COMS 1030: Public Speaking

Fall 2020 – section 504 #8968 Esther Rodriguez – Instructor

Home Landline: (407) 542-5364 Email: [email protected] https://blackboard.ohiou.edu
Office hrs: See blackboard for contact info

TEXT
Dan O'Hair; Hannah Rubenstein; Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. Edition: 6th edition. Publisher:
Macmillan Learning. 2019. Used textbook or 5th edition (2016) is acceptable.

As you know, the OUL Bookstore has closed. However, the internet provides many sources for textbook rental and
purchase. The library also has copies on reserve for use within the library. Keep in mind, the course will continue as
scheduled; therefore, you will need your textbook readily once the semester starts.

****Check Blackboard for some helpful textbook shopping websites.****

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

 Identify and apply the basic principles of presentation speaking.

 Listen to and think critically about presentations.
 Manage presentation anxiety.
 Distinguish the difference between a presentation’s topic and purpose.
 Adapt a presentation to specific audiences, occasions, and logistics.
 Use various types of supporting materials.
 Identify and organize a presentation’s key points.
 Develop effective introductions and conclusions.
 Understand the components of speaker credibility.
 Make ethical decisions when preparing a presentation.
 Use various strategies for generating audience interest.
 Employ effective vocal and physical delivery skills.
 Create and use presentation aids.
 Develop informative presentations.
 Apply persuasion theories to the development of persuasive presentations.
 Prepare and deliver special presentations.
 Effectively participate in group discussions.

COURSE FORMAT:

1) This is an online course utilizing the Blackboard site. Chapter outlines, discussion board questions, PowerPoint
chapter slides, Panopto videos, online exams, and online assignments will provide students with an opportunity to
engage in discussion and application activities. Students are expected to complete all assignments by the
scheduled due dates on the syllabus and on the Blackboard site. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE
ACCEPTED UNLESS NEGOTIATED WITH THE INSTRUCTOR 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE.

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 ***It is your responsibility to make sure you have high-speed internet access, as well as sound/video
availability on your computer. Lack of computer or WIFI is not an excuse ***

COURSE POLICIES:

1) All written assignments must be the original work of the student and may not be submitted concurrently in any
other class without the specific written permission of both instructors.
Plagiarism or ghost writing will cause failure of that assignment and may result in failure of the
course and other administrative actions. It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the policies and
procedures outlined in the Ohio University Student Handbook. A complete description of policies and procedures
can be located at: http://www.ohio.edu/judiciaries/conduct.cfm. Specific policies for academic misconduct include the
following:

“Academic Misconduct - Dishonesty or deception in fulfilling academic requirements. It

includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, un-permitted collaboration, forged attendance (when attendance is
required), fabrication (e.g., use of invented information or falsification of research or other findings), using advantages
not approved by the instructor (e.g., unauthorized review of a copy of an exam ahead of time), knowingly permitting
another student to plagiarize or cheat from one's work, or submitting the same assignment in different courses without
consent of the instructor. Note: An instructor may impose a grade penalty for academic misconduct and/or file a judicial
referral.”
http://www.ohio.edu/judiciaries/academic-misconduct.cfm#students

2) Any student who does not log into this course during the first week of class will be asked to drop the
course. Therefore, make sure to log into Blackboard within the first week and explore (including reading this syllabus).
Anyone admitted after the first week of class will not be allowed to make-up missed work.

3) Because this is an online course, it is your responsibility to keep current on assignments and meet all deadlines
posted on the website. Failure to meet posted deadlines results in a failing grade for the assignment. If you MUST
miss a deadline, please email or phone the instructor to explain the reason and request an extension on the
deadline in advance. All requests for an extension must be made at least 48 hours in advance. NO
EXCEPTIONS.

4) All assignments submitted for a grade must be word-processed, proofread, coherent, and spelled checked. Papers
are required to follow APA format style for format and references. Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade
for the assignment. APA reference assistance is available in the library and on the class website to answer any
questions you might have about using this format. See librarian if you need assistance locating these manuals. In
addition, links to APA reference assistance can be found under “Information” section of the class blackboard site.

