| Midway COM 205 Oral Communications Syllabus |
| This page has no official connection to Midway College but is a private site paid for by Dr. Larry C. Bobbert who is solely responsible for content |
e-mail: Midway@bobbertl.com
Text: Don't Talk! Communicate...you will not have to buy it. Instructor will loan you a copy
Text will be supplemented by required web readings .
Effective communication skills are necessary for everyone. Communication skills are even more important
for leaders. You are one or you are working to become one. In the next few weeks consider (think and
observe) the different types of communications that you need to develop in order to be as successful as
you hope to be. Think about the most gifted speakers with whom you’ve talked, or heard present. What do
you recall about how they communicated, vs what they had to say? Consider examples of how poor
communications detract from the effectiveness of a speaker’s message.
This course will focus on speaking with ease, impromptu speaking, projecting a professional image,
overcoming “stage fright,” and speaking with a confident demeanor. COM 205 is more than a speech
course. It contains an overview of oral communication and will emphasize both the theoretical and practical
applications of communication in personal relationships and groups as well as public speaking.
Topics discussed will include the following:
The foundations of communication
- Perceptions
- Personal history
- Culture
- Verbal and Non verbal communication
- Listening
Interpersonal communications
Communication in personal relationships
Group and team communication in task groups
Interviewing
Public communications
Planning, researching, developing, organizing and presenting public speeches
Award Speech and Narrative speaking
After Dinner speaking to inform and entertain
Informative speaking
Persuasive speaking
Group Presentations
While COM 205 focuses on activities to aid your developing your ability to speak with confidence, clarity and
conviction, COM 205 is not exclusively a speech class. It includes a look at communications concepts,
theories, principles and research findings that help you understand communicating is more than what you
say. Lecture and discussion sessions emphasize special skills and information important to your learning
not to “talk” but to communicate. You will be expected to read the text and be prepared to answer quiz
questions on the material and exhibit a knowledge of the material in your presentations.
PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENTS
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Cultural Wisdom Speech (Using Story Telling skills)
-Introduce and present a story to support a theme or thesis – (Time 2-4 minutes)
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Class 2
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Informative speech– (Time 2-4 minutes)
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Class 3
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Persuasive Speech – (Time 3-5 minutes)
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Class 4
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Team Presentation – (Time 3-5 minutes)
Class 5 Chapter 7 Listening p 173
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Summary Reports or Demonstration
Might review Closing: Pulling ideas together p 471– (Time 3-5 minutes)
Class 6
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT After Dinner Speech or Speech to Entertain
(Time 3-5 minutes)
Class 7 Prepare FINAL presentation and study for Written Final
Note: Job Interview and final – Hint Dress for Success
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The following is a detailed outline of what should happen in each class.
CLASS 1 -
1. Introduction (General Introduction to Communications – Power Point presentation)
- a. Attendance and procedures (Activity 1 – Stand, say name, something unique about self)
b. Explain Quiz on Text reading every class (verifies attendance-cannot be completed later)
c. Explain Grading procedure (Grade calculated on the following criteria):
1. Classroom/lab participation and accomplishing the tasks assigned.
2. Weekly Quiz on Reading Assignments
3. Weekly Communications Prepared Presentation and impromptu presentation
4. Final Project (Oral presentation)
5. FINAL (written)
2. Assignment (Complete reading and presentation preparation prior to Class 2)
a. Class 1 Chapter 13 Planning Public Speaking p 333
Chapter 14 Researching and Developing Support for Public Speeches p 359
Chapter 15 Organizing and Presenting Public Speeches p 388
b. PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT
Story Telling -Introduce and present a story to support a theme or thesis (Time 2-4 minutes) c. Explain
Assignment Presentation (Written Outline) Project Using Story Telling
(Introduce a topic (Thesis sentence) Introduce and present a story that illustrates that point of your thesis
statement. Make a closing statement
(Tell’em what you’ll tell’em – Tell’em – Tell’em what you told ‘em)
d. Demos (Opening –Success comes in cans Closing “your hands”
3. Read First Amendment page 334 - Hide Park in England as example
4. Oral project (Impromptu - may or may not be graded) SELF INTRODUCTIONS page 15
a. Introduction by instructor
b. Evaluation sheet
c. Outline - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
b. Preparation time
c. Performance – (Order of presentations - Use random number generator or choosing each other)
d. Evaluation (Review evaluation sheets)
5. Lecture Topic
Introduction to Communications problems and solutions
Do First Impression Exercise
Lecture Topic - Class procedures – Speaking etiquette
a. Quizzes (not made up – record of attendance and weekly reading)
b. Breaks – never interrupt a speaker (with few exceptions)
c. Cell phones off
d. General procedures (written outlines – evaluations – absences – speech timing, etc.
