COM 103: Introduction to Public Speaking

Introduction

Welcome to Introduction to Public Speaking. Taking this course will be a great way not only to gain valuable experience in speaking in front of groups, but also to increase your level of  engagement in all public and social situations, including other courses.

This is a highly interactive class -- you'll be working extensively with small groups of fellow students, as well as the instructor and the whole class, and you'll be interacting with audiences outside the class that you choose and gather yourself.  I hope you'll join us!

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for COM 103, Introduction to Public Speaking - 3 credits. Study of the principles and techniques of effective speaking and listening in a variety of selected communication experiences. AP

In this course, we'll give speeches (fancy that!), four speeches to be exact:  First, a speech introducing a partner in the class; next, a "pro / con" speech explaining two opposing sides of a controversial issue; third, an informative speech designed to educate a specific audience about a topic of significance to them; and finally, a persuasive speech seeking to convince a specific audience to reconsider their opinions about an issue of concern to them.

Because this is an online course, all of the speeches will need to be posted as video clips for the instructor and other students to see and respond to, and several of the speeches will be revised and redelivered to a small live audience that students will find and gather themselves.

Proficiencies

Successful completion of this course will enhance the student's ability to:

• Understand and develop skills in speech composition
• Understand and develop skills in speech delivery
• Understand and develop skills in effective listening
• Develop confidence and poise in the oral communication experience
• Develop standards for the evaluation or oral communication
• Develop skills in responding to questions and challenges during public speaking situations

COM 103 will help you gain skills in the following proficiencies articulated as part of the UW Colleges educational goals for students:

• Clear and logical thinking, including the ability to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and interpret information and ideas; articulate accurately strengths and weaknesses of one's own work
• Effective communication, including the ability to transmit information effectively through skillful speech delivery

Requirements

Hardware

• In order to record and post speeches online as video clips, you will need to have a webcam and software for recording video clips on a computer. Your internet connection will need to be faster than dial-up in order to upload and view online streaming video.

Software

• Microsoft Word is required in order to work with attached documents. The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

About the Instructors

• Nichole Kathol
  Assistant Professor, Communication & Theater Arts
  BA, University of Nebraska-Omaha
  MA, Miami University of Ohio
  PhD, University of Kansas