5) All assignments are due on the date and time posted on the website. No late assignments will be accepted unless
negotiated at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline on which they are due. In fairness to those who submit
their assignments on time, late assignments that are negotiated in advance will be penalized 5% for each day that
they are late. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A UNIVERSITY APPROVED EXCUSE FOR ANY
MISSED WORK – ESPECIALLY SPEECHES. See student handbook for more information.

6) On-line discussion participation is required. Due dates for discussion contributions are posted on Blackboard, or
live via Microsoft TEAMS (Instructions for downloading the TEAMS App are located on Blackboard). Please be
considerate of others’ viewpoints. I encourage you to respond to other’s experiences and ideas. If something
offends you, please respond in an appropriate manner. If something interests you, let us know!

7) All written assignments must be submitted in MS Word Format (.doc, .docx, .rtf) and speech links must be
submitted via the class Blackboard site. NO EMAILED SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

8) Students will have one attempt to submit work online. Any “place holder” submissions (blank documents, faulty
links) will result in a ZERO for the assignment/speech. IF you submit the wrong link or document for grading, it is
the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor before the DUE DATE in order to address it.

9) Students are responsible for adapting to any announcements in class concerning changes in due dates,
examination and schedules. Such changes will be posted on the class website.

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10) All students will take exams at the scheduled times. Each exam will consist of multiple choice. Exams will cover
content from the text and information provided on video lectures, chapter outlines, and chapter assignments.

11) Students are responsible for accessing the class website (https://blackboard.ohiou.edu) several times a week to
keep informed about class announcements, assignments, and documents. If you have problems with your
password or user ID in accessing the class website, please phone the OU Computer Help Desk at 1/740-
593-1222 or check with OU-Lancaster Computer Services in Herrold Hall.

12) Students are also required to access Blackboard to complete online exams. Exams are due by midnight of their
due date.

13) My policy on extra credit is simple – I do not give extra credit. Students know the course expectations from the
first day of class based on information provided in the syllabus. Extra credit = extra work for you + extra work for
me.

14) Students will receive the grade earned at the end of the quarter. No incomplete grades will be recorded without
official, Ohio University-approved written documentation. Any requests for an incomplete must be submitted two
weeks prior to the final exam.

15) Contesting grades: Students with concerns or questions about assignment grading should address those
grievances to the instructor in written memo form within one week of receiving the grade. The graded
assignment should accompany the memo. The instructor will consider the concern and respond or request a
meeting with the student to discuss the matter. If a student feels that a correct response was marked incorrectly on
a test or assignment, the student may submit a written case for his/her answer. The case should include evidence
supporting the student’s response from the text (including page numbers).

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

HOW TO EARN AN “A”: You’ve all heard instructors use the phrase, “I don’t give grades, student earn them.” This is my
philosophy. So how do you earn an “A” in this class? You demonstrate outstanding performance on the assignments. Simply
meeting the minimum expectations will earn an average grade for average effort (AKA: “C”). Consider this – it is not likely that
you would earn a raise simply by showing up for work and completing the tasks by the deadline. To earn a promotion or raise,
you have to demonstrate that you are committed to producing quality work – be willing to take that extra step to get noticed and be
willing to go “above and beyond” the call of duty.

GRADING:
Assignments described below will be used to determine your total number of points for this course. It is your
responsibility to keep a back-up copy of all assignments in the event of a technological error during
submission. Students may check their grades in the “My Grades” section of Blackboard (located under the “Tools”
tab).

