FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

Instructor
John English
113 Buttrick Hall
Phone 3-6989 Home 297-3509
e-mail john.h.english@vanderbilt.edu

Office Hours
7:30-9:00 MWF
8:10-9:25 T-TH
11:00-12:30 MTWRF

Class Hours
9:35-11:00 T-TH
9:10-10:00 MWF
10:10-11:00 MWF

Text: Public Speaking, Sixth Edition, by Osborn and Osborn.

Basis of the Course:

CMST 100 is designed to improve the student's ability to communicate, most particularly in a public speaking (single speaker, live audience) context, by (1) presenting basic elements of the theory and method of effective and responsible public address, (2) providing an opportunity for practice in a variety of speech situations, and (3) offering thorough analysis and criticism of that practice. Thus, while textbook and lecture material are of great importance, the bulk of the class time is actually devoted to the presentation and analysis of student speeches. Students are expected to participate in that critical practice.

Course Guidelines:

The instructor will provide detailed directions for each assignment. Additionally, you are required to seek advanced approval of your thesis statements for each new assignment. However, the subject for each new assignment will be salected by the student, since you must speak about topics in which you believe. You are expected to select topics that have Significance.

SPEECHES ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS ARE NOT PERMITTED:

Abortion, Gun Control, Capital Punishment, Euthanasia, Rape/Date Rape, Mandatory Seat Belts, Drunk Driving, Anti Smoking, Diet/Exercise.

Honor Code:

Each assignment is expected to demonstrate fully the student's individual effort. The student is required to complete each assignhment independently, including the selection of topic, researching the issue, and organizing the presentation. The sharing of theses, bibliographies, research materials, outlines, or visual aids between any CMST 100 student, past or present, constitutes a violation of the Honor Code. Any clarification or questions concerning this matter should be directed to the instructor.

Speech Assignments:

Speech # 1. A five minute speech of introduction. Develop three characteristics with suppoorting examples. (One note card)

Speech # 2. A 5-7 minute extemporaneous speech focused on a Vanderbilt Issue. (One note card)

Speech # 3. A 7-9 minute extemporaneous speech to persuade. Stock issues format. Cross-examination. (One note card)

Speech # 4. A 7-9 minute extemporaneous speech to persuade. Stock issues format. Cross-examination. (One note card)

Speech # 5. A 7-9 minute speech to inform. Must use visual aids. (One note card)

Speech Evaluations:

Students must acquire a VHS video tape to be used to record assigned speeches. Students will make appointments and meet individually with the professor to review and critique the recorded classroom speeches. A two page typed criticism of each of the videotaped speeches is due when the student meets with the professor. (Missed appointments cost the student 10 points from the overall grade)

Frank Houston Speaking Contest:

During the semester, CMST 100 sponsors a student speaking contest. All students enrolled in CMST 100 are expected to attend this contest. One student from each section of CMST 100 will be selected to compete in the contest. Frank Houston, a Vanderbilt graduate, has endowed this contest so that cash awards can be given to the top three contestants each semester. Ample notice will be provided as to the date and location of the contest. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

Grades: Final grades for the semester will be calculated as follows.

1000Perfect
900A
800B
700C
600D
599F

Points are accumulated as follows:

Speech # 1...........................50
Speech # 2..........................100
Speech # 3..........................200
Speech # 4..........................200
Speech # 5..........................150
Exam # 1............................150
Exam # 2............................150
Total.................................1000
There is mandatory attendance for CMST 100. Each absence results in a loss of (10) points from the student's overall grade. Each tardy results in a loss of (5) points from the student's overall grade. You are assigned speaking days well in advance of the day that you speak.. All speeches must be delivered on the assigned day. If a student is not prepared to deliver their speech on the assigned day, there will be a (20%) reduction in the grade for that assigned speech.