58 Introduction to Module 6

Overview

In this module, we learn all the steps of a basic speech making process. We start with the discussion of strategies for selecting a speech topic and adapting your specific goal to address the needs and expectations of both the audience and occasion. Then, we focus on the ways of conducting primary and secondary research, and evaluating information and sources. The third step is devoted to the guidelines for organizing your ideas into a well-structured outline that audiences will be able to follow. We also focus on some strategies for effective language use, and ways of creating and integrating your presentational aids effectively. Finally, we turn our attention to delivery (styles and methods). We discuss the symptoms and causes of public speaking apprehension and propose methods for managing communication apprehension effectively.

Learning Objectives

1. Select an appropriate speech topic and goal based on audience analysis
2. Write an effective specific speech goal statement
3. Conduct primary and secondary research
4. Record information and sources effectively
5. Know the components of an effective speech outline
6. Construct an effective thesis statement
7. Create an effective introduction and conclusion.

Assignments

Readings

Chapter 9 from Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies

Discussion Question 6

Instructions: Please post your answer to this question, using this link. Do not use attachments. Please write in complete sentences. Be sure to edit, spell check and answer all parts of the question with details, explanations, and examples highlighting the course material and your own insights. Remember – this is your chance to show that you have read, understand, and can apply the course material. Your answer should be at least 200 words in length.

DQ 6: Think of the best story you have ever heard a person tell. What were the qualities of the story than made it the “best” story? How can you use some of these qualities in your presentation?

Journal 6: Professional Speaker Critique

Goal: This assignment provides you an opportunity to critique the delivery style, structure, and content of a professional speaker.

Directions: Observe a professional speaker (in person or online). Complete a 1-2 page typed double-spaced critique of a professional public speaker. Address aspects of nature and purpose of the occasion, delivery (strengths & weaknesses), structure (strengths and weaknesses), and content (strengths and weaknesses) in your critique. Be sure to include accurate public speaking terminology in your critique where appropriate.

NOTE: If you observe a professional speaker online, you must provide the URL link/web address, so that your selected speech could be verified. If you observe a speech in real time, please indicate the time & place of the event, the name of the speaker, scan and include with your critique any other evidence of attending the event ( i.e. speaker’s business card, or a brochure for the talk,or an announcement for the event of your choice, etc.)

Questions you might consider as you listen. These may serve as supporting material for your critique as you prepare it:

1. Who was the speaker? What are his/her credentials?
2. Where did he/she speak? Was the room “good” or “bad” and why?
3. Did the speaker show the signs of public speaking anxiety?
4. Did the speaker use notes? Did he/she sound conversational? How did that influence his/her effectiveness?
5. Consider Delivery: What did the speaker do well and why? What could the speaker do better and why?
6. Consider Structure: What did the speaker do well and why? What could the speaker do better and why?
7. Consider Content: What did the speaker do well and why? What could the speaker do better and why?

Creating a Full-Sentence Outline

Create a full-sentence outline suitable for a 4 to 5 minute informative speech by following these steps:

• Review the list of topics for the speech of information and diversity on the next page.
• Select one topic (NOTE: If you are interested in a topic that is not on the list, you must get the instructor’s approval of it.)
• Review the outline template (.docx).
• Follow the outline template and create a full-sentence outline for your speech.
• Submit your outline to the Assignments tool for grading.

Quiz

Please complete Module 6 quiz. The quiz covers chapter 9 of your textbook. There are 10 multiple choice and 10  true and false questions based on your assigned text readings. You will have 45 minutes to complete the quiz, and you may take the quiz twice. The higher of your two scores will be recorded as your grade.