COMM 110 Wk 1 Discussion – Public Speaking Basics

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Due Thursday

Often, many are confused when trying to identify different types of speeches, especially informative and persuasive speeches. Believe it or not, you inform and persuade people around you all the time. You inform when you present facts or data or information without trying to convince another person to change their mind or act. You persuade when you provide information AND hope to convince someone, change their mind, or get them to take a particular action. If you do these activities verbally, you’re taking part in public speaking.

Consider how often you present information to others when trying to inform them or convince them about a topic or an idea.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

Think about a time you provided information to someone in your personal or professional life.

• What was the situation?
• What sources did you use to show the information?
• What was the result?

Think about a time tried to convince or sway (persuade) someone to your perspective in your personal or professional life.

• What was the situation?
• What sources did you use to convince them?
• What was the result?

How can knowing the difference between informative and persuasive speeches help you be successful in public speaking opportunities outside of your experience in this course?

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

COMM 110 Wk 2 Discussion – Speech Preparation: Organization and Audience Analysis

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Due Thursday

Knowing the differences among delivery methods when you encounter a speaking opportunity can help you effectively deliver your message to your audience. The following discussion topic will ask you to consider the 3 methods for delivering an oral presentation—manuscript, impromptu and extemporaneous.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• What are the differences among the 3 speech methods? When would it be appropriate to use each? When might it be inappropriate? Which do you feel most comfortable with, and why?
• Recall a public speaking event you’ve experienced in the past (whether in person, on television, or via the internet). Describe the purpose of the event, the speaker, and the delivery method used for the speech. Why do you think the speaker used this method? Was it effective? Why or why not? Use concepts and vocabulary presented in this week’s learning activities to support your opinions.

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

COMM 110 Wk 3 Discussion – Characteristics of Oral Presentations

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Due Thursday

Visuals aids can be an effective way to emphasize a point during a speech. For example, it might be difficult to persuade your audience they should care about recycling unless you show them the impacts on the environment. Think about persuasive speeches you have experienced. How did the speaker incorporate the use of visual aids? What made their method effective or ineffective?

Visual aids include items like poster boards, videos, and Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentations. When you plan a presentation, you want to select the best visual aid for the type of presentation and audience, and it’s important to choose a visual aid that will enhance rather than distract from your oral presentation.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• What is a specific example of a great use of a visual aid in an oral presentation? What made the chosen visual aid effective?
• What have you learned this week about what makes any visual aid effective?

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

COMM 110 Wk 4 Discussion – Presenting the Speech

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Due Thursday

This week you will respond to questions in a mock interview. Part of what your audience is watching during any interview (or oral presentation) is your non-verbal cues or communication; this consists of the things your hands, facial expression, and body are doing that tells the audience another part of your story.

One way to learn and improve is by watching others. You can find and watch great examples, determine what makes them great, and then model those characteristics in your own work.

Watch the mock interview clips from the University Library under the Week 4 assignment heading.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• What are some of the non-verbal cues you saw?
• How do the non-verbal cues affect the overall delivery of the message? Provide an example.
• What feedback would you provide this interviewee on their interview skills, both good and bad?
• What non-verbal cues have you noticed when reviewing your own speeches? What do you want to change or continue about your cues/habits in your future speeches?

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

COMM 110 Wk 5 Discussion – Presenting and Listening

Discussion Topic

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.

Due Thursday

Most adults have either given a speech or have been an audience member. Regardless of which role you have taken, listening is important for speakers and audiences. We listen during meetings, while participating in group activities, when having conversations with our families, and when our peers give us feedback. Think about how effective you are as a listener.

Consider the following scenarios and ways you can improve your listening skills.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• Meetings – What are some signs that your audience members may not be listening? What are some ways to help the audience members focus in meetings and presentations?
• Group communication – How can public speakers show others they are listening in a group situation? What are some ways to give feedback on what is being communicated by group members? Why is it important to help everyone in a group feel they are being heard?
• Public speaking – What cues can an audience give you to show they are listening? How can you encourage your audience to tune in and listen to what you’re saying? What role might visual aids play in the listening process?

Due Monday

Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.