Course Syllabus

SPC2608-Introduction to Public Speaking

Spring 2017

Dial Center for Written & Oral Communication

University of Florida

The purpose of this multi-sectioned course is to understand and apply (1) the basic principles of effective public speaking, (2) the principles of audience analysis and message preparation, and (3) critical listening skills as they apply to public speaking.

 

Section 23H9 meets Tuesdays 2-3 and Thursdays 3 in CSE E221

(changed from Rolfs 314)

 

Section 7331 meets Tuesdays 4 and Thursdays 4-5 in CSE E221.

 

About Dr. Sunny Skye Hughes

Sunny Skye Hughes, Ph.D. was raised on the Gulf Coast of Texas by a mom who loved to surf! When she earned her degree in Journalism from Texas A&M in 1997, she was the first college graduate in her family.  She was also awarded first place in the TAMU Debate Society Public Speaking Contest in 1996. After working in television and radio, Dr. Hughes attended graduate school at the University of Florida earning her M.S. in Telecommunications in 2005 and her Ph.D. in Mass Communications in 2008.  Hughes has taught at the University of Maine, Husson University, the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. Dr. Hughes lives in East Gainesville with her husband, her teenagers, her poodles Jackson, Judith and Juniper.  She enjoys backyard gardening.  You can follow the adventures of Dr. Hughes and her poodles on Instagram @bohemian_garden_poodles

 

Course Communications

• Office Hours will be held on Tuesdays from 11:30-1:30 and Thursdays 8:30-9:30 and 12:30-2:30 in Rolfs Hall room 201.
• For personal issues, SUBMIT a REPORT. This includes tardy reports, absence documentation, learning accommodation, UAA related absences, errors with a grade, etc. 
  • If you are having a technical issue, please include the formal name of the assignment you are having issues with, hyperlink it using the chain icon in the toolbar for this box, write a description of the issue, attach a screenshot of the issue and a  description of what you learned when you contacted the UF Computing Help Desk at 392-HELP.  
  • You can expect a response to REPORTS within 48 hours. 
  • I do not check Canvas from 5 p.m. on Friday to 9 a.m. on Monday. Please plan accordingly.
• For non-personal issues and class-sourced answers, post to the Problem Solving Forum. This includes questions about an assignment, deadline, class meeting content, etc. I will answer non-personal student questions here for the benefit of the class.
• If your communication can't fit into a report or problem solving post, send me an Inbox message.  Inbox messages make take longer to receive a reply.
• Most assignments will be graded and feedback provided within one week of submission. 

 

 Required Text

• THE ART of PUBLIC SPEAKING, 2015 by Steven Lucas.  Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 12^th edition. This text is available at most bookstores supplying the university, and at http://shopmcgraw-hill.com.  Many past students recommend renting this text through the UF bookstore or at other outlets.
  • No additional packets or online instructional tools will be required (example: Connect Lucas is not required or recommended.
  • Some students have been successful using older editions, but the midterm and final exams are prepared from the latest addition.  Use an older addition at your own risk.

  • Readings:  Students are responsible for the entire text as well as other assigned readings from individual instructors.

 

Required Materials

• Notecards (one packet of 3x5 or 4x6, any color). You may not take a printed final outline up with you when you present. You may not use a torn piece of notebook paper.  You should not write everything really tiny.  This policy is designed to promote extemporaneous speaking.  If you use more than one note card, or do not use a notecard, your presentation will be penalized 20%.
• Notebook or Journal for notes and activities
• Business Casual or all-black dress for speeches 
• Online access is necessary for access to your course Canvas sites. You can find the login button for Canvas at: lss.at.ufl.edu.
• Youtube account to post speech videos.  Set one up now if you don't have one.

 

Spring 2017 Dates and Deadlines:  Click the link for full critical dates from UF Registrar.

• Classes Begin: January 4
• Drop/Add Period: January 4-6, 9-10
• Last day to drop with no fee liability: January 10
• Spring Break: March 4-11
• Drop Deadline: April 7
• Classes End: April 19
• Reading Days: April 20-21
• Final Exam: IMPORTANT: Exam #2--Location will be announced by your instructor and via your course Canvas site when information is available. There will be NO early exams--plan your exit from Gainesville accordingly!!

 FOR COMPLETE LIST OF COURSE SCHEDULE AND SPEECH/EXAM DATES, CLICK ON MODULES.

Course Assignments

Students will be required to present a minimum of four extemporaneous style speeches and one impromptu speech during the semester. Written critiques for each speech will consider, among other things, the effectiveness of the message, delivery and organization.

A speech outline and bibliography are to be submitted to the instructor at the time each speech is presented. The outline and bibliography, as well as the speech itself, will provide the basis for the evaluation of each speech assignment. It is expected that students will prepare and research their speeches using and citing a variety of sources (including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, journals, books, websites, etc.).  

