COMM101: Public Speaking (2015.A.01)

Read the Chapter 1 introduction and Section 1.1 for an overview of the role of public speaking in society. While you read, consider how public speaking plays a part in your own life, not only as a speaker but also as an audience member. Consider the qualities that make public speaking different than conversation and the formal and informal situations that center on public speaking.

Read Section 1.2, which will help you identify the three most important elements that influence the process of public speaking. The section also provides a brief introduction to several important public speaking models, including the Shannon and Weaver model of communication. Models attempt to diagram how the elements of a process interact and to explain outcomes. Like checklists, models are useful reminders of the elements you should consider, anticipate, adjust, and, if possible, adapt to if you are planning a speech. Attempt the exercises at the end of the reading (think of question 2 hypothetically, keeping in mind what speech you may want to deliver).

Read this chapter, which reinforces the importance of public speaking skills and identifies core public speaking competencies.

Listen carefully to how this podcast corresponds to the material presented in the materials we've read earlier. Here, the presenters explain describe the benefits of public speaking, and discuss ways to make your messages memorable and meaningful to your listeners.

Read this brief summary of public speaking.

Watch this video about ethics and public speaking. Listen carefully to how it corresponds to the materials you saw earlier. Being diligent about this process will enable you to succeed in this course.

Read this chapter, which gives an overview of ethics and explains the importance of being an ethical speaker. Our credibility and reputation are built on trust and honesty with our audience members. Think about the language we use and how it affects the audience's perception of our message.

Read the Chapter 2 introduction and Section 2.1, which introduces the ethical challenges facing a speaker or audience. It also demonstrates another model that should be considered when planning a speech, the "ethics pyramid". This illustrates the ethical choices both speakers and listeners may face. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read Section 2.2, which discusses the code of ethics established by the National Communication Association and how it guides professional speakers. This section also covers how you can use the code to plan your own speech. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

After you have completed this unit, do these exercises. If you get any of the questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the Chapter 3 introduction and Section 3.1. These sections point out that apprehension is the most frequently mentioned reason why people do not like to speak publicly. Focus on how to distinguish apprehension from anxiety. Review the takeaways and complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Watch this collection of short videos, which focus on defining and coping with communication apprehension and speech anxiety (stage fright). These videos address students' common concerns with presenting speeches in classes and in making presentations in work situations.

Read section 3.2, which identifies several types of communication apprehension and what causes them. Attempt the exercise at the end of the section to get a sense of where your public speaking apprehension may come from.

This section identifies several strategies for reducing communication apprehension. Once you have identified what makes you apprehensive about speaking in public, you can practice these strategies to reduce that apprehension and become more successful. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read section 3.4, which discusses some common difficulties speakers face. You should prepare for these to increase your chances for success. Knowing what things are likely to happen when you are speaking can also help alleviate your concerns. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Do you think statements about communication apprehension are myths or facts? Check yourself by completing these exercises.

Read section 4.1, which stresses the differences between listening and hearing, including the traits which produce effective listening and how speakers improve by listening to other speakers. Attempt the exercise at the end of the section and work with a friend or family member as your partner.

Read this summary of the differences between listening and hearing.

Read these strategies that you can use to enhance your listening skills. Practice these strategies the next time you listen to a presentation or newscast.

This section identifies four listening styles. Recognizing which type of listener you are can help you broaden your listening skills and adopt other styles. Recognizing the listening styles in an audience can help a speaker be more effective by using techniques that appeal to their audience. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Watch this video, paying particular attention to the "seven deadly sins of speaking" and how these influence an audience's willingness to listen. This supports the listening model and orientation styles we discussed previously.

This section focuses on factors that can interfere with effective listening, also known as noise. Noise is anything that interferes with the transmission, reception, comprehension, or retention of a message. Understanding listening behaviors lets a speaker modify the content or the environment of their speech to minimize the negative effects of poor listening habits or circumstances. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read this summary of the internal and external barriers to effective listening. Consider how these barriers affect how we listen to lectures, news broadcasts, or our coworkers and family members. There are ways we can reduce these barriers to improve the environment for our listeners.

This section points out how listening, like speaking, is a process. A good speaker can develop content that uses the stages of listening to enhance how their message is perceived, understood, and retained. You can trace miscommunication to these listening stages and use audience feedback to enhance your speech's impact. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read this summary of strategies for becoming a better listener. This article describes the stages of the listening process and the types of feedback we receive from listeners.