6. Introduce/explain Oral assignment for next class (3-5 minute presentation
Class 2 Presentation (Written Outline)
Project 4 Using Story Telling
(Introduce a topic (Thesis sentence)
Introduce and present a story that illustrates that point you want to
Make a closing statement
(Tell’em what you’ll tell’em – Tell’em – Tell’em what you told ‘em)
8. Student presentation assigned in class impromptu Oral project
d. Performance Evaluation by Instructor
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
7. Remind “When giving speeches, DRESS for SUCCESS
CLASS 2-
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
2. Explain Process of presenting projects
a. Introduction by instructor
(1) Evaluation sheets
Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
b. Outline Must be written – preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
b. Preparation time
c. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
d. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
Class 2 PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT Story Telling -Introduce and present a story to support a theme or
thesis – (Time 2-4 minutes)
Process
a. Give instructor (Written Outline) immediately prior to presentation
(so you need a copy for you)
Project Using Story Telling (Introduce a topic (Thesis sentence) Introduce and present a story that
illustrates that point you want to Make a closing statement
(Tell’em what you’ll tell’em – Tell’em – Tell’em what you told ‘em)
3. ASSIGNMENT (Complete reading and presentation preparation prior to Class 3)
Class 2 Chapter 16 Informative Speaking p333
Chapter 17 Persuasive Speaking p 359
Chapter 1 The World of Communication p8
Introduce/explain Oral assignment for next class
Presentation ASSIGNMENT Informative speech p333 – (Time 2-4 minutes)
Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
4. Lecture Topic
Explain process of future Oral Presentations
b. Introduce other speaker
c. Presentation
d. Oral Evaluation of other speaker
5. Students present assigned in class impromptu Oral project
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS 3-
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
c. Explain Process of presenting projects
(1). Introduction by instructor
(a) Evaluation sheets - Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
(2) Introduce other speaker
(3) Presentation
(4) Oral Evaluation of other speaker
d Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
e. Preparation time
f. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
g. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
Informative speech p333 – (Time 3-5 minutes)
- 30 second window i.e. minimum3 minutes to 05:30)
3. ASSIGNMENT (complete reading and presentation preparation prior to Class 3)
Class 3 Chapter 2 Perception and Communication p 38
Chapter 3 Communications and Personal Identity p 63
Chapter 4 Communications and Culture p 88
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Persuasive Speech p 359
– (Time 3-5 minutes)
Introduce/explain Oral assignment for next class
Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
4. Lecture Topic Gender Gap Communications
5. Students present assigned in class impromptu Oral project
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
-------------------------------------
CLASS 4-
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
c. Review Process of presenting projects
(1). Introduction by instructor
(a) Evaluation sheets - Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
(2) Introduce other speaker
(3) Presentation
(4) Oral Evaluation of other speaker
d Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
e. Preparation time
f. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
g. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
Informative speech p333 – (Time 3-5 minutes)
- 30 second window i.e. minimum3 minutes to 05:30)
ASSIGNMENT (complete reading and presentation preparation prior to next class )
Class 4 Chapter 10 Foundations of Group and Team Communication p 254
Chapter 5 The Verbal Dimension of Communication p 117
Chapter 6 The Nonverbal Dimension of Communication p 146
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Team Presentation
Introduce/explain Oral assignment for next class
Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
(2 grades – Instructor and rating by group i.e. First, Second, third, etc)
(Time -3 minutes per person in group – can be divided anyway)
3. Lecture Topic Dealing with Difficult People
5. Students present assigned in class impromptu Oral project
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
-------------------------------------
CLASS 5-
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
c. Explain Process of presenting projects
a. Introduction by instructor
(1) Evaluation sheets
Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
b. Introduce other speaker
c. Presentation
d. Oral Evaluation of other speaker
d Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
e. Preparation time
f. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
g. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Team Presentation
(Time -3 minutes per person in group – can be divided anyway)
3.ASSIGNMENT (complete reading and presentation preparation prior to next class )
Class 5 Chapter 7 Listening p 173
Chapter 8 Foundations of Interpersonal Communication p 200
Chapter 9 Communication in Personal Relationships p 227
