Speech- Work Place Experience Mrs. Seiler Room 118

”Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. It is to bring another out of his bad sense into your good sense.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Speech is civilization itself. The word, even the most contradictory word, preserves contact—it is silence which isolates.” -Thomas Mann

Overview:

This course provides the study of and practice in the basic principles and techniques of effective oral communication. This course includes instruction in adapting speech to different audiences and purposes. Students have opportunities to make different types of oral presentations including viewpoint, instructional, informative, persuasive, and impromptu. This course emphasizes research using technology and careful organization and preparation. Students also practice and develop critical listening skills.

Course Outline Components:

A. Development and Improvement of speaking skills B. Verbal and Nonverbal Techniques C. Persuasive speaking tactics D. Informational Speeches E. Tribute speeches F. Impromptu speeches G. Interview skills and techniques H. Scene Recreation from movie/play. I. Advertisement/print ad

Target Objectives of the Course: 1. Students will be able to select an appropriate speech topic. 2. Students will conduct research to gather data that is accurate, appropriate, clear, well documented, and unbiased. 3. Students will organize and write speeches with an effective introduction and conclusion, a well-structured body, clear bridge transitions, and oral footnotes. 4. Students will write and deliver speeches using correct grammar, Standard English, and well-chosen language. 5. Students will deliver speeches with physical and vocal effectiveness. 6. Students will evaluate their own speeches and the speeches of others, recognizing strengths and weaknesses Requirements: You are expected to:  Be prepared with your notebook/binder, pencil/pen, and homework.- Failure to do so will result in a 0 for the day’s Time on Task points.  Arrive on time and be seated and ready to work when the bell rings  Be respectful of your teacher, your peers, and of school property  Listen carefully and participate in class Classroom Procedures and Expectations o For the most part, you will create the atmosphere in this class. However, it is also my job to help create an environment where people can learn. I expect you to be supportive of one another. I will not tolerate anything less than your complete courtesy and attention when I am speaking or your classmates are speaking. o If a student is late, he or she should enter the room quietly and must place a pass in the PASS BOX. You get one free late. Please mark your name on the sheet. Also, if it is a speech day, please wait outside until your classmate is finished giving his/her speech. o If you need to use the lavatory during class, please sign out.

o Your homework is due at the beginning of the period, or it is considered late. With any assignment, you have a one-day grace period to get the assignment in late. However the grade you receive will be docked a full letter grade. After this one day grace period expires, the assignment will not be accepted. The late assignment will receive a zero. This policy will only be waived in rare circumstances, and at the teacher’s discretion. o I understand that life events often happen unexpectedly. Therefore you get one free late – no questions asked – on a homework assignment. You must make me aware that you are exercising your free late. Your homework is due at the beginning of the period the next day with no penalty. (Does not apply to speeches or tests).

o Any cheating or plagiarism will result in an immediate zero and disciplinary action. o Please leave the desks alone and pitch out your trash.

o Class attendance is very important. It is important that you are in class to deliver your own speeches, as well as hearing your classmates as well. o If you ever find that you are struggling in class, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help you in any way I can. I am available for conferences or you can email me with questions or concerns at [email protected].

Homework and Speech Policy: If you are absent, you will have 3 days after you return to turn in all missed work. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the assignment. If you are absent on the day of your speech, you will give your speech the day you return.

Speech Evaluation Rubric The average presentation (grade C) should meet the following criteria:

1. Conform to the kind of oral presentation assigned (informative, persuasive, etc). 2. Be ready for presentation on the assigned date. 3. Conform to the time limit. 4. Fulfill any special requirements of the assignment—such as preparing an outline, using presentational aids, etc. 5. Have a clear purpose. 6. Have an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion. 7. Show reasonable directness and competence in delivery. 8. Be free of serious errors in grammar, pronunciation, and word usage. The above average presentation (grade B) should meet the preceding criteria and also:

1. Deal with a challenging topic. 2. Fulfill all major functions of an introduction and a conclusion. 3. Display clear organization of main points and supporting materials. 4. Exhibit proficient use of connectives—signposts, and bridge transitions. 5. Be delivered skillfully enough so as not to distract attention from the speaker’s message.

The superior presentation (grade A) should meet all the preceding criteria and also:

1. Constitute a genuine contribution by the speaker to the knowledge or beliefs of the audience. 2. Sustain positive interest, feeling, and/or commitment among the audience. 3. Contain elements of vividness and special interest in the use of language. 4. Be delivered in a fluent, polished manner that strengthens the impact of the speaker’s message.

The below average presentation (grade D or F) is deficient (grade D) or seriously deficient (grade F) in the criteria for the average presentation (grade of C).

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Please review this course description with a parent, and return this signature sheet no later than Friday, August 30th. Then keep this course description in your binder.

STUDENT SIGNATURE

I have read and fully understand the academic and behavioral expectations outlined in Mrs. Seiler’s Speech class description. I agree to abide by these guidelines or suffer the academic and/or disciplinary consequences.

______(signature) (printed name)

PARENT SIGNATURE

I have read and fully understand the academic and behavioral expectations outlined in Mrs. Seiler’s Speech class description. I will support and guide my child to abide by these academic and behavioral expectations.

______(signature) (printed name)