The following list shows a summary of the topics covered in this course. To see all of the course pages, visit the Table of Contents.

Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking

• Welcome to Public Speaking
• Benefits of Public Speaking
• Models of Communication
• Elements of the Communication Process
• Types of Speeches and Speaking Occasions
• Speaking Competencies

Module 2: Informative Speaking

• Functions of Informative Speeches
• Role of Speaker
• Types of Informative Speeches
• Developing Informative Speeches

Module 3: Listening Effectively

• Hearing Versus Listening
• The Value of Listening
• Three A’s of Active Listening
• Barriers to Effective Listening
• Strategies to Enhance Listening
• Providing Feedback to Speakers
• Encouraging Effective Listening

Module 4: Organizing and Outlining

• Elements of an Excellent Demonstration Speech
• The Topic, Purpose, and Thesis
• Writing the Body of Your Speech
• Organizational Styles
• Connecting Your Main Points
• Outlining Your Speech

Module 5: Delivering Your Speech

• Methods of Delivery
• Vocal Aspects of Delivery
• Nonverbal Aspects of Delivery
• Mastering the Location
• Preparation, Practice, and Delivery

Module 6: Introductions and Conclusions

• Functions of Introductions
• Attention-Getting Strategies
• Preparing the Introduction
• Functions of Conclusions
• Composing the Conclusion

Module 7: Visual Aids

• Effective Visual Aids
• Types of Visual Aids
• Design Principles
• Implementation
• Visual Aid Tips

Module 8: Critical Thinking and Reasoning

• Critical Thinking
• Logic and the Role of Arguments
• Understanding Fallacies
• Formal Fallacies
• Informal Fallacies

Module 9: Audience Analysis

• Monroe’s Motivated Sequence
• Approaches to Audience Analysis
• Categories of Audience Analysis

Module 10: Persuasive Speaking

• What is Persuasive Speaking?
• Functions of Persuasive Speeches
• Types of Persuasive Speeches
• Choosing a Persuasive Speech Topic
• Approaching Audiences
• Persuasive Strategies
• Organizing Persuasive Messages

Module 11: Supporting Your Ideas

• Personal and Professional Knowledge
• Library Resources
• Internet Resources
• Evaluating Information
• Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Using Statistics
• Using Testimony
• Using Examples
• Gathering Expertise in Your Subject Area

Module 12: Using Language Well

• Constructing Clear and Vivid Messages
• Using Stylized Language
• The Importance of Ethical and Accurate Language
• Avoiding Language Pitfalls

Module 13: Ethics in Public Speaking

• Citation Tools
• Defining Ethics
• Ethical Speaking
• Ethical Listening

Module 14: Speaking With Confidence

• Classifying Communication Apprehension (CA)
• Frames of Reference
• Cognitive Restructuring
• Techniques for Building Confidence

Module 15: Group Presentations

• Communication about Group Interaction
• Preparing All Parts of the Assignment
• Organizing for Your Audience
• Delivering Your Presentation as One

Module 16: The Origins of Public Speaking

• Ancient Greece
• The Roman Republic’s Adoption of Rhetoric
• The Middle Ages
• The Renaissance
• The Modern Period

Module 17: Speech Videos and Resources

• 50 Wise Speakers
• 7 videos