The Art of Public Speaking

Students will learn how to plan, research, compose, practice and deliver different types of speeches. Students will also study various types of media, listen to and watch noteworthy speeches by famous speakers and evaluate those speakers. The course will also cover the elements of communications, verbal and nonverbal messages, tone, reading your audience,  informative speech, persuasive speech and overcoming speaker anxiety.  Students will be expected to give a speech in their community or in front of an audience. Speech is one of the most practical and useful high school courses. 

Week One: We will cover the fundamentals of speech and speaking with confidence. Students will learn the fourteen ways to build confidence.  During this week we will also cover the process of communication, types of communications and overcoming barriers of communication. Students will present their first speech at the beginning of class- a speech of introduction.  Homework: Make a Silent Movie

Week Two: This class will focus on the importance of knowing your audience. One key to delivering a good speech is keeping the audience in mind. Learn tips and techniques on how to do this. Learn the best way to figure out the purpose of your speech and then the topic that fits. Homework- Write two short speeches about the same topic with two different audiences in mind.  

Week Three: Students will present speeches prepared for homework. The lesson will focus on how to select a topic and how to evaluate a speech. Learn the best way to figure out the purpose of your speech and then the topic that fits. Homework: Select a topic for three different types of speeches. Listen to or watch a famous speech that is assigned and fully evaluate the speech. 

Week Four:  We will discuss the speeches that students evaluated for homework. Students will learn about informative and persuasive speeches. We will cover the differences and tips for being effective with both types. Students will also learn how to find credible supporting information on their chosen topic.  Homework: Provide a preliminary Bibliography of 10-12 sources and plan for conducting an interview.

Week Five: Students will learn how to write an outline for their speech. Homework: They will make an outline for their speech and conduct interview. 

Week Six: Students will practice impromptu speeches, during classes.  They will learn the importance of a well-written introduction and conclusion and how to write one.  They will learn tips on how to use words effectively by analyzing quotes from famous speeches.  Homework: Write the introduction and conclusion of your speech.

Week Seven: Students will give either the introduction or conclusion of their speech to the class. This class will focus on how to speech delivery and visual aids.  Students will learn types of delivery and tips on how to deliver a memorable speech. Homework: Finish writing the speech.

Week Eight: Present final speeches to the class and give constructive criticism on one another speeches. I also encourage speeches to be also given at in-person settings in the community or in front of family and friends in the home. 

A grade report will be provided if requested before class begins.