During this class, you will give a LOT of speeches. After all, this is a public speaking class! The other main reason for this is that it will only help you to become better at public speaking. You will actually make a total of 12 in-class speeches.
- Impromptu Speeches – These are short speeches you will be asked to make at random during class time, and you will be asked to do a total of 5 of these speeches over the semester. There will be a different question during each week of the course (Weeks 2-13), and everyone who is asked to speak that week will address that week’s topic. You will have advance notice of what the topics will be.
- You will earn 10 points for the first three, basically by being in front of the class and saying something meaningful.
- The fourth is worth 20 points, where you will be expected to speak for at least 1 minute and have your speech content somewhat organized
- The last impromptu speech is worth 30 points, where you will be expected to speak for 2 minutes and have the main points of your speech organized. This speech must also include a brief introduction and conclusion.
- Grading for the last two impromptu speeches will be based on the proper length of the speech, clear organization, and an introduction and conclusion for the last impromptu speech. I will also consider qualities of clarity and thoughtfulness, along with the ability to share something of substance with the class.
- Prepared Speeches -You will be asked to make a total of 7 prepared speeches: two celebratory speeches, two informative speeches, two persuasive speeches, and a final speech. Your final speech can be any of the speech genres. For each speech genre, one will be a single topic chosen by me that everyone will use, and one will have a topic that you will choose. All single-topic speeches will be limited to 3 minutes and will be made the week before the dates of the chosen topic speeches. The chosen topic speeches will have speech lengths that will vary between individual genres. Details about each speech genre can be found below:
- Celebratory Speech – You will be asked to make a 3-minute speech that marks an occasion or a milestone for a person or organization during Week 6 (February 16). If you will be using slides for your speech, please add your name and the link to the celebratory speech signup sheet by the day of the speeches. Otherwise, it is not necessary. A decision about the order in which students will speak will be made before the speeches are presented. You will earn 20 points for completing these speeches. You must be present or have an excused absence on the day you are scheduled to speak, or you will get a zero for this activity.
- Informative Speech – You will be asked to make a prepared 5-minute speech on an informational topic of your choice during Week 9 (March 16 and 18), the week following Spring Break. Please choose one of the available dates on the Informative Speech Signup Sheet by the first day of the speeches. Only one topic per person will be permitted. Once the names are filled up for a given day, no more names can be added. The goal of this speech is to teach the class or demonstrate something to the class. This is a chance for you to share something that you enjoy doing or knowing. Be sure to keep the goals of an informational speech in mind. You can’t use a script for this speech, but index cards are permitted. You aren’t required to include a slide presentation, but you may find one useful for this speech. You will earn 35 points for this speech. You must be present or have an excused absence on the day you are scheduled to speak, or you will get a zero for this activity.
- Persuasive Speech – You will be asked to speak for 5 minutes on a persuasive topic of your choice during Week 12 (April 6 and 6). Please choose one of the available dates on the Persuasive Speech Signup Sheet by the first day of the speeches. Only one topic per person will be permitted. Once the names are filled up for a given day, no more names can be added. Your topic should be something that you are either passionate about or are at least curious about. Like the informational speech, this is a chance to share something of importance with us. Be sure to keep the goals of a persuasive speech in mind. You aren’t required to include a slide presentation, but you may find one useful for this speech. You will earn 50 points for this speech. You must be present or have an excused absence on the day you are scheduled to speak, or you will get a zero for this activity.
- Final Speech– You will complete your final speech during one of our final three class meetings (April 20, April 22, and April 27). Please choose one of the available dates on the Final Speech Presentation Signup Sheet. Only one topic per person will be permitted. Once the names are filled up for a given day, no more names can be added. Only one topic per person will be permitted. A slide or other type of visual presentation is required for this speech. Your speech should be 8-9 minutes long, but NO LONGER THAN 9 MINUTES. You will earn 100 points for this speech. You MUST be present on the day you are scheduled to speak, or you will get a zero for this activity.