Public Speaking

COM 101

This course focuses on developing the skills needed for giving public speeches. Students will plan, prepare, and deliver speeches to praise, to inform, and to persuade. The course teaches public speaking as a process, paying particular attention to topic selection, research, organization and transitions, claims and supporting evidence, argumentation and delivery. Students will participate in analysis and evaluation of in-class presentations. They will develop an awareness of communication ethics, hone their skills with audience adaptation and listening, and make effective use of research and technology. The course also gives attention to speaking issues commonly encountered by native speakers of Chinese.