PUBLIC SPEAKING

Public Speaking - Beginner

Fall Term (Term One)

In our beginner public speaking course students are introduced to the basics of speaking in front of an audience. Students will learn how to speak slowly and clearly, how to use their voices with emotion, and when to pause. They will be introduced to different types of speeches from persuasive speeches, to debates, to factual presentations and introductory speeches. They will learn speech formatting and how to use punctuation appropriately. Each class will begin with a vocal warm up to give students an understanding of their voice. Students will present their homework to the class and then begin the topic of the day. Students will stay engaged by short speech writing assignments and presentations in order to better grasp the lesson.

Winter Term (Term Two)

In this course students will learn how to write and present effectively. Students will learn how to project their voices, how to stay still while presenting and how to pace their speech. They will be introduced to various speech types from demonstrative speech, book reports, inspirational speeches, and special event speeches. Students will learn how to research and choose good sources. They will be walked through each skill in class with writing exercises and moments to present to allow them to put the day’s lesson into practice. Each class will finish with assigned homework that will be presented at the following class.

Public Speaking - Intermediate

Fall Term (Term One)

In our intermediate term students will learn the elements of an effective speech. They will learn how to write and presentice breakers, how to properly organize a speech, improve eye contact and usebody language. They will be introduced to stylistic devices that will enhance their skills as both writers and presenters. They will learn how to properly research their speeches and how to persuade using the P.R.E.P model. Students will be introduced to some of history’s great public speakers and examine their speeches to further their understanding of how to be effective and memorable public speakers. Each class will involve writing short speeches and presenting them in class along with assigned homework that will be presented at the following class. This allows students to implement the lessons they have learned in class.

Winter Term (Term Two)

In this term students will be introduced to how to properly create an outline that will allow them to give speeches withoutbeing buried in their page. They will be learning various fundamental skillsfrom enunciation, to effectively employing gestures, to self-reflecting ontheir speech and critically assess their own performance. Students will begiven the opportunity to participate in an in class debate along with variousother speech styles. Each class will focus on a new style of speech, or fundamental of speech writing and presenting. Students will be given time in class to writeand present a short speech to implement the lesson of the day. Students will also be assigned homework that is to be presented in the following class. This will allow students to practice their skills as writers and public speakers.

Public Speaking - Advanced

Fall Term (Term One)

In our advanced level public speaking students will be taught how to construct a powerful speech. They will discuss the importance of having a meaningful aim, authenticity, and leaving a lasting impact. Students will learn how to use storytelling within their speeches to better connect with their audience. Students will be introduced to various styles of public speaking from being a newscaster, to authoritative speech, to giving an effective interview. Students will learn and be asked to use avariety of rhetorical devices in their speeches. They will also learn the four pillars of persuasion and how to employ them in their speeches. Each class will culminate in an opportunity to watch a great speaker who embodies the day’s lesson and an in class activity to further their understanding. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class that will be presented in the following class.

Winter Term (Term Two)

In our advanced level public speaking classstudents will be exposed to more of the nuances of being successful public speakers. They will be introduced to ways to better communicate their pointsand will study various rhetorical and stylistic devices that will allow them to further their ability to write effective speeches. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of speech styles from the famous TED talk, to Toastmasters, and academic speech styles. Students will be given homework at the end of each class that encapsulates the day’s lesson. The students will present their homework in the following class. Students will complete in class activities and get the opportunity to watch award winning speakers to help them better understand the concepts taught in class.