In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:
This is the first proctored assessment. In this opening speech assignment students will briefly share a little bit about themselves and practice using their camera and Canvas Studio to record and post a video copy of their short speech for the instructor to see.
This is the second proctored assessment. In this research-based speech assignment, you will select a topic (object, concept, event, place, or person) and then gather substantive supporting materials (facts, statistics, expert testimony, definitions, etc.) about that topic and organize the information into a coherent speech that is meant to educate the class about the topic chosen. Your main goal should be to teach the class about the topic. You should refrain from organizing your speech in a manner that would come across as overly persuasive. This will be the first speech that requires you to work in small groups to gather feedback about your topic selection and the type of supporting materials you will use. An annotated bibliography is required for this speech along with a structured outline. A visual aid is also required to help teach the audience about the topic. Your delivery and eye contact in this speech should be improved upon from the first speech and the organization of this speech should be more structured.
This is the third proctored assessment. In this research-based speech assignment, you will identify a compelling argument that you want the audience to agree with and then gather substantive supporting materials (facts, statistics, expert testimony, definitions, etc.) you can use to persuade the audience that your position on the issue is correct. Your main goal should be to create a coherent speech that will encourage the audience to accept the argument you have presented to them. Students are required to use all the facets of public speaking delivery to improve the persuasive impact of this final speech. Your delivery and eye contact in this speech should be improved upon from the informative speech and the organization of this speech should be more structured.
This is the fourth proctored assessment. The purpose of your commemorative speech is to toast a person, event, gathering, or idea. Your goal is to honor the occasion and make an emotional connection with the audience. Creativity and context are essential for this speech. You should place extra emphasis on engaging delivery and the use of language devices. Sources are optional. A manuscript will be required.
Throughout the course you will be responsible for responding critically to various thought questions that concern public speaking dynamics. Some of the Discussion Board posts occur in small group settings and require you to interact with others as you work to choose topics and gather research for your speeches. Finally, some discussion board posts require you review your speech and critique your own performance. In total there are eight discussion board assignments. You will be given credit for your own original post and also your responses to two other posts that were originally made by a classmate.
The chapter quizzes are required and scored automatically. They can help you prepare for the comprehensive exam.
The comprehensive exam is an open-book test. It is to check your understanding of the concepts learned in the course. To prepare yourself for the comprehensive exam you may want to review the chapters, the video lectures, and your reading notes.