Course Contents at a Glance

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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