Intro to Public Speaking will guide students in the basics of speech writing while also helping them develop skills and confidence for public speaking. 

As students work through each week of the course, they will develop speech writing skills which will support building confidence in public speaking. Students will be expected to deliver speeches to the class as part of the process in order to further build confidence and develop public speaking skills. Students will be given clear guidance for developing each speech and will be expected to write and practice the speeches outside of class time.

This class is intended to be very interactive and collaborative. Students will be discussing, sharing, and engaging with each other and me throughout the duration of the class. My goal is to create an environment where they feel comfortable and safe to make mistakes and stumble through this process as public speaking can be very difficult for many - they best way to build confidence and skills in public speaking is to begin practicing in a safe and understanding environment. Students should come to class with the intent to be kind, understanding, and recognize that we will all make mistakes (even the teacher). 

Students should have speaking, writing, and listening skills as appropriate for their age/grade level in order to be successful in this class. Prior public speaking or speech writing experience is not necessary. 

This class supports the following Common Core Standards for ELA (Grades 9-12):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.6
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.