Course Syllabus

R110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking Spring 2017

Instructor:   Dawn Grimes aka Ms. Grimes or Ms. G.

Email:    dcgrimes@iupui.edu (Use Course Portal on Canvas)

Phone: (317) 413-3802 (cell)

About Communicating With Me

CANVAS Email is preferred and I will endeavor to respond to all email within 24 hours.  If you need an answer sooner, text me to let me know you have sent an email that you feel needs my immediate attention.

Texting is fine for emergency/immediate need communication.  On first text, please let me know who you are.

Office Hours  I will be available for 1 hour every Thursdays 5:45 – 6:45.  I will make appointments for this time but also welcome spontaneous meeting as this hour will follow our regular class time.  To note, students who have made an appointment will have priority meeting time.   If you need to see me and cannot meet Thursday evenings, let me know and we can schedule a different time that works well for both of us.

Welcome to R110

I am looking forward to working with all of you to help you grow as speakers and, more generally, as communicators.  The fundamentals you will learn and practice in this class have the potential to positively impact your entire academic and professional career. 

This is a required course because it is an essential course.  If you make use of everything that is at your disposal: speaker’s lab; practicing at home; engaging in class and with course content, you will maximize your opportunity to fully benefit from this course.  I am prepared to be amazed by your growth and I hope you will prepare for the same.

I strongly believe that what you learn in college is as much about learning to successfully function and fulfill your responsibilities within an institution / organization, as it is about learning course content.  

Understanding the objectives and requirements of any given course – and fulfilling them is a skill you will use throughout your life   I take responsibility for teaching you the fundamentals of communication – and you will be responsible for coming to class prepared with the necessary materials, and ready to learn. 

Please familiarize yourself with this syllabus; it will give you a good idea of what is expected of you in this course.

Required Textbook

You will need first week.  We will review and discuss assigned reading during second class meeting.  This textbook contains tear-out rubrics which you will need throughout the semester. 

R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication Textbook: ISBN: 978073805984-6. Hayden McNeil, 1^st edition.

Available at B&N campus bookstore or Indy college bookstore.  

You may not buy a used or virtual copy, as this text book also functions as a work book – with many tear out pages you will need for speech preparation and student assessments.  

Required Supplies

3X5 Note Cards

Pen / Paper

Required Supplemental Activity

Speech Night (Monday April 24 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Campus Student Center)

Speakers Lab Visit (At least one)

Final Exam (Tuesday May 2. Time is scheduled by you online, instructions to follow later this semester)

Canvas (Online Course Activity)

We will be using Canvas for ALL things including schedule changes, and course announcements.  Check your Canvas account daily – or set up push notifications for alerts.  In the unlikely event that I am unable to make it to campus for class that day, I will use Canvas to email you and post an announcement. 

Course Objectives

The goal of this class is to help you achieve comfort and confidence in preparing and delivering oral presentations.  More than any other skill, U.S. employers are looking for people who communicate well.  

This course is as much about critical thinking and organization skills as it is about delivery.  We will focus together on all three of these essential communication skills and I guarantee what you learn here will support you and your success throughout your college and professional careers.   

Level of Difficulty/Time Commitment

For each speech you will invest time in selecting an appropriate topic, analyzing your audience, researching the topic, organizing your material, practicing the delivery of your speech, delivering your speech in class, and reflecting on and writing about your speech after you have presented it.

We will review speech preparation / presentation techniques in class, however, it is your responsibility to read the textbook.  We will not cover ALL of the material in class. – and -- you will be quizzed/tested on text material.

Public speaking is one of those skills that you have to practice if you truly want to improve, 10-20 times for every speech.  

The text book is very informative and easy to use.   The outline you will use to prepare all of your speeches will help you enormously and the opportunity you will have to practice presentations in class – and maybe – during speech night -- will provide you tremendous opportunity for learning and developing new skills.

Be mindful of the time requirements for online quizzes.  Once you log on to take your test you must submit it within the time frame given when you start, otherwise, it will be automatically submitted at time completion and you may not have completed. 

Assignments

All assignments will be assigned on Canvas.  When an assignment is posted you will be notified on Canvas and the due date will populate on your course calendar.  If you’re not sure of an assignment – check your calendar first.  You can also easily locate assignments in the assignments tab on Canvas. 

Speeches
For each speech, specific directions will help you plan and fulfill your assignment. An important key is to recognize the need to plan, whether it’s for planning research or a visit to the Speaker’s Lab.

Speech Outlines

Three column format and FULL TEXT of your speech are required.  Paper copy is to be provided to me on speech day/uploaded by end of day.   All outlines must include a Works Cited Page. Review the Outline Evaluation Sheets in your text book to see how you’ll be graded.   You’ll likely earn a higher grade if you understand the grading criteria.

