Intro to Public Speaking – Ms.

Branigan
Ms. Katy Branigan Course Description
Being able to speak publically is something that is essential to the success of a young
Phone: 720-886-1131
person in this day in age. In this class, you will develop your speaking skills as well as
Email: Kbranigan@ learn the dynamics and categories of speech, as well as what goes into writing a great
cherrycreekschools.org spoken piece. We will focus on building confidence in a variety of different public
speaking scenarios and explore the power of our own words. By the end of this class, it
Office: W315
Office Hours: 2A, 2B,
is my hope that you feel more confident in the ways that you can use your words and
scheduled by class virtually voice to persuade, inspire, evoke emotion, and spark change.
on Mondays
Grading
I strive to return phone The grading scale for this one-semester class will align with the following breakdown,
calls and emails within emphasizing the final product for each unit. The breakdown is meant to prioritize the
24 hours. The best way most important parts of developing and growing in our speech making and delivery
for students and parents
skills.
to contact me is via
email or Remind 101, 40% - Performance (final products at the end of each unit)
as I monitor both after 35% - Practice (homework, peer rehearsals, outlines, research, etc.)
work hours and on the
25% - Participation (class discussions, peer evaluations, etc.)
weekend.

Late Work
Students will be allowed to turn in assessments in the Practice category of the
gradebook with a 10% deduction as long as it is turned in before the end of the unit of
which it was originally assigned. Late work in the Participation category will not be
accepted due to the nature of these assignments.
I use Remind101 in order
to keep students updated on Students are expected to be present and prepared to give their end-of-unit speeches
what they may need for
(Performance category items in the gradebook) on the designated presentation day. If
class, reminders about due
students have an excused absence on presentation day, they must communicate with
dates, and other general
info.
Ms. Branigan as soon as they know about their absence to reschedule a time to present
their speech. tl;dr: Communicate with Ms. Branigan in order to ensure you are not
If you would like to be penalized for late or missing work due to extenuating circumstances.
on the class Remind,
text the code of your
hour below to the
phone number 81010 Second Chance Policy
or download the app Students who score below an 80% on their first attempt at a presentation will have an
to your smartphone. opportunity to display proficiency through the Second Chance Policy. Arrangements
must be made by the student within one week of the returned assignment in order to
4A Intro to Public
discuss feedback and make revisions before attempting the presentation again. Students
Speaking - @branigan4a
may schedule their revision discussion and second presentation during class, before or
after school, or via Microsoft Teams.
 Unit Number Unit Title Unit Product
Unit 1 Intro to Communication “About Me” Speech
Unit 2 Informative Speaking How-To Demonstrations
Unit 3 The Art of Debate Debate Boxing Tournament
Unit 4 Speech as Sentiment Personal Toast
Unit 5 Persuading the Audience Shark Tank Presentation
Unit 6 Speaking to Inspire Speech to Spark Change
Units of Study*

*unit schedule subject to change depending on if/when we transition to a Remote Learning model

The Stoplight System

Cell Phones and Head Phones - Studies have shown time and time again that cell phones are not conducive to a
learning environment. That being said, it is important to develop and grow as 21 st century citizens that can
practice restraint when it comes to their electronic devices. We will be operating on a stoplight system.

Red - When the stoplight is red (usually during lectures, tests, or other important activities), there
will be a 0 tolerance policy for phones and headphones.

Yellow – When the stoplight is yellow (usually during independent work time), students will be
allowed to listen to their headphones if they wish.

Green – When the stoplight is green (usually during the last 3 minutes of class and during brain
breaks), students are free to use their cell phones and headphones at their leisure.

Bathroom Procedure - We are all human beings and you are all young adults. If you need to use the bathroom,
please utilize the following procedure.

Red – When the stoplight is red, it is preferred that students are not leaving the room for any
reason. It is during this time that the most critical parts of the day’s lesson are being taught.
Speak to Ms. Branigan if it is an absolute emergency or if you have specific health concerns.

Yellow/Green – When the stoplight is yellow or green, students are free to ask Ms. Branigan to
use the bathroom and then take the pass. One student may go at a time. Students are expected to
limit their bathroom visits to no more than 5 minutes.

Classroom Community - Black Lives Matter  – This classroom community is a place where Black Lives
Matter and are valued. I work everyday to be a teacher that radically condemns and works against racism, bigotry,
and prejudice, especially that which affects the Black community in the United States. I recognize that I cannot
uplift and uphold the Black Lives Matter movement in my classroom without respecting and affirming every
student, “regardless of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status,
ability, disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location”. BLM is an intersectional
movement that holds the belief that “to love and desire freedom and justice for ourselves is a prerequisite for
wanting the same for others” (What We Believe, Black Lives Matter BLM. United States, 2015).  

I intend to continue learning along and with my students to be an active ally and co-conspirator in the effort to

Branigan – Intro to Public Speaking

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 eradicate racism and prejudice in our school and community. I welcome input and dialogue on this matter, and am
always happy to support growth and learning in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement. A great starting
point for more information regarding the Black Lives Matter movement is the Black Lives Matter “What We
Believe” mission statement.

COVID-19 Considerations: Masks – Tri-County Health Department has mandated mask wearing because
research and science show that wearing a mask is critical to slowing the spread of the virus, especially in indoor
spaces. We will work with individual students to address any difficulties or medical issues with adhering to the
following expectations.

Students who decide not to comply will first be provided with educational information on the requirement to wear
a mask in the Cherry Creek Schools. After a second act of non-compliance, the student will be provided official
documentation of the requirement and provide a final warning. Finally, if the student continues to make the choice
not to comply with the requirement to wear a mask, they will be transferred from in-person to 100% online
instruction.

COVID-19 Considerations: Social Distancing – Students will be expected to follow all social distancing
guidelines provided by the teacher in order to slow the spread of the virus in the classroom space. This includes
classroom seating charts, supply protocols, use of personal items, and in-class and bathroom breaks.

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Parents, Guardians, and Caretakers

To acknowledge your revision of the syllabus with your student, head to

www.braniganehs.weebly.com

or

Scan the QR code below with your smart phone camera

Branigan – Intro to Public Speaking

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