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT Summary Reports or Demonstration
Might review Closing: Pulling ideas together p 471– (Time 3-5 minutes)
4. Lecture Topic
5. Students present assigned in class impromptu Oral project
Pantomime if time
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
-------------------------------------
CLASS 6- (Classes 6 and 7 may be switched – due to weather or restaurant availability)
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
c. Explain Process of presenting projects
a. Introduction by instructor
(1) Evaluation sheets
Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
b. Introduce other speaker
c. Presentation
d. Oral Evaluation of other speaker
d Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
e. Preparation time
f. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
g. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
Summary Reports or Demonstration
Might review Closing: Pulling ideas together p 471– (Time 3-5 minutes)
3. ASSIGNMENT (complete reading and presentation preparation prior to next class )
Class 6 Chapter 11 Effective Communication in Task Groups and Teams p 279
Chapter 12 Mass Communication and Media Literacy p 306
Chapter Closing: Pulling ideas together p471
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT After Dinner Speech or Speech to Entertain
Also will Introduce a speaker – Oral evaluation of a speaker
May be at a special location (vote on location or no location)
4. Lecture Topic
5. Students present assigned in class impromptu Oral project
____ if time
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance)
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
-------------------------------------
CLASS 7- (May be at a location to be announced)
1. Introduction
a. Attendance
b. Quiz on Text Assignments
c. Explain Process of presenting projects
a. Introduction by instructor
(1) Evaluation sheets
Personal – 4 other people – Oral evaluation
b. Introduce other speaker
c. Presentation
d. Oral Evaluation of other speaker
d Outline MUST be written (2 copies)– preferably typed
See Text or handout for format - Introduction, Body and Conclusion
e. Preparation time
f. Performance
Use random number generator or choosing each other
g. Evaluation
(Review evaluation sheets)
2. Oral project PRESENTATION
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT After Dinner Speech, Speech to Entertain or Political
Also will Introduce a speaker – Oral evaluation of a speaker
a. Instructor comments
b. Preparation
(pass outline to instructor prior to performance)
c. Performance
(a) Introduction
(b) Presentation
(c) Oral Evaluation
d. Evaluation by Instructor
ASSIGNMENT (complete presentation preparation prior to next class )
Class 7 Prepare FINAL presentation and study for Written Final
6. Review topics from Text, review quiz answers and discuss
7 Class lecture Review for Final – go over examples
-------------------------------------
Class 8
FINAL presentation
Speech that includes elements of the persuasive, entertainment and informative speeches (grades will be
available immediately after presentations)
Written Final (will correct on sight and grades will be available for those who stay)
Course Requirements:
Attendance (checked by quiz scores and in class presentations)
In-class discussion and participatory exercises
Speeches (Speech requirements are in the text)
Impromptu
Cultural Wisdom Speech (Using Story Telling skills - 2-4 minutes)
Persuasive (3-5 minutes - including written outline and list of sources)
Informative (3-5 minutes - including written outline and list of sources) -
Group presentation/speech (3 minutes per group member -written outline and source list)
After Dinner Speech or Speech to Entertain (3-5 minutes)
Final Presentation (3-5 minutes) (including written outline and list of sources)
Written Final Exam (covering the concepts presented in the textbook and lectures)
Grading
A = 90 to 100
B = 80 to 89
C = 70 to 79
D = 60 to 69
F = 59 or less
Students are responsible for obtaining assignments for each class and keeping track of the schedule for
projects/presentations. Speeches and team projects must be presented on the date assigned. No make-
up opportunities will be given for “in class” activities and quizzes except under the most dire circumstances.
Sometimes we think we know what we know, but what we don’t know is that which we don’t know.
| Assume we have class unless announced otherwise here |
students in
Dr. Bobbert's
classes. The public
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or otherwise, and no
endorsements apply
to the data and
information
contained herein.
Dr. Bobbert and the
Universities and
Colleges assume no
responsibility for
financial or emotional
damage that may be
caused by either the
existence or use of
this information or by
errors or omissions
in the data or the
associated forms or
html pages.
Dr. Bobbert's
classes. The public
is welcome. No
guarantees or
warranties, implied
or otherwise, and no
endorsements apply
to the data and
information
contained herein.
Dr. Bobbert and the
Universities and
Colleges assume no
responsibility for
financial or emotional
damage that may be
caused by either the
existence or use of
this information or by
errors or omissions
in the data or the
associated forms or
html pages.
Work with me and we will get you through this together.
| Material in this syllabus will be modified and assignments may change anytime up until that class meets. |