SPC 105: Public Speaking
This is an introductory oral communication course emphasizing speaking skills in professional and academic contexts. Students enrolled in this course will learn public speaking strategies, as well as techniques for researching, organizing, outlining, and delivering speeches.
Course Goals and Objectives
SPC 105:
SPC 105 is a traditional course in public speaking. In this course, students are expected to prepare and give at least three substantial speeches, two of which must be informative and persuasive in nature.
Upon completion of the course, students should have a general understanding of the skills necessary for effective public speaking as outlined in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) course description. These skills include:
- Ability to phrase clear and appropriate purpose statements;
- Develop concise and specific thesis statements
- Conduct an audience analysis
- Adapt a message and delivery to the needs and interests of the audience
- Generate ideas, choose topics, and gather supporting material;
- Research and provide adequate support of the main points, using proper verbal citations
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards in research, the presentation of materials, and the use of language
- Establish credibility by demonstrating knowledge of the topic and providing appropriate background information.
- Prepare and use visual aids that clarify a speaker's message and increase the audience's interest
- Organize and outline an effective message
- Use of language:
- to enhance the understanding of the message
- appropriate for the occasion, audience, topic, and speaker
- to create imagery and rhythm throughout the speech
- Delivery:
- deliver speeches extemporaneously with fluency and confidence
- use nonverbal communication (gestures, vocal variety, eye contact, bodily action, and physical appearance) to enhance the speaker's message
- Cope with communication apprehension and anxieties associated with public speaking
- Analyze and critically evaluate the delivery and structure of a speaker's message
