Public Speaking and Communication

Course Outline:

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic elements of communication, to provide practical experience in the preparation and delivery of public presentations, while also delivering key critical listening skills. Businesses expect university graduates to be able to deliver a high level of written and oral communication. In fact, communications skills are amongst some of the highest rated skills expected of Irish graduates in the Irish business community. Businesses and other organizations rely on successful communications to be able to operate successfully in a challenging local and global market. We hope to improve the students’ communications skills and give them the confidence they need to succeed in college presentations as well as in their future professional endeavours.

Primary text:

Beebe, Stephen A. and Beebe, Susan J. A Concise Public Speaking Handbook, 4th ed. Pearson.

Preliminary Reading

Students should prepare for the course by attaining a copy of the core text (Amazon.co.uk 35- 40 Euro). Weekly readings will develop from this text. A Moodle page will also provide other resources including videos and readings. Students will have access to this page prior to and during their time at DBS.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

1. To relate the principles of public speaking to a variety of extemporaneous speech situations.

2. To develop skill in researching a topic for a speech.

3. To prepare and organize the content for speech in an outline.

4. To improve the use of language in conveying messages.

5. To develop critical analysis while listening to speeches.

6. To deliver appropriate speeches with increased confidence and skill.

Assessment

Assessment will be by way of four formally graded speeches and one in-class test. Each aspect (1 test, 4 speeches) is worth 20% each. There will be other un-marked assignments during the term including peer assessment. A typed outline will also be submitted with each speech. Full guidelines for each will be given on Moodle and in class.