMENTALS OF EFFECTIVE SPEECH COMMUNICATION

 Hall, E.T., THE SILENT LANGUAGE

 Hein, Linda, DEVELOPING SKILLS IN HUMAN INTERACTION

 Knapp, Mark, NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN INTERACTION

 Littlejohn, Stephen, THEORIES OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION

 McCrosky, James, AN INTRODUCTION TO RHETORICAL COMMUNICATION

 Stoll, Clifford, SILICON SNAKE OIL

 Thompson, Wayne, RESPONSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

 Weaver, Richard, UNDERSTANDING INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

 Wilson, John F. and Arnold, Carroll, PUBLIC SPEAKING AS A LIBERAL ART (4th ed.)

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Instruction in various kinds of public speaking (e.g., informative, persuasive, introductory, and impromptu): doing research, developing ideas with evidence, preparing outlines, delivering and critiquing speeches with emphasis on rhetorical criticism, and ethical issues in speech communication.

 

PURPOSE

The intention of this course is to enable the student to understand the principles of speech communication in order to perform and analyze rhetorical efforts. In addition, the student must show his or her capacity for scholarly research and demonstrate understanding of the principles of evidence and organization in speech communication.

OBJECTIVES

1. To gain an understanding of the process of human communication.
2. To become aware of the effects of communication on the individual, the group, and society.
3. To improve your proficiency in listening and speaking.
4. To increase your confidence in communication situations.
5. To augment your research capabilities.
6. To improve your analysis of issues, argument, and evidence.

 

REQUIREMENTS

1. Two graded and one ungraded speech-communication presentations, including an impromptu speech, a no-notes visual aids speech, and a eulogy speech. In some classes, wherein time permits, we may have a graded group discussion (see below).
2.Outlines accompanying each graded speech. OUTLINES AND ALL SUBMITTED WORK MUST BY TYPED OR PRINTED.
3.Class criticism of speeches along with general class participation.
4.Paper critiquing a major political address.
5.Class attendance -- absences totalling more than two weeks of classes will result in lower course grades.
THIS INCLUDES MEDICALLY EXCUSED ABSENCES AS WELL AS ALL OTHERS. I HAVE ALLOWED TWO WEEKS' WORTH BECAUSE OF SUCH POSSIBLE EMERGENCIES.

Specific Assignments

1. Impromptu Speech
You will present a brief "impromptu" presentation in which you demonstrate the ability to organize, to think on your feet, and to speak confidently.

 2. No-notes Visual Aid Speech
You will deliver a speech which has the objective of helping the audience to understand a particular controversy or issue. The only notes you may have with you will be a 4"x 6" note card, but the presentation itself will include about five complex visual aids about which you will explain the meaning and significance. Prior to the speech you will hand in a full sentence outline with bibliography.

 3. Eulogy Speech
You will deliver a speech which will honor or dishonor a contemporary figure. The position you take on the figure must be contrary to conventional wisdom. You will adduce substantial evidentiary support for the four or so contentions you make regarding the individual.

 4.Group Discussion -- Where appropriate
You will engage in a panel discussion as a member of a group that has the objective of considering multiple points of view and resolving an issue in dispute related to the course's issue-area. You should demonstrate that you are informed, prepared, and engaged. You will also submit a brief paper which evaluates the group's communication process and outcomes as well as the roles of the individuals in the group.

5.Final Paper -- Extra Credit

You will submit a paper of rhetorical criticism of a contemporary political address. The address must have some significance, and you will evaluate and assess the address’ effects on the intended audience as well as unintended effects. You must submit a copy of the address as well.
 

Rhetorical Critique of a Contemporary Political Address

You must submit a copy of the address. Address the following considerations:

1. What is the purpose of the address?

2. What evidence is adduced to prove the point(s)?

A. Is the evidence credible? Are the sources credible? Is there reluctant testimony?

B. Should the evidence be believed (this is different from whether the audience may find the evidence believable)?

 3. What is the ethos, or reputation, of the speaker generally? What is the ethos of the speaker with this audience?

4. What is the effect of the speech? How can you tell? Is the effect likely short term or long term?

The paper must be 3-5 pages, double spaced with reasonably small margins. Make sure it is readable and substantive. If you apprise me of your topic, I can give you some advice or directions.

Stylistic hint: let the reader know at the beginning of your speech what you are going to do and what you will cover.

GRADING

1. Grades on oral presentations (including evaluation of research, organization, outline, and cross-examination) will be at least 90% of grade for course, unless you do a paper as well.

 2. Evaluation of paper of rhetorical criticism may be up to 20% of grade -- see #1.

 3. Evaluation of class participation (excellence of discussion, critiques etc.) and attendance will be used to settle borderline grades and will be worth 5% or more of grade.

 IMPORTANT NOTE: There may be small but significant requirements for your speeches and papers that a student may discover only by attending lectures. Absent students will be equally responsible for adherence to such requirements.

 #Sloppy or inadequately typed or printed outlines or other submissions will significantly affect your grade.

 

CALENDAR:

Day One Introduction
Week 1, 2 Rhetorical Criticism, Communication Models
Week 2-3 Evidence, Delivery, Organization, Researching, Internet
Week 3-5 Impromptu Speeches
Week 5-7 No-notes Visual Aid Speeches
Week 8 Dyadic, Small Group, and
Organizational
Communication Discussion,
Non-verbal
Communication; political rhetoric
Week 9-12 Eulogy Speeches
Week 13-14 Speech Discussions
Final DayFinal Meeting and Summary
Students may not attempts a class for the third time without prior permission from the Academic Standards Committee. Information regarding this policy can be obtained through the Registrar's office.