Advisory Prerequisite:
Completion of ENGL 048 & 049 each with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent, or assessment Skill
Levels R5/W5
What You Need to Purchase for this Class:
1. Required Text: Stephen E. Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking, 11th ed. McGraw-Hill
2. One Scantron form; One #2 wooden pencil.
Course Description:
Oral Communication offers a wide variety of reading, application and speaking assignments designed to
expose students to all the major skills of speechmaking. Students focus on the following basic elements:
ethics, analyzing the audience, visual aids, choosing a topic and specific purpose, outlining, listening,
organizing a speech, delivery, small group communication, informative and persuasive speaking, speaker
credibility, effective use of language, library research, and communication and/or speeches to entertain.
All students give several speeches both with and without visual aids.
Course Objectives:
These are the agreed upon San Diego Community College District learning outcomes for this class.
At the end of the semester, students completing COMS 103 with a C or better will be able to:
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1. Locate, analyze, and select information to tailor a presentation to a specific audience:
assessment will include collection of working and/or formal outlines, in class activities, quizzes and
exams and/or assignments
2. Construct a clear general purpose, specific purpose, and thesis statement with the intent of
focusing the speech to one topic; assessment will include collection of working and/or formal
outlines, in class activities, quizzes and exams and/or assignments
3. Construct a well structured speech by properly identifying an introduction, body and
conclusion; assessment will include collection of working and/or formal outlines, in class
activities, quizzes and exams and/or assignments
4. Demonstrate improvement in verbal and nonverbal delivery in a prepared
presentation; assessment will include evaluation of impromptu and formal speeches
Attendance Requirements:
The final grade in this class will be affected by active participation, including attendance, as follows:
As a member of this class, it is your job to be prepared, attend class regularly and participate fully. Just
like a job, when you don’t attend class and don’t want me to drop you from this class, you must call in
and negotiate your absence. Please do so by leaving an e-mail before the missed class.
According to SDCCD policy:
• It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes in which he/she is no longer attending.
• It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop deadline (up until July
15) due to excessive absences.
• Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the published withdrawal deadline, as stated in
the class schedule, will receive an evaluative letter grade in this class.
Being dropped from the class:
District Policy 3100 states that students may be dropped after 6% of the class is missed (3.6 hours, which
may include tardies and leaving class early). The policy also states that students must be dropped upon
missing 12% of the class (7.5 hours or tardies and leaving early combined.). Absences are not excused or
unexcused, they are merely counted (even if you are under a doctor’s care!).
Each event of tardiness or leaving early will be counted as one-half of an absence. Promptness for
lecture is required. Students who arrive late on their speaking day will have their speeches dropped
one letter grade.
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Method of Instruction: Lecture, educational videotapes, discussion, group activities and reading
assignments.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Students are expected to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of
academic goals. Students who are found in violation of district Procedure 3100.3, Honest Academic Conduct,
will receive a grade of zero on the assignment, quiz, or exam in question and may be referred for
disciplinary action in accordance with Procedure 3100.2, Student Disciplinary Procedures. [Wikipedia is not
an acceptable source.]
Evaluation: You will be evaluated on your performance in a variety of activities and assignments such as
public speeches, writing assignment, exam, written and oral critiques of speeches, class participation and
attendance.
Grading: Points
Speech 1 (Inform #1)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….100
Speech 2 (Inform #2)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….125
Speech 3 (Demonstrate)………………………………………………………………………………………………..125
Speech 4 (Persuade)……………………………………………………………………………200
Positive Class Participation…………………………………………………………………………………………..100
Writing Assignment [Compare Ineffective vs. Effective Speeches (Video)]…………………..100
Final Exam (50 multiple-choice questions from book)………………………………………………….250
Total…………………………………….1000
Grading System: A+ = 98%; A = 95%; A– = 90%; B+ = 88%; B = 85%; B– = 80%; C+ = 78%;
C = 75%; C– = 70%; D+ = 68%; D = 65%; D– = 60%; etc.
Class Assignments: A lottery will be held four times during the semester to determine the four dates of
your speeches. Your participation in the class is very important. You may be assigned a group and in that
group asked to complete a variety of in-class assignments that will count as class participation. During
some assignments, students may work individually, while during other assignments, students may work
in groups that require cooperative learning, team work, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills.
Each member of the group will receive the same grade for the assignment unless circumstances dictate
otherwise. If the assignment involves group work, any group member who is absent or does not actively
contribute to the completion of the group assignment will receive a grade of zero for the assignment.
Because of the nature of the in-class assignments, these cannot be made up if missed.
