Here are instructions for each video assignment for this course. Remember – you only have to complete 10 out of the possible 13 assignments listed here. You may complete the others for extra credit.
Week 1 video – All About You
Create a short (2:00 max) video as a way of introducing yourself. Include your name, your class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), and one “fun fact” about yourself. You will upload this video to the Week 1 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 2 video – Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Record a short video (2 minutes maximum) of you demonstrating how you can employ positive visualization in a speech. Imagine that you are either talking to a prospective student or creating a video for prospective students interested in taking this class. Improvise a speech that has a few key details but mostly relies on how well you are projecting confidence. You will upload this video to the Week 2 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 3 video – Breaking The Mold
Record a short video (1-2:00) that demonstrates a “genre violation” of the genre that you are describing in your Week 3 update. Think of an unconventional or offbeat way to celebrate an occasion, demonstrate something, or advocate/persuade for something. The key is to find an atypical way of accomplishing whatever you try. While this should not be scripted, you may rely on some notes if you wish. You will upload this video to the Week 3 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 4 video – Demonstrate
Record a short video (1-3:00) where you demonstrate how something works. It can be a demonstration of anything as long as it can be seen while you demonstrate. You may create a screen recording for this assignment but you are not required to do so. You will upload this video to the Week 4 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 5a video – Persuade Me
For this video, make just a 1-minute recording that is similar to a TV ad where you will persuade your audience to try a product or take some action. Consider using the fallacy you chose for your Week 5 update as part of your argument. Also, make sure the subject of your persuasion is appropriate! Timing is important – your video should be a minimum of 50 seconds and a maximum of 70 seconds (1:10). You will upload this video to the Week 5a Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 5b video – Stake Your Claim
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) that demonstrates your understanding of the three types of claims. Choose any item and then make a claim of fact, a claim of value, and a claim of policy for that item. You should follow this format:
Name the item you are using for your claim (it is not necessary to physically have the item, although you may find it useful for your video if you do)
Introduce your claim of fact. (It would be helpful to say “Here is my claim of [claim type] before each claim.)
Define each claim after making it. Repeat until all 3 claims are made.
Consider using the fallacy you choose for your Week 5 update in one or more of your claims.
You will upload this video to the Week 5b Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 6 video – Facing Fear
Record a short (2:00 minimum) video that demonstrates how you can identify with your audience by way of a shared experience. Imagine that your speech topic is “Overcoming Our Fears.” Improvise a story (real or imagined) about a fear you had to come to terms with and what you did to make that happen. You will upload this video to the Week 6 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 7 video – Do Your Research
Record a video of no more than 5 minutes where you demonstrate how to find the source you use to complete the Week 7 Update. Demonstrate how you found your source from the Bird Library academic database and how you can save the article as well as the correct citation. You may create a screen recording for this assignment but you are not required to do so. You will upload this video to the Week 7 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 8 video – Articulate and Modulate
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) that demonstrates your knowledge of vocalics (also known as paralanguage). Use at least three of the five basic vocalic elements (volume, pitch, articulation, pronunciation, and rate) in a speech on any topic you desire. Don’t script your speech, but you may use notes if you wish. You will upload this video to the Week 8 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 9 video – Prop Me Up
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) to demonstrate your knowledge of using presentation aids. Make an informational or persuasive speech with the use of a “prop.” The prop can be the subject of the speech or something you wish to use to help discuss the subject. Make sure it is visible at all times and appropriate to the subject matter. You will upload this video to the Week 9 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 10 video – Transitional Speechmaking
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) to demonstrate your understanding of transitions. Come up with a brief speech “body” and use a transition statement to move from one to the next. You will upload this video to the Week 10 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 11 video – Overcoming Groupthink
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) to demonstrate your understanding of speaking in the workplace, specifically in a small group situation. Imagine that your group or team has fallen victim to “groupthink” and is seemingly agreeing with a team member’s idea you know they don’t support. Overcoming groupthink only happens when team members are willing to speak their minds about what they like and don’t like. Encourage the team to do that without putting down the groupthink proposal or the person responsible for it. You will upload this video to the Week 11 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.
Week 12 Video – All We Are Saying…
Create a short video (2:00 minimum) that expresses your beliefs about how or if public speaking can be used to deter violence. This speech should be argumentative in nature and you should take a position on this topic and defend it using reason. It is not necessary to cite sources; this speech is your opinion. You will upload this video to the Week 11 Video Assignment page on Blackboard. Upload instructions can be found there.