GRADING SCALE

94 - 100 A 73 - 76 C
90 - 93 A- 70 - 72 C-
87 - 89 B+ 67 - 69 D+
83 - 86 B 63 - 66 D
80 - 82 B- 60 - 62 D-
77 - 79 C+ 59 & below F

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EVALUATION CRITERIA
Speeches
Demonstration Speech (4-5 minutes)
Presentation 60 points
Topic Form 10 points
Outline 30 points
Self-Evaluation 10 points

Informative Speech (5-7 minutes)

Presentation 80 points
Topic Form 10 points
Outline 40 points
Self-Evaluation 20 points

Persuasive Speech (6-8 minutes)

Presentation 100 points
Topic Form 10 points
Outline 50 points
Self-Evaluation 30 points

Participation/Activities
Activities/Peer Evals 150 points
Exams (5 @ 40 points each) 200 points

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 800 points

SPEECH PREPARATION & PRESENTATION PROCEDURES: ON TUESDAYS/THURSDAYS

1) You will need to submit a Topic Form which includes your main points for each of the three speeches.
Please note: A single student may not repeat a topic; however multiple students can address the same topic.
Students who repeat a topic will be penalized. The Form for each speech will be due on the dates indicated on
the schedule. A Topic form template is posted on Blackboard under ‘assignments’.

A full sentence outline is due BEFORE you present your speech. Outline template is required. (Use template
located on Blackboard) and must include the following:
 Title
 Central Idea
 Purpose
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion
 Citation of Reputable Sources throughout outline
 Transitions
 Reference List (in APA format).

Only reputable sources allowed; that means NO WIKIPEDIA or BLOGS. You may use these as a starting point to
generate ideas, but not as sources. The Speech outline form is posted on Blackboard under ‘assignments’. You
will be able to download it, and save it to your hard drive, disk, or USB. Make sure to use the Speech outline
form for all 3 speech outlines. Remember, all assignments must be APA style (1” margins, double space, 12pt
font).

2) All students are to video tape their speeches and submit them for grading and peer-evaluations.

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 COMS 1030 SPEECH SUBMISSION AND EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS:

I. Record your speech with a digital video device such as digital camera or digital video recorder compatible
with PC in order to download on YouTube. Make sure to place camera on solid surface or tripod for stability.

A. To submit your video for grade:

1. Load finished speech to your individual YouTube account.
2. Once you download video into YouTube and download is complete, copy and Paste URL of your
video onto a word document then save.
3. Go to Blackboard and attach your Word.docx containing the link onto corresponding assignment.
(Demonstration, informative, persuasive speech).

B. To submit your video for peer-feedback:

1. Once all speeches are turned into Blackboard, I will set up a discussion board for you to add the
link to your speech. Repeat process for each of your speeches. See IV page 5 for more details.

II. During your speech, you must follow these guidelines:

A. Video tape entire speech in one single shot. This means NO EDITING! Any indication of video
tampering will result on a failing grade for the speech.

B. STAND UP while delivering the speech. Failure to do so will result in 30% grade deduction in addition
of nonverbal penalties.

C. You are to deliver all speeches extemporaneously; therefore, READING your speech is not permitted;
you may use note cards to keep you on track. Failure to adhere to this guideline will result in 30%
deduction from your final speech grade.

D. Must show your face as well as body during the videotaping in order to be graded accurately. Failure to
show body during taping will cause significant point deductions for nonverbal, gestures, posture,
etc. Make sure to treat camera as audience. Stand up and face the camera; Eye contacts and nonverbal
are key, because you will be graded as if the speech is taking place in front of a live audience. Make sure
you can be seen and heard clearly. Capture most of your frame. Any speech failing to capture face and
body will result in a 50% deduction from the final grade.
AGAIN -- Do not give speech sitting down in front of computer webcam!

E. MOST IMPORTANT: speeches have a time limit; each of the three speeches has a specific length.
Therefore, speeches are to be conducted as if you were in a classroom setting when it comes to time. If
you go over, you will lose points considerably. Same goes for going under the allotted time.

