One of the things we work on in this class is to give you exposure to public speaking. Not only is it considered an essential element to the study of communication, but the ability to speak in front of audiences of all kinds and sizes is an important part of working in any business.

You will be asked to make 5 individual speech presentations.

Impromptu Speech (Week 4: February 17) – Each student will be asked to speak for 2 minutes on a topic provided to them at the time the speech is to be made. You will receive your topic at the beginning of class and have an opportunity to consider what you will say. Each topic will be something that you shouldn’t have any problem figuring out what to say. You must be present in class on September 16 in order to receive a grade for this speech.

Informative Speech (Week 11: April 14) – Each student will be asked to speak for 3 minutes on a topic of their choice with the goal of either teaching or showing something to the class for which you have great interest. It’s an opportunity for you to share something that you enjoy doing or knowing. A visual (slide) presentation is suggested but not required.  You must be present in class on November 4 in order to receive a grade for this speech.

Scholar Updates (completed throughout the semester) – Each student will make 2 short presentations, displaying/describing 2 different Scholar updates that they have posted. It is up to each student to decide which update to present, although presenting a Week 1 update will be limited to the first 4-5 weeks of the semester. Please sign up for preferred dates as soon as possible.

“Ethical Moment” presentation (completed throughout the semester) – Each student will be asked to make a 3-minute visual (slide) presentation on a topic that poses an ethical conflict.

  • Such a conflict can be found in any issue where there are two opposing points of view and each point of view is one that someone could reasonably have.
  • Examples include (DO NOT use these!) abortion, gun rights, and same-sex marriage. If possible, students should choose an issue with which they are familiar.
  • Students will choose a day to present using the Google Sheets signup form appropriate for their section. You don’t have to pick a topic right away but you must choose a date and write in your name. Be sure to return to the signup sheet when you know what your topic is. Do not list a topic that has already been selected. Students who choose the first week of presentations (September 9 and 11) will earn an additional 10 points for their presentation.
  • Each presentation should include a summary or overview of what the issue is. DO NOT advocate for a point of view in this presentation. Rather, present the issue along with the opposing points of view, including at least 3 examples of why people favor each point of view.

You must present your “ethical moment” on the day you are scheduled in order to receive a grade for this speech.