SP 120D: Oral Communication (3 hrs)

Instructor:           Ron Shope

                                rshope@graceu.edu 

Helpdesk:            pchelp@graceu.edu

                                (402) 449-2904

Course Description

Good communication skills are essential to any ministry. This introductory course in the fundamentals of public speaking will prepare you to serve Jesus Christ more effectively regardless of your vocation.

Specifically, we will study principles of effective speech communication, and we will use those principles to practice types of speeches commonly given in a variety of situations. Thus, this course is a combination of principles and skills essential for effective communication in formal speaking situations.

During this course you will learn how to listen to a speech as well as how to present one. Also, you will develop an appreciation for the role of oral communication in a democratic society. By studying principles, and presenting your own speeches, you will have a total experience with this most essential art: communication.

Textbooks

A significant amount of course content is based on the required textbooks. Textbooks are available for purchase from the university bookstore (www.graceu.edu/bookstore).

Technology Requirements

This course requires the latest versions of the software plug-ins or programs listed below. Run a system scan at the Microsoft system requirements site: https://www.microsoftelearning.com/help/systemRequirements.aspx

 

Software

Use

Download

Internet Explorer

Accessing course

http://www.microsoft.com/ie

Flash Player (SWF)

Viewing media

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Adobe Reader (PDF)

Reading documents

http://www.adobe.com/downloads

Windows Media Player (WMV)

Viewing media

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia

Microsoft Office Word (DOC)

Viewing, creating and editing documents (all files are sent in .doc format)

http://www.microsoft.com/office/word

Course Objectives

1.  To be able to articulate the role of Public Speaking in ministry and the marketplace.

2. To be able to identify principles and knowledge of effective techniques of public speaking through lecture, class discussion, reading of the text, and examinations.

3. To demonstrate skills for the organization and preparation of public speeches by developing preparation and speech outlines.

4. To demonstrate knowledge of speech organization by using the various patterns of organization to organize and develop informative and persuasive speeches.

5. To demonstrate through speeches given in class knowledge of both vocal and non-vocal qualities of effective delivery.

6. To demonstrate speech evaluation for the evaluation of public speeches by completing a self-analysis of each speech.

7. To develop and demonstrate critical listening skills by preparing and delivering speeches, and by writing a written evaluation of speeches delivered in class.

8.  To demonstrate a Biblical life-view in the speeches which are presented.

9.  To demonstrate a knowledge of key principles of small group communication skills by completing a book report on and participating in a discussion on the book, Getting Together: A Guide to Good Groups and completing a group project.

Class Schedule

Lesson

Topic

Learning Activities

1

Overview of Course; Public Speaking

·         Discussion

·         Communication Apprehension

·         Video Introduction

2

Building Confidence; Listening

·         Discussion

3

Analyzing Your Audience; Evaluating Speeches

·         Discussion

4

Preparing Visual Aids; Principles of Delivery

·         Work on Speech 1

5

Exam 1

·         Exam 1

·         Record & Upload Speech 1

6

Informative Speaking

·         Discussion

·         Evaluate Speech 1

7

Topic Selection & Research; Using Supportive Evidence

·         Discussion

8

Organizing the Speech; Outlining the Speech

·         Discussion

·         Work on Speech 2

·         Outline Rough Draft (Speech 2)

9

Outlining the Speech

·         Discussion

10

Exam 2

·         Exam 2

·         Record & Upload Speech 2

·         Speech 2 Outline

11

Using Language

·         Discussion

·         Evaluate Speech 2

·         Book Report on Griffin

·         Work on Speech 3

12

Principles of Persuasion

·         Discussion

·         Outline Rough Draft (Speech 3)

13

Persuasive Appeals; Analyzing a Persuasive Speech

·         Discussion

14

Record & Upload Speech 3

·         Record & Upload Speech 3

·         Speech 3 Outline

15

Exam 3

·         Exam 3

·         Evaluate Speech 3