Self-Evaluation/ Reflection

Reviewing your speech and providing self-reflection is an excellent way to better understand your strengths and growth edge.

I believe this is one of the most important assignments in this course and I reward liberal point value for those who take the time to thoughtfully consider: what you have done/accomplished; what you can work on; how you intend to do that. 

Peer Evaluations

You will be asked to provide written feedback to your peers on regular / alternating basis.

Speech Day Procedure

1. Provide me with

• Your typewritten 3 Column annotated outline (FULL TEXT SPEECH) with works cited page
• Outline Evaluation Sheet
• Speaker Evaluation Sheet

2. Put your name on Kaltura Video Gallery file for recording (Press record to begin. Stop recording at end of speech. SAVE File)
3. After your speech I will provide feedback about what you did well, and where you need to focus for improving on your skill set. The objective of my feedback is to facilitate learning – for everyone.  I hope that what I offer helps you to grow by pointing out to you and everyone what you did well and where you may focus your efforts to strengthen your presentation skills.  Everyone will learn from everyone.  If you ever* have a question or concern about what I’ve offered in my feedback – please come talk with me or send me a note.  We’ll talk it through. 

Speech Day PowerPoint / Prezzi  Special Instruction

Each speech module will have a PPT assignment tab to facilitate uploading.  

Make SURE that you upload BEFORE your speech – and we can easily download your PPT to the desktop in the classroom in advance of you speech. 

You may also want to bring a copy of your slides WITH you in case the file won’t open.  

Alternatively, you may email yourself a copy of your PowerPoint presentation if you used one.  

Speech Grading / Expectations

You will receive a zero on your speech if:

• You are scheduled to speak and do not show up.  A phone call or email the day of the speech or the next day is unacceptable.  
• You are absent on your scheduled speaking day, you show up the following class day with no documentation.  Without documentation, you will receive zero points for your speech.
• You are scheduled to speak, but we do not get to you due to time constraints, and you are not prepared or don’t show up for the next class day. Exceptions will be made in case of unexpected conflicts when you are moved to a make-up day.   

If you need to miss class on your scheduled speaking day, you must notify me at least 24 hours previous to class time, come with documented evidence as to the purpose of your absence on the very next day of class.   When you have a documented reason for absence we will figure out how an alternative date for your speech.  

Criteria Used for Evaluating Speeches

In addition to the below criteria, I also grade based on improvement.  Everyone comes to the class with a different set of skills and growth needs.  I will grade based on your effort, commitment and performance.  I don't look for perfection, I look for progress. 

In this class, an “average” speech will earn a grade of “C”.  That being said, the following criteria have been set forth to give students a better understanding of what constitutes a “C” speech, “B” speech, and an “A” speech”.

Average speeches earning a grade in the “C” range look like:

1. Conform to the kind of speech assigned—informative, persuasive, etc.
2. Be ready for presentation on the assigned date.
3. Conform to the time limit and research requirements.
4. Fulfill any special requirements of the assignment—preparing an outline, using visual aids, conducting an interview, etc.
5. Have clear specific purpose and central idea.
6. Have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion.
7. Show reasonable directness and competence in delivery.
8. Be free of serious errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage.

Above average speech, earning a grade in the “B” range look like:

1. Deal with a challenging topic.
2. Have adequate research incorporated throughout.
3. Fulfill all major functions of a speech introduction and conclusion.
4. Display clear organization of main points and supporting materials.
5. Support main points with evidence that meets the tests of accuracy, relevance, objectivity, and sufficiency.
6. Exhibit proficient use of connectives—transitions, internal previews, internal summaries, and signposts.  
7. Be delivered skillfully enough (IE not simply reading the speech) so as not to distract attention from the speaker’s message.

Superior speech, earning a grade in the “A” range look like:

1. Constitute a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the audience.
2. Sustain positive interest, feeling, and/or commitment among the audience.
3. Contain elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language.
4. Be delivered in a fluent, polished manner (i.e. well-rehearsed, with lots of vocal variety and emotion) that strengthens the impact of the speaker’s message.
5. It should go above and beyond in both content (research, clarity, support etc.) anddelivery expectations.    

Speaker’s Lab:  

The folks there are wonderful and they are there to help you succeed.  If you truly want to improve, you need to visit the speech lab before every speech.  You will be REQUIRED to make one visit to the Speaker’s Lab.  This visit is to occur before you deliver your speech in class.  So plan your visit as soon as possible.  More than 2,500 students are taking R110 this semester, all of whom are making appointments in the lab.  Set appointments early, and keep any appointments you make. 

