Communications 8

Course Description

This course will take advantage of the solid foundation in public speaking that was taught in the 7th grade. To help all students become more effective public speakers, they will be asked to get up and speak as often as possible throughout the six weeks. There will be five formal speeches required and each will include a formal outline, the actual speech, and a self-critique essay.

Students will be taught correct presentation mechanics (voice, tone, eye contact, visual aides, etc.) to effectively convey the presenter’s information to an audience. Students will also learn an outline structure that will be the basis for, and be applied to, any type of speech.

Students will be judged critically by teacher and peer (classmate) review to help students refine their skills. 

Course Materials

Essentials of Speech Communication. Nextext
TCIG Public Speeking. Alpha Books
Creative Communication. Clark
various teacher handouts

Major Goals and Objectives

In Communications 8, students will:

• reinforce the basics of proper public speaking: eye contact, voice, tone, volume, inflection, body language, visual aides, timing, and content
• present a variety of different speeches
• assist in the peer evaluation process
• take notes, participate, and lead discussions to reinforce learning of presentation mechanics and concepts
• students will become more comfortable and effective presenters

Prerequisites

• Communications 7—Introduction to Public Speaking