Grade 7-12 Speech Course Syllabus

Instructor:​ Mr. Allan A. Fisher

Room:​ TBD

School Contact Info: ​TBD

Conference Period:​ TBD

Email:​ allanfisherg@gmail.com

Textbook: ​Speak Up!: An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking 5th Edition by Douglas
M. Fraleigh, ​ISBN-13: 978-1457623943 ISBN-10: 1457623943

Materials Needed:​ A spiral notebook, pencil or pen, and highlighters.

Course Description​:
This course applies written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based
environment. Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have
a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid
academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communication.

Within this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write,
read, edit, speak, listen, apply software applications, manipulate computer graphics,
and conduct Internet research. This class will count as a speech credit for the
Foundation HSP with Endorsements.

This beginning-level course introduces students to principles of effective

communication. Students will gain confidence and develop communication skills
through a variety of interpersonal communication activities and oral presentations.
Course curriculum will also include listening strategies, non-verbal communication,
group dynamics and problem-solving, as well as essential elements of effective
professional communication.

Course Objective:
The goal of this course is for students to feel comfortable speaking in public. Students
will be expected to give several presentations throughout the semester, thus helping
ease the ever-growing fear of public speaking. After all, public speaking is the number
one fear, in life, for most people. The instructor’s goals will have been achieved when
students are able to apply what they have learned in the course in a real setting.

Classroom Expectations:
1.) RESPECT your instructor and your fellow students. The classroom is a safe
space.
2.) Come to class prepared.
3.) No cursing, bullying, name-calling, harassment, or hate speech.
4.) Raise your hand if you have a question or if you would like to be called on.
5.) Be punctual, prepared, and proactive.
6.) Rules 6-10 are determined by the classroom community.

Consequences:
1st Violation: Warning (verbal or written).
2nd Violation: Warning, and 1 minute after class (last out).
3rd Violation: 2 minutes after class (last out) and parent contact.
4th Violation: Referral to principal.
5th Violation: Family conference.

Hall Pass Policy:

The Hall pass is for restroom emergencies only. As per school policy, students will not
be allowed to use the hall pass in the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of the period.
Students must ALWAYS sign out on the hall pass by writing the date, time, and
destination down. Failure to follow these rules will result in termination of this privilege.

Presentations:
Students will be given several opportunities to give presentations in front of the class.
The guidelines for each presentation will be given AT LEAST one week before the
presentation is due. All presentations will be graded based on the instructor’s rubric,
which the students will be given prior to presenting.

Quizzes and Tests:

Chapter quizzes will be given periodically to assess the student’s knowledge of the
subject.

Re-testing/Re-speaking:
If a student has failed a speech or exam and would like to make it up, a student must
contact her/his instructor and set up a time to do so.
Late Work Policy:
Daily work can be turned in one day late with a 10-point penalty. If turned in 2 days late,
the penalty is increased to 20 points. If turned in three days late, the penalty is
increased to 30 points. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 3 DAYS.

Make-up Work Policy:

Students who are absent will be given sufficient time to make-up assignments.
However, It is YOUR responsibility to pick up your missed assignments from the
make-up folder.

Grading:

Points: You will receive a numerical grade on all work in this class. The maximum
number of points possible for this course is 1,000. The following point guarantee
grades.

900 - A

800 - B

700 - C

600 - D

How points are weighed:

Speeches 600 points (special occasion 100 pts,

informative 150 pts, persuasive 150 pts,
debate 50 pts, impromptu 50 pts)

Quizzes 50 pts (5 quizzes, 10 pts each)

Final Exam 100 pts

Written Assignments 150 pts (3 assignments, 50 pts each)

Attendance/Participation 100 pts

 Team Philosophy and Success in the Classroom

Each class is considered a community, and each student is considered a

community-member and contributor to the classroom culture. Successful communities
are led by a leader (the instructor) who explains the rules, sets expectations, and trains
the students on how to successfully execute the objective. Students are expected to
contribute to the classroom community to the best of their ability so that they all may be
successful. Success in the classroom is based on the following four key principles:

1.) Speaking with purpose

2.) Integrity
3.) Respect
4.) Staying on task.

Communication

Virtually all concerns can be prevented or resolved through prompt and honest
communication. It is essential for your success in this course that you communicate with
your instructor directly and immediately if any concern arises about this course, or your
progress.

In order to maintain a positive learning environment, parents are encouraged to become

involved by establishing frequent communication with the instructor.

Learning Outcomes from the National Communication Association:

NCA Outcome Relevant Coverage in Speak Up!

LOC #1: ​Describe the communication Chapter 1: Introducing Public Speaking

discipline and its central questions
introduces public speaking and its place
within the larger communication
discipline. Subsequent chapters address
core communication competencies like
responsible listening, speaking ethically,
 intercultural awareness, and argument
construction.