Any speech violating multiple guidelines mentioned above will result on a

FAILING GRADE.
Failure to complete and turn in your SPEECH will result in a failing grade. Only make-up work is
allowed with a university approved excuse. (See student handbook for more information)

III. Self-evaluation and peer-feedback:

A. After completing your video, watch your speech. Write your own self-critique using the guidelines
suggested under Assignments on Blackboard.
1. Make sure to use paragraph/essay format. Do not use question/answer format.

B. In addition to turning in your video link for grading, your link will be added to the corresponding discussion
board (GROUP A or B) on Blackboard so your fellow classmates can view and provide feedback. This will
be done for each of your speeches.
1. Make sure to view at least five (8) speeches by your peers, and post detailed constructive
feedback (feedback that will help, not hinder speakers) for each your eight classmates.

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 2. You are required to leave a minimum of eight postings for classmate feedback. Try to make sure
everyone in your group have some feedback in the comments. In order to receive full credit, Each
comment must be concrete; no abstract or vague feedback (ie, great speech, you delivered well,
etc.) How was it great? Be specific. Give examples.

3. Due dates for peer feedback will be announced on Blackboard. Remember, it is your responsibility
to keep up with announcements.

3) Speeches will be delivered extemporaneously. Therefore, you will not be permitted to speak from your full-
sentence outline or a copy thereof. You may use note cards or a one-page key-word-only outline. You may also
take “supporting material” to the podium. Supporting material is that “outside” information which you quote or cite
to support claims made in your speech. Any indication of reading inside/outside of camera frame (teleprompter
style) will result in a 30% GRADE drop.

4) You will be expected to complete a Self-Analysis for each speech that you deliver. The self-analysis will be due
after you deliver your speech. You should review the video of your speech in order to complete your self-analysis.
The Speech self-analysis should include your analysis from all parts of the speech and delivery. AGAIN, the self-
evaluation that you submit must be typed, double-spaced and written in paragraph format (NOT Q&A) and be
at least one full page but no more than 2 pages in length. DO NOT narrate your speech; that is not the goal of this
assignment. The goal is for you to learn by observing your speech performance as if you were a member of the
audience and learn in order to improve your public speaking skills.

5) You will be expected to complete Peer Evaluations for each of the speeches through discussion board (see
requirements above). These will count for participation points. These points CANNOT be made up.

EXAMS ON FRIDAYS

 EXAMINATIONS:
Exams will be given on the dates indicated on the syllabus. Exams will consist of multiple choice. The chapters
from the textbook that will be included on each exam are indicated on the syllabus. In addition, any information
that is presented in video lectures, any film clips that included in the class, and any information included on
assignments are “fair game” for the exams.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you take the exam on a computer that is free from any interruptions. Please DO
NOT use a computer that has dial-up Internet access. Students are on their honor to complete each exam WITHOUT
the use of the textbook, notes, or any other assistance. Failure to adhere to this honor code will result in Ohio
University sanctioned penalties for academic misconduct. (See Course policies section of this syllabus for information).

All exams will be timed. Students are responsible for monitoring the time – at the end of the specified time limit, the
exam will close and any answers completed up to that point will be submitted.

Exams posted by 6:00am on the dates indicated on the syllabus. Students must complete the exam between the hours
of 6:00 am and midnight. Once an exam is started, it must be completed. Please be sure to allow yourself adequate
time to complete the exam prior to the midnight deadline.

If a student is logged out of an exam due to technological glitches, he/she must contact the instructor via email
immediately to make arrangements to take an essay form of the exam. All make-up exams must be proctored at an
Ohio University-approved site. The make-up exam must be completed within 72 hours of the originally scheduled
exam. In fairness to other students, ALL MAKE UP EXAMS WILL BE ESSAY FORMAT.

