High School Speech Communications

Students will learn that giving a speech isn't always just standing at a podium and talking to a large audience.  Speech is an important element of our everyday lives and can portray a lot about a person.  Our goal in this class is to equip students with the confidence they need to not only speak in front of large groups, but to succeed in interviews, sharing their passions with people, demonstrating things in a way other people will understand, and more.  

I have a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Theater and a minor in Business.  I also have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have taught communication classes in public high schools and various home school groups over the last 20 years.  I have also owned a theater and dance studio for the last 15 years.  

Students will have homework in preparing their speeches and will need to take notes in class so that they have the information they will need to effectively give those speeches.  There will be some small, easy, and fun assignments students will need to do on their own throughout the semester in addition to preparing for speeches.  If a letter grade is desired, there will be a final exam in addition to the speeches.

Each student will be given an assessment sheet and grade on each of their speeches.  For those desiring a letter grade for the class, there will also be a final exam covering all the material covered throughout the class.

1 hour per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

We will be watching, reading, or listening to clips of famous speeches by authors such as Martin Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy, President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth, etc.