Additionally, speeches will be evaluated, in part, on the student's ability to present within the designated time limits given by your instructor. Instructors will provide a more complete explanation of each speech assignment in advance of its preparation and presentation (the order of speeches may vary in each section).

Evaluations assigned to the speeches will comprise a major percentage of the final course grade.

The remainder of points for the final grade is accumulated from participation and two exams. 

• Clarifying a Single Point (Four Object Speech)
  • (O points)(January 17 & 19)
  • The speaker will concentrate on a single idea (specific assignment will vary among sections).  You must complete this speech within one week of deadline to pass the course.
• Informative Speech
  • (150 points)(February 14 & 16)
  • The object of this speech is to give the audience a fuller, more functional understanding of a specific purpose statement. Your instructor will require use of visual aids and/or sources of support.
• Impromptu Speech
  • (50 points)(February 28 & March 2)
  • A limited preparation speech designed to assist students in improving their ability to devise a coherent organizational structure and thesis and integrate knowledge into an effective presentation. Topics will vary by classroom, but could include quotations, words, objects, and situations or even, cartoons.
•  Group Project A or B
  • (200 points)(March 23, 28 & 30)
  • A) A speech presented within a Symposium. A small group of speakers individually present speeches on different facets of an encompassing topic significant to their audience. B) A speech presented within a Debate Format.  Speakers will individually present speeches on different facets of an encompassing topic significant to a current issue in a debate format.  Individuals or groups will debate either one or both sides of an issue.
•  Persuasive Speech
  • (200 points)(April 6, 11, 13)
  • A speech of advocacy where the speaker confronts neutral and/or opposing listeners, inviting them to change their opinions to match that of his/her own using a variety of motivational strategies.
• Participation and Attendance
• (100 points)
  • For each speech, you will submit a printed outline before speaking.
  • For each speech, you will submit a 150+ word self evaluation and video of your speech.
  • For each speech, you will complete three peer evaluations for classmates
  • Participation submission will be averaged.
  • Participation grades are determined by the instructor. They can include activities such as quizzes, attending and evaluating outside speeches, class exercises and discussion, and homework. Participation can be negatively impacted by texting in class, reading the paper, sleeping, or arriving late/leaving early. Other participation assignments may be added and will be labeled "Participation".
  • If you are distracted during a classmate's speech (for example, you are looking at your cellphone, planner, reading, etc., 10 points will be deducted from your participation grade.
• Exam 1: Midterm Exam
  • (150 points)(February 23)(Review is on February 21)
• Exam 2: Final Exam
  • (150 points)(Date TBD)(Review will be on April 18)

The grading criteria for each speech is found in the assignment rubric on Canvas.  Additional information will be provided at the student's request during class meetings.

 

Scheduling Speeches

Speeches will be scheduled through Canvas using the schedule pages for each speech, which can be found under MODULES.  If you do not sign up for a scheduled speech date, you will give your speech on the first day of that round of speeches before all other scheduled speeches.  If you need to change a speech date after you have signed up, it is your responsibility to make these arrangements with a classmate.  By changing the order of speech dates or sequences, you are indicating that you have sought agreement from every single classmate that will be affected by the change.  Our class will work together to monitor speech sign-up sheets, so if you see something suspicious, please speak up!

 

Video Recordings

You will record each speech (most students use smartphones or tablets) and upload it to Youtube to post with your self evaluation.  This video will also be used by classmates to provide your peer evaluation.  It is important that you provide Titles, Descriptions, Tags and select "anyone with link" under Privacy Settings in Youtube video editor.

 

Makeup Speeches and Exams

No student will have the opportunity to make-up more than ONE required assignment. However, once the assignment has been completed and graded the following deductions will be assessed:  for a 50 point assignment -12 points will be deducted; for a 100 point assignment -24 points will be deducted; for a 150 point assignment -36 points will be deducted; and for a 200 point assignment-48 points will be deducted. There is NO makeup for Exam #2.

 

Extra Credit

• Extra credit is available, but per Department regulations, only for up to 1% of final grade.
• Extra credit will be announced in class and posted in Canvas Modules.

 

Course Evaluations:

Scale for Final Grades:

•      A      93-100%930-1000 points
•      A-    90-92%900-929
•      B+   87-89%870-899
•      B     83-86%830-869
•      B-    80-82%800-829
•      C+   77-79%770-799
•      C     73-76%730-769
•      C-   70-72%700-729
• D+  67-69%670-699
•      D    63-66%630-669
•      D-   60-62%600-629
•      E     0-59%0-599

 

Attendance: Attendance will be taken 5 minutes after the start of each class using Canvas projected on the front screen so you can verify your attendance status.  If you are absent, you should immediately submit a REPORT with documentation or an explanation of your absence.  If you are tardy, you should immediately submit a REPORT that explains you were tardy instead of absent when roll was taken.  Tardy REPORTS must be filed within one week of absence of they will not be accepted.  Three tardies count as one absence.  Instructors will not give credit for attendance the next class period just because you say you ‘missed the roll’.