"Critical listening" is more commonly referred to as "active listening". Every speaker wants an audience that is engaged, actively takes in information, and analyzes it as it pertains to their situation. You can appreciate this by being an active listener yourself. This section describes what you can do to improve your listening habits. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

After you finish this unit, complete these exercises. If you get any of the questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to Chapter 5 and Section 5.1, which explains why audience analysis is the most important step in preparing to speak. The success of a speech depends on how well a speaker anticipates his or her audience. Audience analysis is what distinguishes professional speakers from amateurs. Answer the questions at the end of the section.

This chapter explains a process for collecting information about your audience and using it to improve your connection with them. Audience analysis can help you select topics that better suit your audience's needs and interests. 

Watch this video, which emphasizes important points covered in the readings in this unit. It gives an example of audience analysis to help you understand the process.

Read section 5.2. Failing to account for one factor of your audience can lead you to make wrong conclusions. Psychographic and situational factors are more difficult to measure, but they can make or break your preparations. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This section introduces some tools for conducting audience analyses. Keep the difference between tools and techniques in mind. Techniques are proven, systematic procedures for completing a task or accomplishing an objective. Tools are used to perform those procedures. Audience analysis is one of several techniques required for an effective speech. The tools used to perform an audience analysis include observations, interviews, surveys, focus groups, and existing data. Attempt the questions at the end of the section.

Read this three-part series on audience analysis, which reinforces how we get to know our audience before creating a speech and discusses a unique way of using your audience analysis to connect with your audience.

This section includes a rarely-covered aspect of public speaking: making adjustments to a speech while you're giving it. You should try to notice the feedback your audience provides while you are speaking. Attempt to answer the questions at the end of the section.

After you have completed this unit, respond to these exercises. If you get any questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the Chapter 6 introduction and Section 6.1, paying attention to the sample speeches. The challenge for many first-time speakers is putting the parts of a speech together. Learning what the parts are is easy, but understanding how one part influences another is not an intuitive matter for most. This is why the best way to proceed is to read transcripts and watch videos of speeches. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This article gives an overview of the three general purposes of public speaking (informative, persuasive, and entertainment) the most common speaking occasions.

This section ends with a set of questions about how appropriately you have chosen your topic. The questions are very important because poorly-chosen topics are difficult to develop and deliver. Before you put a lot of time into a topic, you should answer the questions in this section. Neglecting this step can result in a lot of wasted time and effort. After you read, attempt the exercises in section 2.

This article provides additional information about selecting a speech topic and establishes the importance of topic selection. Topic selection goes hand in hand with developing a specific purpose, which is another important tool for organizing your thoughts.

Watch this video, which provides helpful suggestions for making topic selections and generating ideas when you draw a blank, such as considering your audience's interests and your traits as a speaker.

Review this section about making adjustments to a speech while delivering it. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This section suggests how to identify a topic that will help you to develop a speech efficiently. This can save you time and effort and lead to a speech with a much greater impact on your audience. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Watch this video to learn more about developing a general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea statement for a speech.

After you finish this unit, respond to the assessment questions. If you get any of them incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to chapter 7 and section 7.1. This section explains why research happens and what we do with its results. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This chapter discusses how to determine the value of academic and nonacademic sources and guidelines for making these determinations. 

Watch this video for an overview of presentation research. Each type of research has assets and liabilities. Think about how to identify resources, secure them, and evaluate their effectiveness.

This video applies the process of finding and using supporting resources in public presentations. As you watch, reflect on how it relates to what you've studied thus far.

This section gives a practical approach to finding useful, credible information efficiently. This process is called your research strategy.

Watch this video about supporting research and evaluating sources. What makes a good source? What makes information useful? What makes information good?

This section considers using a speaker's point of view rather than a writer's. Review these guidelines on plagiarism and how to cite sources in a way that helps listeners recognize and respect them. Answer the questions at the end of the section.

Watch these videos to learn more about the importance of properly citing sources in your presentations. By properly citing sources, you avoid plagiarism and appear more credible. These presentations give examples of what to include in your oral citations and how to sound natural.

After you finish this unit, answer these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the chapter 8 Introduction and section 8.1. These connect information literacy, research, and speech development by pointing out the qualities information must have to be respected, understood, and remembered. Answer the questions at the end of the section.

This section lists options for finding and presenting supporting details. Informative details and persuasive evidence can both be considered "support". Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read this article about how to use sources to support a message. It gives tips for selecting and using sources to support your points.

Think about how we use sources to support messages. This podcast gives a professional's point of view on how to incorporate sources in a compelling way. 

Watch this video on how we use sources to support messages.