You will also be required to turn in your preparation (aka formal) outline and any other speech
materials (in a folder or manila envelope) used with each of the graded speeches during class on your
speech day. SPEECH MATERIALS E-MAILED LATER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Students are
expected to be respectful of other speakers. Learning to listen and critique speeches is an integral part of
this course. Courteous attention is assumed. Students need to cease all conversations when the
instructor and student speakers are talking.
Please do not bring food or drink into class. The only exception is water.
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Just say no to smart phone use in class. Students need to turn off all electronic devices during class,
including cell phones, laptops, etc. If your phone rings or if you view or text the device in class, it is
considered negative class participation and will count as one-half absence. IF I CAN SEE YOUR CELL/
SMART PHONE, I WILL COUNT THAT AS YOUR MONITORING OF IT. ALL ELECTRONICS
NEED TO BE KEPT OFF YOUR DESK AND LAP. Also, reading materials extraneous to the course,
sleeping, writing notes or letters, doing other homework from another class, and/or listening to a
“Walkman” during classroom time is not allowed. Should you elect to partake in one of these, I will
deduct points from your final grade in the course.
You must deliver your speech on the day assigned, even if the equipment in the room is not functioning
properly (i.e., the computer, PowerPoint, document reader, projector, etc.). Always have a backup plan
just in case!
Regular attendance for class participation, preparedness for class, and attitude are all factors that may
influence a student’s final grade. Please do not use profanity in class or in speeches. Using obscene
language will be heavily penalized.
Student Code of Conduct:
• Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct at all times. Students who violate the
Student Code of Conduct may be removed from class by the faculty for the class meeting in which the
behavior occurred, and the next class meeting.
• No make-up work will be accepted during the removal.
• Incidents involving removal of a student from class will be reported to the college disciplinary officer
for follow up.
• The Student Code of Conduct can be found in Board of Trustees Policy, BP 3100, Student Rights,
Responsibilities and Administrative Due Process posted on the District website at:
http://www.sdccd.edu/public/district/policies/index.shtml
Academic Freedom: Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth,
the development of students, and the general well being of society. Free inquiry and free expression in a
mutually respectful environment are indispensable to the attainment of these goals. Such freedom shall
be recognized as a right of all students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Due Process: Students Rights Responsibilities and Privacy of Student Records also known as (Policy
3100) . 1.1 is what pertains to due process: “If the student disagrees with the final grade, a formal
complaint with proof of all scores and attendance should be presented to the instructor (in writing). The
Dept. Chair will then meet with the instructor and student to make a final assessment of the situation.
Neither Department Chairs nor Deans can change grades.”
1.1 Students shall have the right to impartial objective evaluation of their academic
performance. Students shall receive in writing, at the beginning of each course, information outlining the
method of evaluating student progress including the method by which the final grade is determined.
DSPS: Students with Disabilities are asked to notify the instructor as to the steps necessary to best
accommodate the student.
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Timetable/Class Schedule:
June 14 – Read before class: Chapter 9 – Organizing the Body of the Speech; Chapter 10 –
Beginning and Ending the Speech; Chapter 11 – Outlining the Speech.
– Introduction-to-Course Lecture/Review syllabus.
June 16 – Read before class: Chapter 1 – Speaking in Public; Chapter 4 – Giving Your First Speech;
Chapter 15 – Speaking to Inform.
– Lecture.
– Watch Video: Introductions & Conclusions.
June 21 – Read before class: Chapter 2 – Ethics and Public Speaking; Chapter 3 – Listening.
– Lecture.
– Watch Informative Video: Securing Yourself Online.
June 23 – Read before class: Chapter 5 – Selecting a Topic and a Purpose.
– Lecture.
– Watch Video: Visual Aids.
– Student Speeches (Inform #1).
June 28 – Read before class: Chapter 6 – Analyzing the Audience.
– Lecture.
– Student Speeches (Inform #1).
June 30 – Read before class: Chapter 7 – Gathering Materials.
– Lecture.
– Student Speeches (Inform #1).
July 5 – Read before class: Chapter 8 – Supporting Your Ideas.
– Lecture.
– Student Speeches (Inform #2).
July 7 – Read before class: Chapter 9 – Organizing the Body of the Speech.
– Lecture.
– Watch Demonstrative Video: How to Play the Drums.
– Student Speeches (Inform #2).
July 12 – Read before class: Chapter 12 – Using Language.
– Lecture.
– Watch Demonstrative Video: Yoga – Uniting Mind, Body, and Spirit.
– Student Speeches (Inform #2).
July 14 – Read before class: Chapter 13 – Delivery.
– Lecture.
– Student Speeches (Demonstrate).
July 19 – Read before class: Chapter 14 – Using Visual Aids.
– Lecture.
– Watch Persuasive Video: The Dangers of Cell Phones.
