Mrs. Dawson's Speech Syllabus
Mrs. Dawson
Prep=6th hour
Speech class is the combination of the study of speech and communication skills. Not only will you learn to be a good speaker, but also a good listener and communicator.
We will begin the year with learning how to outline and plan a speech. Required speeches include the following:
*Personal experience
*Persuasive
*Informative
*Demonstrative
*Sales
*Impromptu (several)
Other possible assignments include the following:
*GROUP: Write, memorize, and perform a scene
*Debate
*Career Interview
*Parliamentary procedure (Robert’s Rules of Order)
*Lip sync
*If extra time is available, taping an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
LATE WORK/SPEECHES: 50% deducted on the first late day, then a 0 and detention.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: See handbook.
UNEXCUSED/TRUANCY/IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION/OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: Work is to be turned in or made up the day returned for 50% credit (student handbook).
EXPECTATIONS
1. Participate in all activities. Give a good effort.
2. Have all speeches and assignments prepared on time.
3. Never chew gum during speeches.
4. Audience: no sleeping, talking, working, commenting during speeches.
5. Audience: give complete attention.
6. Be creative!!
7. Attend class consistently.
8. Work well in groups and independently.
9. Formal speeches will be given so all vocabulary, demeanor, and content should follow a formal tone. Grade deductions will be taken if not followed.
GRADES
1. All speeches are worth 200 points (100 for the speech, 100 for the outline)
2. Chapter work is generally worth 15-25 points.
3. Other activities range from 100-300 points.
4. A 250-point grade (approximately 20% of the student’s grade) will be given at the end of each nine weeks as a good communicator grade. This will be based on class participation (attendance can be used), effort given to assignments, class participation, and class behavior. It will be based on my general observations in the classroom.
SPEECH RULES
1. All speeches, except for the final, will be 3-7 minutes.
2. Any speech shorter or longer will be penalized.
3. Any speech that is shorter than 2:15 must be given again the next day in order to receive a grade. It will be deducted 2 letter grades at this time. If not given the next day, a 0 will be given along with a detention.
4. During each speech, two students will also evaluate the speeches. These will be given back along with the grade given by the teacher. These evaluations will be graded based upon their serious nature and ability to complete the assignment.
5. All outlines must be typed and include a title. Handwritten or messy outlines will not be accepted.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Show respect!
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings. Stay in your seat the entire class period unless instructed differently.
3. No food, drink, or candy. Water in a water bottle is acceptable.
4. Always come to class prepared with paper and pen/pencil.
5. The first tardy each nine weeks is free. The second is one detention, the third is two detentions, and the fourth is four detentions.
6. Each student will receive 1 locker/bathroom/drink pass per week when utilizing his/her own planner. No exceptions. Never ask at the beginning of the hour (only at the end if there is time).
FINAL EXAM
Since this is a semester course, everyone is required to take the final exam.