The Speaker’s Lab is located in CA 001G (that is in the basement of Cavanaugh Hall).  Hours of operation are posted outside the door or can be accessed by logging onto http://www.liberalarts.iupui.edu/spchlab. The lab’s phone number is 278–7940.

***NOTE – While the lab is not a requirement for all of the speeches, students who make visits before each speech, tend to speak better, and therefore earn higher grades.  I will award 5 Extra Credit points for visiting the lab before your speeches (with the exception of the 2^nd or 3^rd speech, since it is a requirement).  

My Mistakes

I will make mistakes.  I may grade you incorrectly or close an assignment before the due date.  I rely on and and appreciate your helping me when this happens.  I will do my best to keep mistakes to a minimum, but I promise I am not perfect and I am open to your feedback and assistance when I err.

Incomplete

A grade of “I” for Incomplete will only be considered in situations where the student has completed at least 75% of the coursework up to the point where they stopped attending.  This grade is given in very rare instances (usually with medical documentation) and is at the final discretion of the instructor.  A student does not derive maximum benefit from the course by completing the work after the term ended, so Incompletes are reserved for situations in which all three of these conditions are met:

(1) Serious circumstances beyond the student's control during the semester;      

(2) At least 75% of the coursework has been completed;

(3) The student is passing (D- or better) in work completed to the point where an Incomplete is requested.

Under other circumstances, students will be advised to withdraw from the course.  Requests for withdraws after a certain point in the semester (usually, eight or nine weeks into the term) can result in an F instead of a W.   Incompletes in Mrs. Gaddis’ courses must be finished within 30 days after the date the "I" is granted. Students are responsible for filing any paperwork for an Incomplete that is required by their School, Division, or program, or by Financial Aid.

Learning Objective and Student Contract

There are ten learning objectives for this course.  They are listed and explained in your textbook.  Be sure to read them BEFORE you sign the student contract. I will consider your signature on the student contract a binding commitment.

2016 Fall+R110+Student+Contract.docx

Additional regulations:

1. First and foremost, honesty.  Be honest with yourself.  Be honest with your classmates.  Be honest with me.
2. No hats should be worn during a speech or presentation.
3. Cell phones need to be out of sight during class.
4. Don’t leave early unless we’ve discussed. 

5. Talking, studying other subjects, sleeping, or on your cell phone while others are presenting is unacceptable.

6. Be mindful, if someone is speaking, wait to enter the room until they’ve finished.
7. Please dress professionally on speech days—business casual.  Gentlemen, a nice pair of khakis or dress pants, and a button-up shirt is fine. Women, dress pants/skirt and blouse.
8. Refrain from eating or drinking items that may cause a distraction.  

R110 Grading Schedule:

A+         1000    to           970 A            969     to           940 A-           939     to           900 B+          899     to           870 B            869     to           840 B-           839     to           800

C+          799       to          770 C            769       to          740 C-           739       to          700 D+         699        to           670 D            669       to           640 D-          639        to           600 F            599        to               0

 

* Assignments are subject to change by the instructor. An announcement will be made for any schedule changes. 

 

Summary of Assignments			Points Possible
Testing (Quizzes and Final Exam)			200
Introduction Connection Speech 1			20
Introduction Connection outline Speech 1			10
Introduction Connection Speech Reflection Paper -1			10
Informative I: Speech 2			60
Informative I  Speech 2 Outline			20
Informative I: Speech 2 Reflection Paper			20
Informative II SEEI:  Speech 3			100
Informative II SEEI Speech 3 Outline			120
Informative II SEI Speech 3 Reflection Paper			20
Persuasive I Question of Fact or Policy Speech 4			80
Persuasive I Question of Fact or Policy Speech 4 Outline			40
Persuasive I Question of Fact or Policy Speech 4 Reflection Paper			20
Persuasive II MMS Speech 5			100
Persuasive II MMS Speech 5 Outline			120
Persuasive II MMS Speech 5 Reflection			20
Student Contract	Download Sign / Upload Signed Copy / Submit		5
Informative Speech  Speaker’s Lab Visit			20
Persuasive Speaker’s Lab Visit			20
		Total	1005
Extra Credit Opportunity	Quarter Finals Judging	(15)
Extra Credit Opportunity  Linked In Assignment	Create Post	(10)
Extra Speaker’s Lab Visits	Possible 15 points each up to 3	(45)
Outside speaker’s report (Extra Credit)	Campus Speaker’s or University Events	(15)
Absences: 2 allowed without penalty	Attendance and participation are minimally expected, however I will recognize and award up to 15 extra credit points for students who consistently come prepared to engage, share and ask questions.
Class Participation		(15)
Extra Credit Opportunity "The Great Debaters"	Watch movie and write reflection as outlined in assignments tab	(10)
Extra Credit Opportunity "Ted Talk Speech"	Find and watch a Ted Talk of your choice and write a reflection detailing how the speaker used the components of speech to present their topic.  See detail in assignments tab	(10)

