Sheryl L. Miller Hosey
English Department
Council Rock High School South
Public Speaking Syllabus (2007-2008)
In this class you will be constantly working on
the marketable skills of speaking, listening, reading, and
higher-order thinking, as well as developing strategies for decision
making, time management and studying. By working together I hope
this can be one of the best English classes you’ve ever had. Beyond
that, I hope to help you develop your success as a student and as an
individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What is the focus of this course? This course is designed to
promote confidence in public speaking. To accomplish this, the
incremental method is used. The course is also designed to improve
your listening skills. You will be listening more than speaking, so
you will have the opportunity to become a more attentive, careful,
and astute listener.
2.
How does the incremental method work? This method is based
on chapters in the texts Confidence in Public Speaking and
Essentials of Speech Communication. The skills needed for an
effective speech are presented in steps. In each step there is a
brief speech designed to practice that skill. The final speech
employs all of the skills learned throughout the course.
3.
What materials are used in this class? Students will take
notes, read, and study handouts and book chapters. They should use
a three-ring binder to keep materials organized because one chapter
builds on the next, and the final exam is a cumulative test of all
information learned in the course. Students should be prepared with
note cards or an outline for each speech.
4.
Will there be a midterm and a final? Yes.
5.
How many speeches will each student deliver? Students will
have up to twelve opportunities to deliver speeches, depending on
the size of the class.
6.
What if I am absent on the day I am supposed to deliver a speech?
You will have some choice as to the day of your speech, so it is
important that you make every effort to be present on your assigned
day. If you are absent, you must give the speech the next day you
are present (if there is time) or any day thereafter that I ask you
to deliver it. The second and subsequent times you are absent for a
speech day, you will not be given the opportunity to make it up
unless you have a doctor’s note.
7.
What if I am present but unprepared on speech day? The first
time you are unprepared, your grade will be lowered one level a day.
As in the case of an absence, you will deliver on the following day
present (if there is time) or any day thereafter that I ask you to
deliver it. The second and subsequent times you are unprepared, you
will not be permitted to make up the speech; it will become an
automatic zero.
If you are having difficulty in
this class, it is your responsibility to seek help. I am available
Monday through Thursday after school in room 280 until 3 PM, unless
otherwise noted on the board. You can e-mail me at any time (mh@millerhosey.com).
I usually respond to e-mail Monday through Friday between 7
PM and 10 PM; I have no
set times during the weekend, but I will check it before Sunday
evening whenever possible. Check my Web site www.millerhosey.com for
other help.
Rules
1. Be on time. School policies for lateness will be
followed.
2. All South and school district rules will be followed in this
class.
3. All materials from other classes must be put away.
4.
No hats, hoods, or gum while you are delivering a speech.
5.
After someone delivers a speech, the class applauds his/her
efforts. Politeness counts. No heads down or sleeping during other
people’s speeches---or your own, for that matter!
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