Speech class is designed to expose you to several speech-delivery strategies and enable you to communicate orally in an intelligent and convincing way in any situation, with or without time for preparation.
Throughout Speech, students will be expected to show evidence of mastery of the following skills.Students will...
model the appropriate role when speaking to an audience.
model the appropriate role as an audience member.
use appropriate speech delivery skills.
use effective non-verbal communications skills.
demonstrate the skill of speaking for a variety of purposes and within different contexts.
write various effective speeches by purposefully applying strategies for elaboration and organization.
research effectively when such material is needed.
utilize mechanical devices (e.g., podium, aids, video cameras, computers, etc.)
create characters, mood, and tone through appropriate reading and expression.
actively and effectively listen (this skill includes hearing, recognizing structure, evaluating the message and method of delivery, and responding) to a presented speech.
Most units will be introduced with a short lecture of explanation and/or an example to clarify the concepts and requirements of the activity or speech type. Students will then be given time in class to practice and/or apply the skill(s). Students will generally have a few days to research, prepare, and practice the speech. On the due-date, each student will then present a speech to the class-- regardless of how well-prepared he or she is. Audience members are expected DAILY to provide specific, supportive feedback and constructive criticism to each speaker both orally and in writing. Candid self-reflection is also an important part of students' growth.
Each speech is given one major grade and counts in total as 70 percent of the quarter grade. Speeches
MUST be submitted on the specified due date.
MUST show clear evidence of applying the skills learned in class and overall preparedness.
Are due the same day for ALL students even if you are not delivering yours that day.
MUST be TYPED (unless specified otherwise) and be a reasonable model of what you deliver orally.
MUST NOT be "thrown together."
MUST be rehearsed SEVERAL times before being delivered to the class.
There are non-negotiable, automatic penalties for late speeches. For longer speeches, one point will be deducted for each second a speech runs over or under the allotted grace period. Ten points per day will be deducted for late work with the exception of the final exam speech, which may not be delivered late for any reason. For extremely late submissions, you will still be expected to deliver your speech for the allotted time, but you will receive a grade between a 40 and 50 only. NOTE: Not delivering a speech is NOT an option: You will receive an "I" (incomplete) for the course (even if your final numerical grade is greater than 60) until all speeches have been delivered in front of an an acceptable audience.
THERE IS NO MAKE-UP OPTION FOR THE FINAL SPEECH. If you are not prepared to deliver your final speech, you will receive a zero. Please note that some seniors have not graduated because they did not take this policy seriously. It is non-negotiable.
Lastly, it is your personal responsibility to have your work submitted properly to Google Classroom, otherwise it will be counted late in the manner specified above.
Class participation will be measured by the teacher through regular observation of the student's willingness to take personal responsibility for his or her behaviors and contributions.
Participation includes...
adhering one-hundred percent to the class's confidentiality and no-ridiculing agreements (20 points may be deducted from overall quarter grade for breaking students' confidentiality! Click here to review the policy.)
not talking or whispering while others--especially the teacher--are talking.
providing daily and professional feedback to speakers.
willingness to make "learning stretches."
supportiveness of others.
being prepared to participate before the arrival bell rings (-1 point per tardy arrival. After five tardies, additional point deductions cease and one teacher detention per subsequent tardy will be assigned).
the seriousness with which the student takes class activities and the course in general.
Together, these elements of participation count as 20 percent of the quarter grade. Typically, each offense results in one point deducted from the 20 participation points for the quarter. Read a detailed breakdown of the participation expectations here.
Students will be required to type out a full-text version of their speeches, to use an outline, and to use note-cards. Extemporaneous or impromptu speeches are always a possibility at any time. Some possible speech types include the following:
Students are expected to come to class dressed appropriately for the type of speech they are presenting. Some speeches are more formal than others. Your teacher will inform you of the expectations for attire before each speech.
What is your policy on passes?
Lav Passes I strongly discourage the use of the lavatory during class time. Frivolous exiting and entering the classroom is a distracting and unnecessary disruption of the learning process. In the unlikely event that you have a true bathroom emergency, ask for permission, then fill out the sign-out sheet on the clipboard which doubles as a lav pass. You do not need me to sign this pass before leaving. Upon returning, be sure to mark down the time your returned.
Arriving Late with a Pass Arriving late to class for any reason is a disruption to be avoided. If you arrive late to class with a pass from a teacher, show it to me so I can change your attendance status, and then slip the pass into the container next to the light switch. Do not hand the pass to me. Coffee and other morning beverages are usually acceptable during first period, but only if you arrive on time. If you are late to first period, dump your beverage out before arriving to class. It would be doubly disruptive for you to arrive late and for me to have to interrupt my teaching to tell you to dispose of your coffee. Do not bring these beverages to class during any other period but first period.
Advisory Extra Help Pass If you would like to see me during advisory, fill out a pass with your destination (room 211) and the time you will be arriving. I am happy to work with you during this time or after school on Tuesday. Use the button on our website to book an appointment.
If you are ever unclear or frustrated with an assignment, do not hesitate to schedule some time with me so we can work through your problem. I AM HAPPY TO MEET WITH STUDENTS WHO NEED EXTRA HELP. Be sure not to wait until the last minute, however, as rushing through an assignment can seriously limit the quality of your work and is insulting to your teacher. I wish you the best of luck throughout this course and your entire academic career. I am sincerely looking forward to working with you.
Please feel free to drop by my classroom unannounced if you have a quick question or to arrange a meeting for extra help. I am typically available Tuesdays after school at 2:00, during advisory periods, and Thursdays by arrangement. Book an appointment using the button on our website.
At any time, you are expected to be able to speak extemporaneously about the news. The main page for Speech contains daily news stories from Fox News and MSNBC. Review the news daily.
According to the EGHS Program of Studies... "This course seeks primarily to develop self-confidence through the effective use of vocal and listening skills. Among other target areas, students will develop clarity of enunciation and voice projection. The students will comprehend and demonstrate the importance of body language as a means of enhancing delivery. In preparing and organizing assigned expressive and informational speeches, students will demonstrate knowledge of correct grammatical usage and clear written expression. Effective, logically prepared impromptu, extemporaneous, and manuscript speeches are required. The students will also develop the ability to listen carefully and to form judgments by being required to evaluate critically their peers’ and their own speeches. The culminating assessment is a comprehensive speech which may be on the topic of the student’s senior project."
How do I receive credit for having read this information?