This section gives practical information about how to integrate research into your content. The seamless integration of original and sourced material is the core of effective professional communication. Pay attention to the ways sourced material can be presented – summary, paraphrase, and quotation – and the rules you should follow when deciding which form to use. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This article discusses the role of critical thinking. Critical thinking is the process of evaluating and analyzing information to determine the best course of action.

This section gives more information about the role of reasoning. We use reasoning and logic to connect facts and evaluate arguments.

After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the chapter 10 introduction and section 10.1. Your main points are a combination of your topic, purpose, and strategy. For example, if your topic is cats and your purpose is to inform your audience, then your specific purpose might be to inform your audience of the differences in cat breeds. "Differences" is a keyword associated with the strategy and pattern of using contrast. Keep this relationship in mind. Attempt the questions at the end of the section.

This section describes the seven most frequently-used organizational patterns in speeches. Most of these patterns are associated with informative and entertaining speeches. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This article describes nine organizational patterns used in informative, entertaining, or persuasive speaking. Note the different patterns and the types of material each pattern is best suited for. Sometimes your topic naturally leads you to a certain organizational pattern.

Watch these examples of organizational patterns. These videos give creative ways to remember these organizational patterns and one professional's thoughts on crafting a simple and successful presentation.

This section covers the elements that create the flow of an effective speech. Pay attention to Table 10.1, which lists transitional phrases that work in specific organizational patterns. Inexperienced speakers often struggle to come up with effective phrases. This section also covers four transitional elements: transitions between main points, internal previews, internal summaries, and signposts. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

These videos give additional examples of transitions.

This section presents the body of a sample speech and analyzes it for you. Pay attention to the transitional devices that make the speech flow. Use this speech as a model for an effective body of a speech.

After you finish this unit, answer these questions. If you get any questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the Chapter 9 introduction and Section 9.1. These sections describe five functions your introduction must accomplish. Introductions are essential, not optional. You must start your speech with an attention-getter because if your audience is not paying attention to your words, they won't hear or understand you. Your audience must understand why you are addressing them, what you hope to accomplish, and why you are worthy of their attention. Starting with your introduction, you want to make sure your audience anticipates the information you present. Their comprehension will increase when they know what to expect. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read this overview of the functions of introductions and conclusions, strategies for preparing them, and samples. This chapter reinforces why we write the introduction and conclusion AFTER the body of the speech.

Watch this video about the functions of introductions, their components, and tips for creating an effective introduction.

This interactive presentation summarizes the purposes of an introduction, gives examples of introduction tactics, and explains why we write the introduction after the body of the speech. Complete the exercise at the end of the presentation.

Public speaking has existed for a very long time. As a result, many experienced and knowledgeable individuals have contributed ready-made ideas and techniques. Use these suggestions rather than struggling to produce brand new ideas or techniques. Try to answer the questions at the end of the section.

This section goes into greater depth on how to fulfill the functions of an introduction. It explores how to get your audience's attention, using the introduction to build credibility, and developing a thesis statement as a forecasting device. Attempt the questions at the end of the section.

Watch this example of how to use the introduction model in an impromptu speech.

This section gives an introduction to a sample speech. You will encounter it again later. If you want, check out some of the other sample speeches.

Watch this video and practice your speech evaluation skills.

Read the introduction to chapter 11 and section 11.1. Inexperienced speakers frequently leave their audiences unimpressed because the speaker has put little effort into developing their conclusion. The three primary functions of a conclusion are to restate the thesis, review the main points, and use a memorable closing device. However, this resource doesn't mention two other important functions of a conclusion: signal to your audience that the speech is about to end and remind them of the topic's significance or their relationship to it. Answer the questions at the end of the section.

This interactive presentation summarizes the purposes of a conclusion and gives examples of common tactics. Complete the exercise at the end of the presentation.

Each part of a speech – introduction, body, and conclusion – repeats information from previous parts. Effective communicators use repetition to ensure the audience absorbs their message accurately. Repetition is sometimes referred to as the Tell'em³ Principle (pronounced "Tell 'em cubed"): tell your audience what you are going to tell them, then tell them, and then tell them what you told them. The Tell'em³ Principle is particularly important to use with listeners because they can't go back and review what you said earlier.

Watch this series of videos, which walks through preparing a successful conclusion in four simple steps.

Section 11.3 presents the conclusion of a sample speech for you to analyze. Complete the "Your Turn" exercise using what you have learned from the speech analysis as a model.

Watch this speech conclusion and evaluate it based on the criteria we've discussed. Does the speaker use all three parts in the conclusion? How could the conclusion be improved?

