Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title COMM 1114: Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements College-level reading and writing skills are required
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 1/Written and Oral Communications

Course Description

This course focuses on the theory and practice of oral communication skills which affect critical thinking in public speaking situations. An emphasis is placed upon research, organization, and delivery. Students will present speeches in face-to-face settings for diverse audiences and settings. Course topics may include clearly organizing a speech in compliance with the speech's objective; understanding various organizational patterns; listening in diverse settings; executing competent vocal and physical delivery skills; adapting to diverse settings; reducing communication apprehension; and effectively using visual aids. College level reading and writing skills are required.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Communication Apprehension
  2. Types of Speaking
  3. Introductions and Conclusions
  4. Organizational Patterns
  5. Research and Support Materials
  6. Delivery Skills
  7. Visual Aids
  8. Audience Analysis
  9. Language Use
  10. Listening

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
  2. Prepare speeches that narrow the topic and thesis appropriately for diverse audiences and occasions.
  3. Identify appropriate supporting materials from diverse sources in listening and speaking situations.
  4. Construct coherent and logical informative and persuasive speeches by utilizing an organizational pattern
  5. which is appropriate and effective to the topic, audience, occasion and purpose.
  6. Apply language appropriate to the topic, audience, occasion and purpose when giving and listening to a public address.
  7. Demonstrate effective vocal and visual delivery during a public address.
  8. Implement strategies to reduce communication apprehension.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 1/Written and Oral Communications

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting,
  2. revision, editing and presentation.
  3. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
  4. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  5. Construct logical and coherent arguments.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.

Special Information (if any)

None