LOC #2: ​Employ communication theories, The authors have grounded their book in
perspectives, principles, and concepts current communication scholarship,
packing up its practical advice with key
scholarly concepts. These include linear
and transactional concepts (Ch. 1), the
classical canons of rhetoric (Ch. 2),
source credibility (Ch. 7), Monroe’s
motivated sequence (Ch. 17), logical
fallacies (Ch. 18) and more.

LOC #3: ​Engage in communication The book discusses a variety of critical

theory approaches to communication, including
theories related to the evolution of public
speaking (Ch. 1), speech anxiety (Ch. 2)
and means of persuasion (Ch. 18) among
others.

LOC #4: ​Create messages appropriate to Chapter 5 is an in-depth discussion of

the audience, and context audience analysis, including size,
demographics, prior exposure, and
disposition, while Chapter 2 covers a
speech’s rhetorical purpose.

LOC #5: ​Critically analyze messages Chapter 4 includes coverage of critiquing

and constructively criticizing speeches as
a listener, and Chapter 1 discusses the
role of critical thinking in public speaking.

LOC #6: ​Demonstrate the ability to
accomplish communicative goals
(self-efficacy)
Chapter 2: Developing Your First Speech
walks students through the process of
developing a speech, addressing the
various steps and potential barriers that
they may encounter along the way,
including methods of overcoming speech
anxiety.

LOC #7: ​Apply ethical communication Chapter 3: Speech Ethics discusses

principles and practices
various codes of ethics (absolute,
situational, and culturally relative), and
covers the ethics of communicating
truthfully, acknowledging the work of
others, and using sound reasoning - as
 well as the process of ethical listening.

LOC #8: ​Utilize communication to Chapter 5: Audience Analysis includes

embrace difference material on analyzing audience
demographics to encourage inclusive
thoughtful communication, keeping in
mind gender, sexual orientation, race and
ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and
political affiliation.

LOC #9: Influence public discourse Chapter 21 on civic engagement

discusses in detail how public speaking
can and should influence public
discourse.
 Schedule: Assignments:

1st Six Weeks:

Week 1: ​Ch.1 & Ch. 10 Week 1:

Introduction Speeches
Introductions and Conclusions

Assignment: Classroom Contract

Quiz: Syllabus clicker quiz

Activity: Interview for introduction

speeches

Presentation: Student introduction

speeches

Week 2: ​Ch. 2 & Ch. 10 Week 2:

The speech preparation process
Topic selection
Hero Speech Assignment

Quiz 1

Discussion: Ways we don’t listen (Round

table)

Week 3: ​Ch. 19, Ch. 9, Ch. 11 Week 3:

Special-occasion speaking
Organization
Outlining

Quiz 2

Week 4:
Week 4: ​Ch. 2 and Ch. 13 Communication apprehension
Outline Check: Heroes Speeches

Presentation of Heroes Speech

 Guest Speaker: Yoga instructor

Week 5: ​Ch. 15, Ch. 16, Ch. 17, and Ch. Week 5:
7 Mediated Public Speaking
Developing Informative Messages
Presentation Aids
Research and Evidence

Guest Speaker: Research librarian

Quiz 3

Week 6: ​Ch. 8, Ch. 12, Ch. 4 Week 6:

Supporting materials
Style
Listening
Being an effective audience member

Quiz 4

2nd Six Weeks:

Week 1: ​Ch. 5 Audience Analysis Week 1:

Informative Speeches Presentation: Informative speech

Assignment: Peer review

Week 2:​ Ch. 17 and Ch. 5 Week 2:

Explain persuasive speaking assignment
Audience analysis and adaptation
View and discuss classic persuasive
speech

Activity: Common Ground

Quiz 5

Week 3: ​Ch. 18 and Ch. 3 Week 3:

Developing persuasive messages
Ethics
Explain database assignment
 Assignment: Persuasive surveys

Week 4:​ Persuasive Speeches Week 4:

Presentation: Persuasive Speech

Week 5:​ Persuasive Speeches Week 5:

Presentation: Persuasive Speech

Week 6:​ Peer Review and Team Building Week 6:

Assignment: Peer Review
Activity: Rose, water, and thorn

3rd Six Weeks:

Week 1: ​Debate Week 1: ​Debate Group Workshop

Week 2: Week 2:
TED Talk: How to Disagree Productively
and Find Common Ground

Activity: How to Disagree Productively

and Find Common Ground

Week 3: ​Debate Week 3:

​Presentation: Debate

Week 4: ​Interviewing Week 4:

Principles of Interviewing
Assignment: Mock job interviews

Week 5: ​Karaoke Week 5:

Karaoke
Final exam review
Week 6​: Final Exam
Week 6: ​Final Exam
Community bonding