Public Speaking - ENG410

Public Speaking - ENG410

Learning Recommendations: None

General Description: This semester-long course introduces students to public speaking as an essential component of their academic, work, and social lives. It incorporates interpersonal communication skills, audience awareness, research, and speech writing techniques. Students will develop their abilities as public speakers by planning, organizing, writing, and delivering speeches on both self-selected and assigned topics. They will also learn to be fair and critical listeners, give and respond to feedback, and incorporate visual and multimedia aids.

Content:

• Presenting various types of speeches, including introductions, demonstrations, interviews, and persuasive speeches
• Listening to and analyzing classmate and professional speeches
• Developing writing skills by outlining speeches, crafting hooks, and using transitions
• Learning effective rhetorical techniques and purposeful body language
• Providing and receiving constructive feedback
• Utilizing media and visual aids in presentations
• Researching and organizing content for speeches
• Analyzing texts to understand rhetorical and persuasive strategies

Homework: Extensive class time is provided to complete speech drafting. Homework is limited to speech delivery practice and finishing any incomplete classwork (maximum of 15 minutes a week).

Note: This course fulfills an English Language Arts credit required for high school graduation but does not replace the required English course for grades 9–11. This course may not meet the four-year college admissions requirement for a 4th credit of English. Students are encouraged to consult the specific requirements of the colleges or universities they plan to apply to.