The main objective of this course is to help students develop confidence in speaking publicly and academically. Students will also learn how to listen critically, responsively and objectively. Students will master presenting familiar topics in a smooth, understandable and organized way in both prepared and impromptu speeches. Students will also study how to inform and persuade others. These oral skills will be applied in group discussions and debates.

Upon completing this course, students should be able to: (1)develop confidence in speaking publicly and academically; (2)learn how to listen to public speaking critically, responsively, and objectively; (3)present familiar topics in a smooth, understandable and organized fashion in both prepared and impromptu speeches; (4)speak in order to inform and persuade audiences in persuasive speeches; (5)participate in group discussions to solve a problem. The first semester of the course is focused on public speaking about personal experiences and informing others about a topic. The second semester is focused on informative and persuasive public speaking. Students will do activities both in and out of class to help them gain confidence and fluency for speaking in English in front of their classmates and teachers.

Speech Communication Made Simple, 4th edition, by Dale & Wolf