• Public speaking is a performance course and differs from "pure" lecture courses. A student learns from watching/ perceiving/critically listening to others present their speeches and by presenting speeches himself/herself. Much of the course is lost if the student does not attend class.
• Therefore, A STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO MISS THREE HOURS OF CLASS MATERIAL WITHOUT INCURRING A PENALTY
  • a 2 period class=2 hours
  • a 3 hour block=3 hours
• These allowed absences DO NOT include days in which you are scheduled to give a speech or group presentation (i.e. there are additional penalties for missing assignment due dates, see below).
• For each hour missed beyond the three allowed hours, a total of 20 points will be deducted (i.e. 4 hours absent= -20pts; 5 hours absent= -40pts). If the penalty exceeds the 100 participation points, the 20 points per absence will then come off of the total grade out of 1000 in the class.
• For 3-hour block courses, being absent from one 3-hour block would constitute all allowed absences for the semester; and then -20 for each hour missed after that. 
• ATTENDANCE BEGINS THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS SO BE SURE TO PLAN AHEAD, ADD EARLY AND ATTEND.
• No changes to the attendance record will be made after one week beyond subject date.  Get those reports in early!

 

Civility

Students are expected to behave according to the UF student code of conduct in their classes. This means treating their instructors and fellow classmates with respect. Public Speaking can be a stressful course and it can be a positive experience. To ensure a positive learning environment, students should not: make complaints publicly (in front of other students); attack the instructor verbally, physically, or in written form; or express reactions in the classroom that would bring harm to other students. Failure to meet the UF code of conduct can impact a student’s class participation grade or result in referral to the UF judicial office. Signing another student in to class also violates the UF code of conduct. Class atmosphere can be made or broken by the approach that students take to the challenges of the course. Students that support others, show good humor in the face of obstacles, show dedication in the face of setbacks, and show grace when others are not doing as well will help to create a positive communication climate.

• Speech language: No foul language, harassment, or cursing is allowed during any speech presentations. Violation of this rule will result in a zero for your speech. Please review the University of Florida Student Affairs Sexual Harassment Policy , as well as the Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code: Scope and Violations (4.041).  Take care to consider what might be offensive when learning to relate to the audience.  Casual stereotypes or attempts at crude humor can be offensive depending on your audience.  
• Speech Props :  No illegal or dangerous products, chemicals, or substances are allowed in the class (i.e., guns, knives, drugs, alcohol, explosives, fire, illegal substances, etc). No pets or reptiles will be allowed in the classroom. Violation of this rule will result in a zero for your speech.

 

Plagiarism

All submitted work during the course, written or oral, will be the student's personal, original work, with credit being given to sources used. [Further, all documentation of absences will be honest representations.] If a student violates this understanding, evaluations of work must be affected accordingly and if necessary, adjudication will be processed by procedures approved by the University of Florida Honor Court.

Visual aids must be original.  Plagiarism of visual aids will result in a zero for the course and you may also be subject to academic sanctions (Links to an external site.).

 

Conflict Resolution

Any questions regarding the planning, administering and teaching of SPC2608 should be discussed with Dr. Hughes during office hours. As needed, questions can be discussed further with Stephanie Webster (swebster@ufl.edu), Director of the SPC 2608 program, 402 Rolfs Hall, Dial Center for Written & Oral Communication.

 

Resources

Public Speaking Students Forum: A speaking competition sponsored by the Dial Center for Written & Oral Communication will be held in March. Students who have completed SPC2608 in past semesters will be selected to compete for cash prizes. See your teacher about the possibility of receiving extra credit for attending this event. Also, please let your instructor know if you would be interested in participating as a speaker or helping as a volunteer next year.

Public Speaking Lab: Located in 415 Rolfs Hall, the Public Speaking Lab offers free assistance to those seeking to develop their speaking skills. Staffed by both Public Speaking instructors and peer mentors who have successfully completed a speech course, the lab welcomes walk-ins during the hours posted at: http://cwoc.ufl.edu/programs/public-speaking-lab/hours/. For optimal success, and to ensure available assistance, please plan speeches well in advance. Students can choose to have their speeches video-taped, get feedback on outlines, ask questions about supporting their points, and get ideas about handling speech anxiety. We also offer assistance in preparing for interviews, preparing speeches for other courses, or preparing to speak in special occasions. Please note that students currently enrolled in SPC2608 are responsible for taking the guidance offered by consultants in the lab and making sure they still meet all requirements of their own instructor. Copies of intake forms will be shared with Public Speaking instructors to ensure open communication. If you have questions about a visit with the lab, please feel free to contact Stephanie Webster at swebster@ufl.edu.