In this course, you will learn how public speakers plan and deliver presentations. You will also learn how to make critical judgments as an audience member to public discourse.

You will learn by reflecting on some of the concepts in our textbook with discussion board contributions, small-group interactions and by presenting speeches.  In order to work together as a class, everyone will follow the same schedule for completing assignments, with weekly (and mid-week) due dates.

Note: All sections of this course require attending some in-person and online class meetings, but sections may vary in the number of each type. Check the NovaConnect notes for specifics about the meetings for each section.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by helping you become a more confident and effective speaker and listener.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. Increase your understanding and appreciation of the communication process as it relates to speaker and listener interactions
2. Develop your speaking and listening competencies for effective speech composition and delivery
3. Exercise critical insight in judging spoken discourse
4. Appreciate how spoken communication is used to critically examine facts, values and policies
5. Respect ethical codes that govern spoken discourse:
• Tolerance for differences of opinion
• Preference for civility
• Willingness to test rationally evidence and arguments
• Development of interpersonal values that open and maintain channels of communication
  

The required textbook for this course is:

• iSpeak: Public Speaking for Contemporary Life, 2009 Edition, by Nelson, Titsworth, and Pearson, McGraw-Hill, 2010.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following:  

There are no proctored exams in this course, but you are required to present three speeches during class meetings.

We are here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact us when they do:

You may also schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or at our campus offices. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.