Business and Professional Speaking - Speech 1321
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BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING
SPEECH 1321

Class Notes/Links

CLASS ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY:

Attendance rules are followed in this class as established by TJC and the Speech and Theatre Program. Roll will be checked at each class. Excessive absences are intolerable, as work done by a student under such conditions would not be representative of the kind of work which could be done by both student and teacher under conditions of attendance.

After the equivalent of two weeks of absences of a regular full term, two (2) pointsper class hour will be deducted from the final grade for each successive absence. These points will accumulate retroactively to the first absence.

Examples:

  • MWF Classes: 7 absences = 14 point reduction (2 pts. per day)
  • TR Classes: 5 absences = 15 point reduction (3 pts. per day)
  • MTWR (Summer Classes): 4 absences = 16 pt. Reduction (4 pts. per day)
  • M-F (Maymester Classes): 3 ab. = 18 pt. Reduction (6 pts. per day)

Class participation is a required element in the communication and fine arts arena. Learning comes not only from individual activity, but from the group experience.

Ten points will be automatically deducted from all make-up assignments (if made-up on the day of the next regular class meeting; thereafter 10 points per class meeting may continue to be deducted.) The instructor reserves the right to determine what constitutes a "legitimate reason" for absence on a case by case basis. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor and ask for permission to do a "make-up assignment."

TARDIES are strongly discouraged; however, if you have a good reason for being late, the instructor would much prefer you to come in late than not at all. If you have a reason for being late several times (I.E. job conflict), please discuss this with me.

EXPECTED CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE for Tyler Junior College: Tyler Junior College is committed to promoting a level of classroom etiquette conducive to maximum teaching and learning. Within this context the following etiquette is expected:

  • Attend class each time the class meets.
  • Be on time for class and remain for the entire period. You are inconsiderate of your classmates if you arrive late and leave early.
  • Refrain from talking while the teacher is lecturing. Idle chattering and giggling are disruptive to the class and disrespectful to your teacher and classmates.
  • Without prior approval from your instructor, do not use cell-phones, beepers, walkmans with headphones or any electronic device in class.
  • Be attentive and participate in class.

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE DURING FINAL PERFORMANCES: Because part of what you learn in this class is to be a better listener and audience member, you are required to attend all days of the final presentations. If you have some "legitimate" excuse for not attending, talk with your instructor IN ADVANCE and as EARLY as possible. If you do not attend class on any of the final performance days, 50 points will be deducted from your final grade.

 

GRADING SYSTEM: You will be graded on INDIVIDUAL IMPROVEMENT during the semester on your oral performances. The grades will probably be distributed as follows:

4 Exams worth 100 points each 400
Speech #1: Informative 100
Speech #2: Info. with Visual Aid 100
Speech #3: Persuasive (Worksheet Only - no performance) 100
Group Project:
Individual Presentation 100
Instructor's Evaluation 100
Group Presentation 100
Peer Evaluation 100
Class Participation 100
(Grade based partially upon completion of in class exercises.
Grade is also based on participation in class discussion.)
-------------
1,200 Points

BONUS OPPORTUNITIES: The instructor may give bonus opportunities during the semester (i.e. completing extra assignments, attending plays.) Bonus points will be applied to whatever grade needs it the most at the end of the semester.

FINAL GRADE AVERAGE: Your average grade will be computed for your course grade from a minimum of 11 grades and a maximum of 12 grades.

TEXTBOOK: COMMUNICATING FOR RESULTS, 7th Edition, by Cheryl Hamilton

COURSE OBJECTIVES: AT THE COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

  1. Identify the potential problems when trying to communicate.
  2. Discuss the importance of listening and should be on the way to improving his/her own listening skills.
  3. Discuss the different types of interviews and to be able to demonstrate effective skills as both Interviewer and Interviewee.
  4. Demonstrate basic skills in public speaking (including choosing an appropriate topic, researching material, organizing ideas in an acceptable speech format, and delivering the speech while controlling stage fright.)
  5. Discuss the differences between informative and persuasive communication.
  6. Identify the steps of effective group discussion and be able to discuss the characteristics of effective group members and leaders.
  1. INFORMATIVE SPEECH #1: (2-3 minutes long.)
    Choose a topic relating to your major, your job, your chosen field or any topic of general interest to you. Report to the class the essential facts. You might include extended definitions, research findings, and prospects for the future, the status quo, etc. You might even include description, if it is appropriate to your topic.
  2. INFORMATIVE SPEECH #2: (3-7 minutes long)
    Prepare a speech explaining how something is made, how something is done, or how something works. A visual aid is required for this speech. Criteria for evaluation will include quality of the topics, use of visual aids, and skills in organization and presentation.
  3. PERSUASIVE SPEECH #3: (Worksheet only)
    Preferably choose a topic dealing with your chosen business or profession. Select a policy, argument, practice, or statement to defend or to refute. You should analyze the 'problem,' do some preliminary research and complete the persuasive worksheet (as if you were actually going to give the speech to persuade the class to change their beliefs or attitudes or to move toward making a commitment.) The worksheet will be graded.
       REMINDER: You will be assigned specific speaking days. If you have a conflict on one of your assignments, be sure to inform your instructor.
  4. EXAMS: There will be four objective exams given during the semester. Each exam will cover lecture material, text readings and handouts. A thorough review will be given prior to the exam. You will be allowed to take the exams either individually or in a group.

GROUP PROJECT: (20 - 40 minutes)

OBJECTIVE: To learn how to work within the small group or “Team” Concept being used in many companies and corporations today. Through this assignment, the student will learn how to resolve problems and conflicts develop solid and reasonable solutions, learning active leadership qualities and develop group presentational skills.

