COM 173: Public Speaking - M. Walters

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COM* 173: Public Speaking

This course is designed to encourage students to develop their speaking and listening skills in order to become more confident communicators. The course introduced students to communication as an interactive process and emphasizes developing effective public presentation skills. Instruction stresses organization, research, writing, delivery and audience adaptation.

The Persuasive Speech

This speech requires that you take a stand on a controversial issue and attempt to persuade the class to accept your position. This is a challenging type of speech because it demands that you have complete control of all sorts of complex information. It also requires that you use your allotted time carefully and effectively. Persuasive speeches require considerable research and preparation. I am recommending that you spend at least 2 - 3 hours researching your issue and at least 3 - 4 hours developing the content and organization of your speech.

Requirements:

• The speech MUST be at least ____ minutes long. Try your best to use the full ____ minutes.
• You must clearly state and support your position on the controversial issue you choose.
• For this speech, you are striving to do the following:

1.  Clearly define a problem or issue.
2. Clearly state your position.
3. Argue convincingly in support of that position.
4. Craft a speech that is carefully organized and that flows seamlessly together.
5. Use 3 CLEARLY STATED ORAL CITATIONS/QUOTES WITHIN YOUR SPEECH

• Must use at least 5 - 10 transitional words or phrases (which are to be typed on the bottom of the outline)
• You must submit your typed outline before you speak and make sure your name is on it, and my name is on it and the date.

You must craft an introduction that creates interest and grabs the audience's attention. In your outline you must write down your introduction word-for-word.

In addition to articulating the reasons for your position, you must spend some time discussing your opponent's position and why they hold such position/belief, and why you ultimated disagree with them.

You must research, use quotes, and practice your speech. Practice, practice, practice, practice...