Learning Recommendations: Students should be ready to develop skills involved with speaking in front of both small and large groups. Strong research and analytical skills, comfort with 3-level outlines, and general organizational skills will also be very helpful. Strong support of peers is necessary.

General Description: Public Speaking & Debate develops a variety of useful skills: interpersonal communication, purposeful body language, audience awareness, research, analysis, and speech writing techniques.

Content:

• Interpersonal communication and body language
• Extemporaneous speeches
• Rhetoric strategy and analysis
• Persuasive speeches
• Team debates
• Speech analysis
• Informative speeches

Strategies: Students will learn how to speak effectively to a variety of audiences and situations, taking advantage of effective rhetorical techniques derived from strong research and analysis. They will use decisive, relevant body language to help meet their appropriate goals for each speech. They will hone their skills at giving helpful, constructive feedback, learning how to affirm and assist their peers. They also will practice using media and other visual aids, as well as researching for specific information from impressive academic sources to both give and analyze speeches. Over the course of the semester, students will complete 3-level outlines for each speech and debate, as well as a comparative analysis essay. In addition to performing speeches, students will analyze literature to enhance a deeper understanding of rhetorical and persuasive strategies.

Equipment to be provided by Student: Note cards; access to Internet sources outside school

Note: Seniors should check with their prospective colleges regarding acceptance as an English credit.