After you finish this unit, respond to the activities in sections 9.5 and 11.4 . If you get any questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the chapter 12 introduction and section 12.1. These sections introduce outlining, which enables a speaker to evaluate their plans before finalizing their speech. Pay attention to how outlines can be used to test the scope, logic, relevance, and balance of your content. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Read chapter 8, which discusses selecting a topic, formulating a specific purpose, crafting a thesis statement, arranging the main points in a meaningful order, developing transitions, and constructing a speaking outline.

Watch this video, which reviews the benefits and process of outlining and why notecards can be useful.

This section focuses on the three functional types of outlines: working, full-sentence, and speaking. Decide what kind of outline is best for you based on how well you can speak independently of your drafts. You may want to avoid writing complete sentences in your preparations except when presenting direct quotes from your sources. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This section covers singularity, consistency, adequacy, uniformity, and parallelism. Putting these finishing touches on an outline will help you become more familiar with your plan and increase your confidence. This familiarity and confidence will make delivering your speech that much easier. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

After you finish this unit, respond to these activities. If you get any of the questions incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to chapter 13 and Section 13.1, which cover the traits of speaking versus writing. These traits can be difficult for speakers to adopt, but audiences quickly notice them. You want to be precise and effective, but it can be hard to do both during a speech. Recognize where effectiveness is more important than precision, and vice versa. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

Read chapter 10. Language has the power to inform and influence your audience, so using clear and vivid language can affect your credibility.

Watch this video, which demonstrates how to use vivid language in your speech, how to avoid language that ignores or targets certain groups, and how you can consider your audience's traits to choose words that are familiar to them.

This section reviews the elements of speaking that engage listeners. Contrast these with the communication experiences you've had. Have you sometimes felt that time dragged on and on because you lost interest in a speaker and stopped listening? Or perhaps you were so interested that time seemed to fly by? Try to answer the questions at the end of the section.

The first video explains using language strategies to improve how your audience retains information. The second video explains the importance of pronunciation, which affects your credibility and your audience's attention.

This section focuses on how language can strengthen or weaken a speech. Answer the questions at the end of the section to practice using clear language.

Watch this lecture, which expands on the four elements of word choice: meaning, familiarity, strength, and sound.

After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any of them incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to chapter 14 and section 14.1, which cover the four ways you can deliver a speech. When would you choose each one? How can you tell which is best, based on your audience's needs? You should have a logical reason; never choose a delivery mode based on convenience. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.

This video compares the four methods of presentation: extemporaneous, manuscript reading, memorization, and impromptu. Extemporaneous speaking is the most natural and credible form of speaking.

This section describes the technical and environmental problems that can reduce the effectiveness of your speech. Answer questions 2 and 3 at the end of the section.

This video explains the merits of speaking to your audience without the obstruction of a podium.

Watch this video to learn more about the adjustments we make when addressing large audiences.

Cue cards should not distract the audience and should be used for recall, not reading. Read these tips, each of which satisfies one of those two expectations. Answer the exercises at the end of the section.

This interactive presentation summarizes the process of creating and using note cards while presenting a speech. Complete the exercise at the end of the presentation to test your understanding.

Read this section and attempt the questions at the end. While most speakers recognize the need to practice, many fail to realize that even if you have a nearly flawless practice session, one session is not enough. Practicing is not only for remembering the content; it also involves developing "muscle memory", so you can act without actually thinking. The more you practice, the more it becomes a habit that you can reproduce subconsciously.

Your delivery affects the way your audience interprets your message and perceives your credibility. Watch these videos to learn about practicing your delivery and the vocal qualities you can control: volume, rate, pitch, pauses, and variety.

These videos concentrate on nonverbal tactics you should use when speaking, including gestures, movement, facial expressions, and eye contact. These tactics should support your message and engage your audience. Practicing these will help you deliver a more convincing and credible presentation.

After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to chapter 15 and Section 15.1. Why are presentation aids useful? Should you create them for every speech? Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Read chapter 13 for some tips for creating effective visual aids. Visual aids are only effective if they complement your message. If your presentation aids overwhelm your message, your audience will be distracted. Consider the positive and negative outcomes of using these materials in a speech.

Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each type of presentation aids: charts, graphs, representations, objects, models, and people. Choosing the aid that best complements your speech will help your audience retain your message. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

This video gives examples of the types of presentation aids, their advantages, and their disadvantages.