 

 

WEEK 1 Tue 1/10	Course overview; Introduction to Section 1; Connection Speech Overview; Audience Analysis Exercise	Read Section 1: 1.1-1.5
WEEK 1 Thu 1/12	Section 1 in book continued. Discussion: Audience Analysis.  Components of speech: Attention; Tie In to Audience; Credibility; Thesis Statement; Transitions.	Review/ Discuss: Sections 1: 1.1 – 1.5 continued
WEEK 2 Tue 1/17	Group 1 & 2 Connection Speech
WEEK 2 Thu 1/19	Group3 & 4 Connection Speech	Read Section 2: 2.1-2.7
WEEK 3 Tue 1/24	Introduction to Section 2: Informative Speech. Key section topics.  Assign speech 2.   Introduce: Informative Speaking Topic Selection / Thesis Development.  Review: Audience Analysis; Credibility; Tie In to Audience; Framing / Through-Line Development	Read Section 2: 2.8-2.12
WEEK 3 Thu 1/26	Informative Speech 1: Groups Break Out / Complete Thesis Statement & Rough Draft	DUE: by end of class:  TOPIC / ROUGH Outline
WEEK 4 Tue 1/31	Group 2: Informative Speech 1
WEEK 4 Thu 2/2	NO CLASS – Ms. G. Out of Town
WEEK 5 Tue 2/7	Group 3: Informative Speech 1
WEEK 5 Thu 2/9	Group 4 : Informative Speech 1
WEEK 6 Tue 2/14	Group 1: Informative Speech 1
WEEK 6 Thu 2/16	Complete Remaining Informative 1 Speeches Topic Selection / Thesis Statement Development For Informative 2 Group Break Out -- Collaboration UPLOAD ROUGH DRAFT OUTLINE With Thesis Statement --  BY MIDNIGHT
WEEK 7 Tue 2/21	Group 3:  Informative 2: SEEI Impact Speech 3	BEGIN Reading Section 3 in Preparation for Persuasive 3.1; 3.2; 3.3 and 3.4
WEEK 7 Thu 2/23	Group 4 : Informative 2: SEEI Impact Speech 3	Read Section 3 3.5; 3.6
WEEK 8 Tue 2/28	Group 1:  Informative 2: SEEI Impact Speech	Section 3: 3.7; 3.8
WEEK 8 Thu 3/2	Group 2:  Informative 2: SEEI Impact Speech	Section 3; 3.9; 3.10; 3.11
WEEK 9 Tue 3/7	PLEASE BE PREPARED to discuss assigned reading. Come with questions - comments - ideas.  Review / Discuss Section 3: Persuasive Speech. Key section topics.  Assign speech 4: Persuasive 1: Question of Fact / Question of Policy	DISCUSSION; Sections 3.2; 3.3; 3.4
WEEK 9 Thu 3/9	Group Break Out / Thesis Development
WEEK 10 Tue 3/14	SPRING BREAK
WEEK 10 Thu 3/16	SPRING BREAK
WEEK 11 Tue 3/21	Group 4: Persuasive I: Question of Fact or Question of Policy Speech
WEEK 11 Thu 3/23	Group 1: Persuasive I: Question of Fact or Question of Policy Speech
WEEK 12 Tue 3/28	Group 2: Persuasive I:  Question of Fact or Question of Policy Speech
WEEK 12 Thu 3/30	Group 3: Persuasive I: Question of Fact or Question of Policy Section 3 in book continued.
WEEK 13 Tue 4/4	Introduction to PERSUASIVE II: MMS Question of Policy Speech. Key section topics.  Discussion Components of MMS Monroe Motivated Sequence Speech
WEEK 13 Thu 4/6	Speech Sharing  / Videos / Discussion
WEEK 14 Tue 4/11	Group 1: MMS Persuasive II
WEEK 14 Thu 4/13	Group 2: MMS Persuasive II
WEEK 15 Tue 4/18	Group 3: MMS Persuasive II
WEEK 15 Thu 4/20	Group 4:  MMS Persuasive II
WEEK 16 Mon 4/24	MANDATORY SPEECH NIGHT
WEEK 16 Tue 4/25	Wrap up any unpresented speeches Final Exam Review Activities
WEEK 16 Thu 4/27	Final Exam Review Activities
WEEK 17 Tue 5/2	NO CLASS -- TAKE FINAL  FINAL EXAM
WEEK 17 Thu 5/4	TBD End of Semester Activity