CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for COM115 - Public Speaking

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Compare and contrast communication fields including speech communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, mass communication, and intercultural communication.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of these essential factors in public speaking: speaker, message, audience, occasion, purpose, and the critical thinking processes related to each.
  3. Evaluate through critical analysis selected speeches using the following skills: listening, reasoning, and rhetorical criticism.
  4. Incorporate understanding of these factors into speech performance: source credibility, communication apprehension, and ethics.
  5. Prepare and deliver a variety of speeches including informative and persuasive speeches before a live, synchronous audience giving feedback to the speaker that demonstrate: topic selection, audience analysis, organization, academic research strategies and language use.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of impromptu, extemporaneous, manuscript, and memorized methods of speech delivery.
  7. Demonstrate understanding of vocal and physical delivery: pitch, rate, volume, vocal variety, body movement, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate audio-visual forms of technology.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of how writing, conversation, and performance impact public speaking situations.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using illustrative models, video, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)
Identify three benefits from studying public speaking. 1, 2
Define public speaking and its essential elements. 2
Manage your fear of public speaking. 2, 4
Define listening, explain its five stages, and identify the suggestions for improvement at each stage. 2, 3
Apply the guidelines to improve your own listening. 3
Define criticism, and explain its role in public speaking. 2, 3
Apply the guidelines for giving and receiving criticism. 3
Identify some of the ways in which culture influences listening and criticism. 1, 2, 3
Identify the popular but untrue beliefs about public speaking, the values of starting early, and the norms of your public speaking class. 1, 2, 3
Paraphrase the 10 steps for preparing a public speech and apply them to your own beginning speeches. 1, 2, 3, 4

Module 2 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Paraphrase the qualities of a good speech topic, and describe the ways to find and limit your topic. 1, 2, 4
Phrase a general purpose and a specific purpose statement that crystallize what you hope to achieve in your speech. 2, 4
Define thesis, and explain how purpose and thesis differ and the ways to word your thesis for greatest effectiveness. 5
Develop main points that are limited in number, focus on your audience, and are worded effectively. 2, 4, 5
Organize your main points into a logical and clearly identifiable pattern. 2, 4, 5
Construct an effective introduction, conclusion, and transitions for your speech. 2, 4
Create preparation and delivery outlines. 2, 4, 5
Identify the principles of informative speaking and apply them to your own speeches. 2, 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of description . 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of definition. 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of demonstration. 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of demonstration. 5, 9
Develop and incorporate appropriate presentation tools. 2, 5, 8
Prepare and present effective speeches of definition. 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of demonstration. 5

Module 3 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Acquire information about your audience—the sociological and psychological makeup—and adapt your speech to your audience. 2, 3, 5
Conduct research using carefully evaluated sources, and effectively integrate these materials into your speech. 3, 4, 5
Identify the three major goals of persuasive thinking. 5
Paraphrase the eight principles of persuasive speaking. 1, 2
Explain the ways culture affects persuasion. 1, 2, 5
Prepare and present effective persuasive speeches on questions of fact. 5
Prepare and present effective persuasive speeches on questions of value. 5
Prepare and present effective persuasive speeches on questions of policy. 5
Collect and incorporate appropriate and varied supporting materials. 5, 9
Develop and incorporate appropriate presentation tools. 2, 5, 7
Prepare and present effective speeches of definition. 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of demonstration. 5

Module 4 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Select words to achieve clarity, vividness, appropriateness, and personal style and phrase sentences for maximum effectiveness. 2, 9
Rehearse your speech effectively and efficiently . 5, 9
Present your speech effectively and with the appropriate method of presentation. 5, 6, 9
Use vocal delivery that is appropriate in volume, rate, pitch, pausing, articulation, and pronunciation. 7, 9
Use eye contact, facial expressions, posture, gestures, movement, proxemics, and notes effectively. 9
Prepare and present a speech of introduction. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a speech of presentation or acceptance. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a speech to secure goodwill. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a speech of dedication. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a commencement speech. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present an inspirational speech. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a eulogy. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a farewell speech. 2, 5, 6
Prepare and present a toast. 2, 5, 6
Explain the role of culture in special occasion speaking. 1, 2

Module 5 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Define small group and team, the stages of small group communication, small group formats, and small group culture. 1

Define and give examples of the brainstorming group, the educational or learning group, the personal growth group, and the problem solving group.

1
Describe and distinguish among group task roles, group building/maintenance roles, and individual roles and serve (and avoid) these roles for effective member participation. 1
Define leadership, explain its myth and the approaches to leadership, and apply the skills for effective small group leadership. 1, 9
Apply the techniques of public speaking to a variety of small group presentations. 1, 5, 9
Develop main points that are limited in number, focus on your audience, and are worded effectively. 2, 4, 5
Organize your main points into a logical and clearly identifiable pattern. 2, 4, 5
Construct an effective introduction, conclusion, and transitions for your speech. 2, 4
Create preparation and delivery outlines. 2, 4, 5
Collect and incorporate appropriate and varied supporting materials. 5, 9
Develop and incorporate appropriate presentation tools. 2, 5, 8, 2
Prepare and present effective speeches of definition. 5
Prepare and present effective speeches of demonstration. 5

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

AssignmentPoints
Quizzes (7 @ 80 Points Each) 560
Creating Your Speech Video Quiz 20
Discussions (5 @ 20 points each) 100
Topic Discussions (4 @ 5 points each) 20
Peer Review Discussions (4 @ 20 points each) 80
Module 1 Assignment 1: Introductory Speech 100
Module 2 Assignment 1: Informative Speech Outline 50
Module 2 Assignment 2: Informative Speech 105
Module 3 Assignment 1: Persuasive Speech Outline 50
Module 3 Assignment 2: Persuasive Speech  125
Module 4 Assignment 1: Special Occasion Speech 100
Module 5 Assignment 1: Call-to-Action Speech Outline 50
Module 5 Assignment 2: Call-to-Action Speech 200
TOTAL 1000

CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment

CCCOnline goes to great lengths to assure the quality of your online learning experience. You can expect the following from our courses: