COMM-131 Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Credits 3 / 3 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD 080; Placement into ENGL-101 on the MCC placement test, completion of ELAP-120 with a 2.5 or higher, or successful completion of the paired ENGL 099/ENGL 101 ALP classes.
This course teaches the fundamentals of public speaking principles of effective oral communication and application of these principles in a variety of practical speaking situations.

Course Outcomes
1. Demonstrate an understanding of communication terminology and basic theory/research applicable to the study and practice of public speaking 2. Demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver informative and persuasive speeches using properly constructed elements of a standard speech outline 3. Demonstrate proper usage of the key points of presentation, including the fundamentals of extemporaneous speaking, vocal quality, kinesics (face and body movement), proxemics (spacing), and other verbal and non-verbal behaviors germane to the study of public address 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of both the speaker and the audience in the public speaking exchange, as well as speaker proficiency in audience analysis and adaptation 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the different general and specific purposes for public address 6. Demonstrate an understanding of techniques common to the critical evaluation of oral communication. 7. Demonstrate the ability to find, analyze, select, and synthesize appropriate research into your public address 8. Demonstrate the ability to select, analyze and functionally integrate visual aids into your public address 9. Demonstrate critical thinking and listening skills 10. Demonstrate increased confidence in public speaking situations 11. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical public address practices 12. Demonstrate the principles of considerate audience membership.