STEPS: The class will be divided into groups. Each group will create their own company, determine their roles within that company and develop a product for sale or isolate a problem within the company using brainstorming and other small group communication skills learned in class and from your textbook.

If the group develops a “product” – they are responsible for creating a ‘name” for the product. The group is also responsible for being able to explain:

  • “WHY” the company needs the development of this product,
  • “WHAT” and “WHO” this product is being developed for,
  • “HOW” this product will be developed & marketed to the public,
  • “HOW” it is beneficial to consumers and beneficial to the company, and finally,
  • “WHEN” the product will come on line, and
  • any other relevant information.

If the group deals with a “problem” within the company, the group will develop a reasonable solution to the problem using the problem-solving techniques discussed in the text and class. They are responsible for naming a “SPECIFIC” problem. The group is also responsible for being able to explain:

  • “WHAT” effect this problem is having on the company, employees, consumer, etc.
  • show “WHY” this problem must be solved,
  • give a reasonable solution on “HOW” to solve the problem , and
  • create a schedule of “WHEN” the solution will be implemented and re-evaluated.

CRITERIA FOR EACH GROUP:

  1. Each member of the group will give an oral presentation (speech) pertaining to one aspect of the product or problem He/she will be graded on organization, use of supportive material, use of visual aids (if necessary), presentational skills, use of appropriate time and overall effectiveness within the “GROUP” presentation.
    1. Each member of the group will give the Group Leader a typed outline of his/her presentation.
    2. Each individual presentation within the group must have a minimum of TWO supporting sources with citations and use visual aids if necessary
    3. INDIVIDUAL GROUP MEMBERS are responsible for his/her OWN presentation. Each individual will work on h/s/her presentation independently as well as with the group. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LEADER OR ANY OTHER GROUP MEMBER TO PICK UP THE SLACK created by someone not working. If a group member is not fulfilling his/her requirements, the group leader should try to resolve the problem using the leadership and conflict resolution skills discussed during the class and in your text. If that fails, the Group Leader should contact the instructor, explain the situation or problem and the instructor will determine what actions will be taken to ensure the success of the Group Project. IF IT IS DETRMINED BY THE INSTRUCTOR THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF A GROUP IS STILL NOT COOPERATING, ATTENDING GROUP MEETINGS (inside and/or outside of class,) DEVELOPING HIS/HER OWN PRESENTATION OR CREATING A SITUATION THAT JEOPARDIZES THE SUCCESS OF THE GROUP, the group may “FIRE” the individual from the group. Then, the individual must see the instructor for a conference to determine what he/she must do for his/her final assignment (it most likely will be an 8 minute Persuasive speech with a min. of three sources.)
  2. Each GROUP PRESENTATION must use a minimum of 20 minutes and NOT EXCEED 40 minutes. The group leader will make sure that each individual presentation is equitable (i.e. that the total amount of time is divided relatively equal between the group members) and that the time limit requirement is met.
  3. Each group will select a “Secretary” (male or female) who will keep a written record of each group meeting. The written record should be dated, a list of all members who were present and absent should also be made. (These “roles” should be taken every time the group meets, whether during class or outside of class – whether the meeting lasts 5 minutes or 5 hours!) The Secretary will keep a written record of everything that was discussed during the meetings, he/she will list all ideas created by the group during the brainstorming session, and write a brief summary of the discussion and reasons why ideas were accepted or rejected by the group. The Secretary will keep a written record of each meeting and then give this written record of the group to the Group Leader after the last group meeting. All dates should be kept in a sequential manner (make sure that the record of each meeting follows the next so the progress of the group can be charted.)
  4. Each group will select a “Group Leader” who will lead the meetings, organize and divide the group into the different areas of discussion and keep track of individual group members’ progress of his/her presentations. The Group Leader is also responsible for the compilation of all written material that are to be turned into the instructor on _____(the day of the presentation.) This packet of material should include (1) a cover sheet with the name of the company, (2) a list of all employees (group members) and their official title within the company, (3) all TYPED individual outlines with bibliographies (given to Leader by each Group Member), (4) the minutes of all meetings with the role sheets (given to Leader by the Secretary), (4) sample visual aids, etc.
  5. Groups will be assigned specific days for their presentations. If there is any reason why your group cannot present on an assigned day – talk to the instructor. ALL MEMBERS OF THE CLASS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND CLASS DURING THESE PRESENTATIONS. YOU ARE THE COMPANY – THESE PRESENTATIONS ARE BEING GIVEN AT YOUR REQUEST!!! Failure to attend these presentations will result in a 50 point deduction of your final grade. (See “Attendance Policy” earlier in this syllabus.)

GRADING OF THE GROUP PROJECT: These grades will be averaged with your other grades to determine your final average:

  • INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION 100 pts.
  • PEER EVALUATIONS (averaged) 100 pts.
  • INSTRUCTOR’S EVALUATION 100 pts.
  • OVERALL GROUP PRESENTATION 100 pts.

The “Individual Presentation” will be graded similarly to a speech that students have completed in class previously. The “ Peer Evaluations” are forms that each of you will complete about one another. You will be asked to assign “points” for various aspects of your fellow group member’s work. These evaluations will be kept confidential. The instructor will average all of the peer evaluations to determine this grade. The "I nstructor’s Evaluation” will be based on observations that the instructor is able to make based on your willingness to participate, etc. The “ Overall Group Presentation” grade will be given by the instructor based on (1) how effective your group’s presentation was in explaining the purpose of your presentation and (2) how well you solved the problem or how well you created a product, and (3) the quality of your Group’s documents submitted (presentation outlines, minutes, roles, etc.)