Pay attention to Table 15.1, which includes several free online presentation software. Several of these are comparable to PowerPoint. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

This section gives advice on designing your aids to be accessible, easily manipulated, and aesthetically pleasing. Since aids are visual, seeing examples of good and bad aids is more valuable than just reading about them. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

This video gives tips for creating effective PowerPoint slides to accompany your presentation. These tips apply to presentation aids in general.

After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to Chapter 16 to learn about when we use informative speaking in everyday interactions. Being balanced, honest, and fair are all qualities of informative speaking. This is an opportunity to share information and educate our audience.

Read chapter 15, which covers the functions of informative speech, the speaker's responsibilities, types of informative speeches, and their organizational patterns. It also gives tips for improving your language and creating presentation aids.

This video gives examples of informative speaking and discusses suitable topics and common organizational patterns. 

This video discusses how to develop content for an informative speech. It also gives examples of famous speeches and typical speech assignments.

Your speech should do more than just provide information. The advice in this section will increase the likelihood that your audience will absorb your information, retain it, and act on it. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Watch this example of an informative speech. Pay attention to the speech's structure, how it forecasts main points, and how the speaker cites their sources. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws of this presentation.

This section discusses the categories of topics in informative speaking and several approaches to developing topics for a speech. The most common informative speeches are descriptive and demonstration speeches. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Watch this overview of the types of informative speeches. It discusses descriptive and demonstration speeches and common organizational patterns.

Watch this informative speech presented by a professional. As you watch, pay attention to the speech structure, how it uses language, and the presentation aids. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.

Read the introduction to chapter 18 and Section 18.1, which discuss giving a speech for entertainment and explore the four ingredients of a good entertaining speech.

Starting at 4:09, watch the humorous speech "Growing Up Oakey". Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.

This is an example of a speech to entertain and inspire. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.

This section discusses several types of special occasion speeches, which are divided into two categories: ceremonial and inspirational. Special occasion speeches, such as wedding toasts and eulogies, are the most common speeches in everyday life.

Read this chapter. Four tips to consider when delivering a special occasion speech are to keep the speech short, acknowledge the obvious, stay positive, and use humor.

Watch this example of an award acceptance speech. This short uses a genuine approach, a little humor, and a structure you should find familiar. Take note of her use of language, repetition, and awareness of her audience.

This section reviews two broad types of keynote speeches: after-dinner and motivational. What kind of humor can you use in your speeches? Not all keynote speeches are humorous, as you will see here.

Watch this example of a keynote speech at a technology conference. Using what you have learned, evaluate this presentation in light of its purpose.

After you finish this unit, respond to the questions in sections 16.3 and 18.4. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.

Read the introduction to chapter 17 and Section 17.1 to learn about persuasive speaking. In persuasive speeches, we attempt to mold people's opinions and encourage them to take action. Persuasive speaking also poses ethical dilemmas. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

This chapter reviews persuasive speaking, its purposes, and its models. It defines three types of persuasive speeches: propositions of fact, propositions of value, and propositions of policy. It also gives general guidelines for success with receptive, neutral, and hostile audiences and reviews four organizational patterns: Monroe's motivated sequence, direct method, causal, and refutation.

This video gives an overview of persuasive speeches and suitable topics for them. The presenter also gives examples of topic development.

This video gives tips for developing a persuasive speech and addressing audiences who agree with you and those who do not.

This is an example of a persuasive speech. Using what you have learned, evaluate the successes and flaws in the presentation.

This section discusses claims. Most people use the term "argument" instead of "claim", but there are subtle distinctions. A claim is a declaration about attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors. An argument is a series of statements used to persuade someone of something. A claim is the conclusion you want your audience to arrive at after presenting your arguments and the evidence that supports them. In persuasive speaking, you establish your claim in your thesis statement, and you establish that claim via the arguments (the main points of your speech). Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

Read these insights into how language moves an audience to our point of view or to take action. These are important in persuasive speaking.

This section covers the three most commonly used organizational patterns in argumentation. The "trial lawyer" model uses a point-counterpoint pattern to refute each opposing claim and is used when the number of arguments for and against is balanced. The "refute and overwhelm" model is used when one side has more arguments for it than against it and starts with a balanced refutation of opposing claims and then moves on to "overwhelm" the opposition by presenting additional irrefutable arguments. Complete the exercises at the end of the section.

This video discusses persuasive speaking strategies and organizational patterns. It gives examples of ethos (the speaker), logos (the message), and pathos (the audience) to develop a persuasive appeal.

This video provides details about Monroe's motivated sequence, a popular organizational approach to persuasive arguments. It includes the following steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, action, and action/approval.

After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.