Santa Monica College

Communication Studies 11-Elements of Public Speaking Transfer:

UC, CSU IGETC AREA 1C (Oral Communication) Prerequisite: None

Speech is external thought, and thought internal speech.

Antoine Rivarol
Section #: 4487 Wednesday, 6:30pm -9:35pm
Instructor: Yeprem Davoodian, M.A.
Department Office: (310) 434-4276
Email: DAVOODIAN_YEPREM@smc.edu
Office Hours: Before/After class or by appointment.
Final Schedule Date: Dec. 12th from 6:45pm 9:45pm
Course Catalog Description and Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
This is a course in public speaking for students learning to prepare and deliver platform speeches.
Assignments include speeches of description, exposition, and persuasion. Techniques for
controlling tension, building self-confidence, and effective listening are emphasized:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Define key terms and concepts in public speaking/applied rhetorical theory.
2. Present at least three well planned and rehearsed (not memorized) extemporaneous speeches
that are insightful and interesting.
3. Practice ethical values in topic choice, organization and delivery of presentation.
4. Effectively listen to and critically evaluate others messages.
5. Utilize critical thinking skills in library research, personal interviews and other information
gathering activities.
6. Explore elements of creativity by developing unique topics and designing innovative
methods for speech organization.
7. Employ verbal and audio/visual supporting material that enhances the presentation and
emphasizes key points.
8. Demonstrate principles of adaptation in regard to the audiences attitudes, values and beliefs.
9. Develop powerful introductions and conclusions utilizing innovative methods in both
delivery and content.
10. Master speech fright using relaxation exercises and rehearsal techniques.

Required Texts:
PublicSpeakinginAmericanEnglish:AGuideforNonnativeSpeakers,GrassHemmert,
N.,AllynandBacon2008,ISBN:0205430996
Course Requirements:
Speeches and Outlines There will be 1 speech graded credit/no credit and 3 other
graded speech presentations. The cultural, informative, and persuasive speeches must be
accompanied by an outline and require topic approval by the date noted in the class
syllabus. On the day of the speech, at the beginning of class, you will turn in a TYPED
complete sentence, rhetorical outline in correct outline form (to be discussed in class).
You will not be permitted to speak if you do not provide an outline BEFORE you deliver
your speech. Speeches and outlines are graded on substance, organization, language, and

delivery. Should a student fail to appear in class the day of the assigned speech, the
student will forfeit the credit and grade associated with that speech. (Documented
illnesses or emergencies are the only exception to this policy.)
The speaking assignments are detailed below.
Introduction Speech: In this 2 minute credit/no credit presentation; you will introduce
yourself to the class. (e.g., nickname, most embarrassing public moment, interesting
talent, and the time you laughed the hardest)
Cultural Speech and Outline: In this 4-6 minute speech, you will inform us about a
culture youre a part of or know about. This speech and outline are worth 200pts of your
course grade.
Informative Speech and Outline: This 4-6 minute speech should inform your audience
about objects, people, events, concepts or issues. Your informative speech and outline are
worth 200pts of your course grade. (e.g., how someone has inspired or changed your life)
Sell It! Speech and Outline: This 4-6 minute speech should advocate a product or service.
This speech will allow you to be creative and allow you to persuade your audience to buy
or support your product or service. Your persuasive speech and outline are worth 200pts
of your course grade.
Exams There will be 2 multiple choice format exams on text readings and lecture
materials. Exam 1 is worth 200pts of your course grade and the Exam 2 (the Final Exam)
is worth 200pts of your course grade. Final exam is not cumulative.
Policies:
Due Dates We are on a tight schedule. Assignments are due on assigned days.
Extensions and make-ups are NOT available. Documented illnesses or emergencies are
the only exception to this policy. If an emergency arises, you must contact the instructor
before the class period in which the assignment is due.
Promptness is expected as a general rule, but especially on speech days. If you should
happen to be late on a speech day, wait in the hall until you hear applause and then enter.
Participation The quality and quantity of your participation may be used to determine
course grades in borderline cases. Constructive feedback to other speakers is a
responsibility of all class members and entails being honest and helpful in evaluations,
using descriptive rather than prescriptive language, and providing negative comments
with constructive recommendations. PARTICIPATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Academic Honesty Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to
University policies regarding academic honesty, as specified in the current Santa Monica
College Catalog and Schedule of Classes. Cheating in any form or plagiarizing any part
or parts of any oral or written work is automatic grounds for receiving a failing grade in
the course. In addition, a report will be filed with the Dean of Students for further
possible action (including expulsion from the College). If you are uncertain about what
constitutes cheating or plagiarism, consult the College catalog and schedule of classes for
definitions and for information regarding your rights and responsibilities.

Grading
CR/NC*
100pts
100pts
100pts
200pts
200pts
300pts

Introduction Speech
Informative Speech
Cultural Speech
Sell It! Speech
Exam 1
Exam 2 (Final Exam)
3 Outlines (Informative/Cultural/Sell It! Speeches,100pts each)

*Note: Credit/No Credit oral and written assignments consist of peer feedback, speech
topics, impromptu speeches, etc. I reserve the right to adjust final course grades on the
basis of your performance on these activities.
*All graded speeches & exams must be completed to receive a passing course grade.
Course Grades Will Be Determined Using the Following Scale:
900-1000
800-899
700-799
600-699
0 -599
8/29

=A
=B
=C
=D
=F

Course Outline
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Public Speaking
1st Impromptu Speech

9/5

Chapter 2 - Public Speaking Anxiety

Chapter 3 - Ethics

9/12

Chapter 4 - Analyzing the Speaking Situation

Chapter 5 - From Topic to Purpose to Thesis

9/19

Chapter 6 - Research
Chapter 7 - Supporting Materials

9/26

Chapter 8 - Organizing the Speech

10/3

CULTURAL Speeches

10/10 MIDTERM
10/17 Chapter 9 - Using American English: A Review
Chapter 10 - Language
10/24 Chapter 11- Presentation Aids
Chapter 12 - Delivery

10/31 Chapter 13- Informative and Special Occasion Speeches

11/7

INFORMATIVE Speeches

11/14 THE GREAT DEBATORS / THE KINGS SPEECH

11/21 Chapter 14- Persuasion
11/28 PERSUASIVE SPEECHES
12/5
12/12

PERSUASIVE SPEECHES
FINAL

Please Note: Final grades will not be given over e-mail. If you would like your
final grade, on the day of the final, provide the instructor with a self-addressed,
stamped post card.
(This is a TENTATIVE schedule and may change at anytime)