– Student Speeches (Demonstrate).
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July 21 – Read before class: Chapter 16 – Speaking to Persuade; Chapter 17 – Methods of
Persuasion.
– Lecture.
– Watch Persuasive Video: Phony Pharmaceuticals.
– Student Speeches (Demonstrate).
July 26 – Student Speeches (Persuade).
July 28 – Student Speeches (Persuade).
August 2 – Student Speeches; (Persuade).
August 4 – Awards Ceremony (trophy and certificates).
– Final Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions from textbook (60 Minute Exam).
– 2:00 p.m. in regular classroom.
Explanation of Formal Speaking Assignments (handouts distributed during the semester will provide
additional detail):
Informative Speech:
Teach us about a person, place or thing. There must be an obvious benefit to your audience. You must use
research and cite the sources within your speech, using correct structure and an extemporaneous style of
delivery. An informative outline is required.
Demonstrative Speech:
Teach us how to physically do something. Choose something you know how to do and prepare a speech
using correct structure and an extemporaneous style of delivery. Be sure to pick something we are
unfamiliar with, or if it is familiar teach us something new about it. (Don’t show us how to do something
we already know how to do unless you can show us a better, faster or cheaper way of doing it.) A
demonstrative outline is required.
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Persuasive Speech:
A 7-9 minute extemporaneous speech where your objective is to persuade the audience to change, modify
or maintain their thoughts and/or behavior. Choose a topic with which you are familiar and that may be
of concern to the audience. The speech is arranged using Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Five outside
sources of support are required, as is a formal typed outline to be turned in.
CRITERIA FOR GRADING SPEECHES**
To receive a C on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. The speech must be original.
2. The type of speech presented must be appropriate to the assignment.
3. The topic must be sufficiently focused and appropriate for the audience.
4. The speech must fit the time requirements of the assignment.
5. The speech must be presented on the day assigned.
6. Main ideas must be supported with facts and figures, appropriate testimony, examples, or
narratives.
7. The speech must have a clear sense of purpose.
8. The speech must have a clearly identifiable and appropriate design, complete with an
introduction and conclusion.
9. The speech must be presented extemporaneously. [80 to 90% eye contact; Gestures]
10. The speech must satisfy any specific requirements of the assignment, such as number of
references, formal outline, or use of visual aids.
11. The speaker must use language correctly.
[Some mechanical errors may impede clear understanding of material]
To receive a B on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. Satisfy all requirements for a C speech.
2. Select a challenging topic and adapt it appropriately to your audience.
3. Reflect a greater depth of research. (For example, if three references are required for a C,
the B speech must have five references.)
4. Clearly identify sources of information and ideas.
5. Create and sustain attention throughout the speech.
6. Make effective use of transitions, previews, and summaries.
7. Use good oral style.
8. Present your speech with poise.
[Few serious mechanical errors]
To receive an A on your speeches you must meet the following standards:
1. Satisfy all requirements for a B speech.
2. Demonstrate imagination and creativity in topic selection and development.
3. Develop and sustain strong bonds of identification among the speaker, audience, and topic.
4. Consistently adapt information and supporting material to the experiential world of your
audience.
5. Reflect an even greater depth of research. (For example, if five references are required for a
B, the A speech must have seven references.)
6. Demonstrate artful use of language and stylistic techniques.
7. Make a polished presentation that artfully integrates verbal and nonverbal communication
skills.
[Few if any mechanical errors]
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A D speech does not meet one or more of the standards for a C speech or
1. It is obviously unrehearsed.
2. It is based entirely on biased information or unsupported opinions.
[Mechanical errors impede understanding]
An F speech does not met three or more of the standards of a C speech, reflects either of the problems
associated with a D speech, or
1. It uses fabricated supporting material.
2. It deliberately distorts evidence.
3. It is plagiarized.
[Major problems with mechanics]
*The syllabus and schedule may change to meet our needs throughout the semester.
**Reprinted by permission of the National Communication Association.
© Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Signature confirmation of syllabus requirements
This sheet is to confirm that you have read and been given the course syllabus.
This sheet must be signed, dated, and returned to the instructor by the end of
the second week of class. Failure to do so will be construed as a choice on your
part not to participate in this class, nullifying this agreement, resulting in either
an F in the class or a desire to be administratively dropped from the class roster.
===========================================================
I, ___________________________________________(print your name here), have
read, had explained to me, and been given either a copy of or (electronic) access
to a copy of the syllabus for the Summer 2016 semester class of COMS 103 —
Oral Communication. I understand the expectations established in the syllabus,
and my signature confirms that I will abide by the stipulations outlined in the
class syllabus.
___________________________________________ _______________________
Your signature here Date
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