Public Speaking

Course Description
The course is designed to help students communicate information clearly and expressively, developing a personal style that maximizes their expressive skills, with practice using visual aids which enhance the effectiveness of the communication. The course also focuses on interpersonal communication skills, such as listening and a variety of positive roles one can play in a group communication process. The course further intends to help students shape their ideas into effective persuasive presentations. Types of presentations (introducing others, personal experience speech, informative speech, speech, and persuasive speeches) are analyzed, prepared, presented and critiqued in class with a view toward clear organization of material, optimal delivery skills and effective contact with others. Attention is paid to speaking in multi-cultural environments.

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Free expressive skills in the voice and body.
• Develop a personal and effective style for making presentations.
• Learn and practice organizational patterns for informative presentations.
• Learn and practice an effective organizational pattern for persuasive speeches.
• Practice using visual aids effectively.
• Gain confidence as a speaker through practice and knowledge of tools for effective communication.
• Gain an awareness of various positive and negative roles one could play in group communication.
• Gain an awareness of cultural influences on the communication processing.
• Exercise listening skills and critical faculties for evaluating speeches.
• Gain objective knowledge of communication principles.