COMM1315 Introduction to Public Speaking

Course Description

Introduction to Public Speaking details the history, theory, and practice of public speaking with an emphasis placed upon the organization and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking. This course fulfills the general education core curriculum "Oral Communcation" requirement. This course is a general education requirement for all UTPB students. This course is designed to enable you to become a more competent and effective communicator by allowing you to focus on your “oral competencies.” This course will provide you with the grounding skills necessary to increase communication competence and provide the coping behaviors necessary to overcome communication apprehension. This course is designed to help you meet the following core objectives in the general education curriculum:

  • Critical Thinking—In creating your speeches, you will conduct significant inquiry and analysis into your selected topic. This will include research designed to support your argument and to answer reasonable objections you are likely to encounter.
  • Communication Skills—You will present speeches to an audience. This will also involve written communication through development of an outline and visual communication through consideration of appropriate visual aids.
  • Teamwork—Your assigned readings will include material on small group communication, and you will make a presentation as a group.
  • Personal Responsibility—You will discuss the various forms of plagiarism. In addition, you will discuss the ethical responsibilities of a rhetor in not manipulating an audience.

Course Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation.
  • Discuss the importance of specifying audience and purpose and to select appropriate communication choices.
  • Appropriately apply different modes of expressions in written, visual, and oral communication.
  • Apply basic principles of critical thinking, problem solving, and technical proficiency in the development of exposition and argument.
  • Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
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