
The Principles of Public Speaking
In Principles of Public Speaking, students learn how to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations, with an emphasis on informative and persuasive public speaking. The course introduces important elements of successful presentations including effective listening, presentation organization, and logical structure; informative and persuasive speech; use of visual aids, research, and evidence; ethical considerations; and techniques for building confidence in public speaking.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: The following list shows a summary of the topics covered in this course.
Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking
- Welcome to Public Speaking
- Benefits of Public Speaking
- Models of Communication
- Elements of the Communication Process
- Types of Speeches and Speaking Occasions
- Speaking Competencies
Module 2: Informative Speaking
- Functions of Informative Speeches
- Role of Speaker
- Types of Informative Speeches
- Developing Informative Speeches
Module 3: Listening Effectively
- Hearing Versus Listening
- The Value of Listening
- Three A’s of Active Listening
- Barriers to Effective Listening
- Strategies to Enhance Listening
- Providing Feedback to Speakers
- Encouraging Effective Listening
Module 4: Organizing and Outlining
- Elements of an Excellent Demonstration Speech
- The Topic, Purpose, and Thesis
- Writing the Body of Your Speech
- Organizational Styles
- Connecting Your Main Points
- Outlining Your Speech
Module 5: Delivering Your Speech
- Methods of Delivery
- Vocal Aspects of Delivery
- Nonverbal Aspects of Delivery
- Mastering the Location
- Preparation, Practice, and Delivery
Module 6: Introductions and Conclusions
- Functions of Introductions
- Attention-Getting Strategies
- Preparing the Introduction
- Functions of Conclusions
- Composing the Conclusion
Module 7: Visual Aids
- Effective Visual Aids
- Types of Visual Aids
- Design Principles
- Implementation
- Visual Aid Tips
Module 8: Critical Thinking and Reasoning
- Critical Thinking
- Logic and the Role of Arguments
- Understanding Fallacies
- Formal Fallacies
- Informal Fallacies
Module 9: Audience Analysis
- Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
- Approaches to Audience Analysis
- Categories of Audience Analysis
Module 10: Persuasive Speaking
- What is Persuasive Speaking?
- Functions of Persuasive Speeches
- Types of Persuasive Speeches
- Choosing a Persuasive Speech Topic
- Approaching Audiences
- Persuasive Strategies
- Organizing Persuasive Messages
Module 11: Supporting Your Ideas
- Personal and Professional Knowledge
- Library Resources
- Internet Resources
- Evaluating Information
- Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
- Using Statistics
- Using Testimony
- Using Examples
- Gathering Expertise in Your Subject Area
Module 12: Using Language Well
- Constructing Clear and Vivid Messages
- Using Stylized Language
- The Importance of Ethical and Accurate Language
- Avoiding Language Pitfalls
Module 13: Ethics in Public Speaking
- Citation Tools
- Defining Ethics
- Ethical Speaking
- Ethical Listening
Module 14: Speaking With Confidence
- Classifying Communication Apprehension (CA)
- Frames of Reference
- Cognitive Restructuring
- Techniques for Building Confidence
Module 15: Group Presentations
- Communication about Group Interaction
- Preparing All Parts of the Assignment
- Organizing for Your Audience
- Delivering Your Presentation as One
Module 16: The Origins of Public Speaking
- Ancient Greece
- The Roman Republic’s Adoption of Rhetoric
- The Middle Ages
- The Renaissance
- The Modern Period
Module 17: Speech Videos and Resources
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- 50 Wise Speakers
- 7 videos
The content, assignments, assessments and exams have been designed to achieve the course learning outcomes.
This course was developed for the Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative, a Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) grant-funded project, by Christie Fierro, Tacoma Community College and Brent Adrian, Central Community College. Much of the material for this course comes from Introduction to Public Speaking by Lisa Schreiber, licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND License. CC LICENSED CONTENT, ORIGINAL Course Contents at a Glance.
This course has been provided by Lumen Learning with a License: CC BY: Attribution.
Admission Requirements
This course is open to all Integrated Master’s Degree students.
Degree Credits
By completing this course students will earn 5 ECTS study credits which can be applied towards the Integrated Master’s Degree.
Accreditations & Certificates
A course certificate of attendance will be provided.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Contact us for a detailed overview of the course tuition including potential credits, financial aid and sponsorship options.