I AM HERE TO HELP YOU! Please feel free to ask for feedback on your works in progress, or when you need
assistance. I want to help you develop communication skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life. “I didn’t know
what you wanted” is not an acceptable excuse. You may call me at home, or schedule an appointment. If I am not
available, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. E-mailing is a passive form of
communication especially when you need an immediate response and/or have a complex question. If you need a
prompt response, phone me at home. If you need to reach me in writing, always email me at [email protected].
TEAMS is for updates and meeting use ONLY.
COMS 1030 Public Speaking Page 6 of 8 Fall 2020
INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: The lectures, classroom activities, and all materials associated with this class and
developed by the instructor are copyrighted in the name of Esther Rodriguez, this date of August 21, 2020.
Policies and work schedule is subject to change. It is the student's responsibility to stay engaged and up to
date with any changes.

COURSE SCHEDULE
(Important: schedule is subject to change)
DATE Reading TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS DUE

Week one: CH 1-4 Becoming a Public Speaker Log on to Class Website and Review Syllabus
August 24 Overview of a speech study textbook/video Lectures/slides
Managing Speech Anxiety
Ethical Public Speaking

Week two: CH 5-6 Audience analysis and Adaptation Study textbook Lectures/slides
September 31 Listeners and Speakers
Analyzing the Audience

Week three: CH 7-9 Selecting a Topic and Purpose EXAM # 1 (CH 1 – 4) DUE FRI 9/11
September 7 Developing Supportive Material Study textbook/video Lectures/slides
Finding Credible Sources

Week four: CH 10-12 Citing Sources in your Speech EXAM 2 (CH 5-9) DUE FRI 9/18
September 14 Organizing Body of your Speech
Selecting Organizational Pattern

Week five: CH 13-14 Outlining the Speech Demonstration Topic Forms Due for All DUE Tuesday 9/24
September 21 Developing and Introduction and
Conclusion

Week six: CH 15 –18 Using Language Study textbook/video Lectures/slides

September 28 Methods of Delivery EXAM 3 (CH 10-14) DUE FRI 10/2
Your Voice in Delivery/Your Body in
Delivery

Week seven: CH 19–21 Speaking with Presentation Aids Informative Topic Forms Due for All Tue 10/6
October 5 Designing Presentation Aids Study textbook/ video Lectures/slides
Using Presentation Software Demonstration Outlines Group A DUE Thursday 10/18

Week eight: CH 22-24 Informative Speaking Persuasive Topic Form Due for all Tues 10/13
October 12 Principles of Persuasive Speaking Demonstration Outlines Group B Due Thursday 10/15
Constructing the Persuasive Speech EXAM 4 (CH 15 –19) DUE FRI 10/16

Week nine: DEMONSTRATION SPEECH Group A DUE Tue 10/22

October 19

Week ten: DEMONSTRATION SPEECH Group B DUE Tue 10/27

October 26 Informative Outlines Group A Due Thursday 10/29
Demonstration self-evaluation Group A DUE Thursday 10/29

Week eleven: Demonstration peer reviews due INFORMATIVE SPEECHES Group A DUE Tuesday 11/3
November 2 Informative Outline DUE Thursday 11/5
Demonstration self-evaluation Group B DUE Thurs 11/5
EXAM 5 (Ch 20-24) Due FRI 11/6

COMS 1030 Public Speaking Page 7 of 8 Fall 2020

Week twelve: INFORMATIVE SPEECHES Group B Due Tues 11/10
November 9 Persuasive Outlines Group A Due Thursday 11/12
Informative self-evaluations Group A DUE Thursday 11/12

Week thirteen: Informative peer reviews due PERSUASIVE SPEECHES Group A DUE TUES 11/17
November 16 Persuasive Outlines Group B Due Thursday 11/19
Informative self-evaluations Group B due 11/19

Week THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASSES Nov 23-27

fourteen:
November 23

Week fifteen: PERSUASIVE SPEECHES GROUP B DUE Tuesday 12/1

November 30 Persuasive self-evaluations Group A Due Thursday 12/3

Week sixteen: Persuasive peer reviews due Persuasive self-evaluations Group B DUE Thursday 12/10
December 7 FINALS WEEK

COMS 1030 Public Speaking Page 8 of 8 Fall 2020