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Section Detail for COMM 205-501,502

T/R 11:10, 12:45
Communication for Technical Professionals
Spring 2011

CONTACT INFORMATION

Course Instructor: Stacy Aschenbeck

E-mail: [email protected]

Office Hours: TR 2:00-4:00 and by appointment

Office: Reed McDonald 220

COURSE SYLLABUS

The COMM 205 Packet for Public Speaking serves as the comprehensive course
syllabus for this class. It is a required text and is available over elearning. The
document you are now reading is the Section Detail that gives more specific
information on this section of COMM 203. In addition, reference material for this class is
posted at elearning.tamu.edu for COMM 205-501, 502. It is your responsibility to read
and familiarize yourself with course policies and information presented in these
documents.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

O’Hair, Dan, Hannah Rubenstein, & Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking,
2nd Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. Print.

Gurak, Laura J, & John M. Lannon. Strategies for Technical Communication in the
Workplace. Boston: Longman, 2010. Print.

Nancy J. Street. Packet for Public Speaking: COMM 205, Fall 2010- available on
elearning

3-ring binder for PACKET, this document, all handouts, and all returned papers.

Email address that can be used by classmates

USB thumb drive (formatted to PC)

Two-pocket folder, elearning, and working printer

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SECTION SPECIFICS for COMM 205-501, 502

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Successful students will…

1. Select speech topics and organizational patterns after careful audience analysis in order to
satisfy the rhetorical situation as articulated in the speaking assignments.
2. Research, select and develop appropriate background and supporting material in order to
prove the information they are proposing during their speeches.
3. Cite background and supporting material orally during the speech, in writing in the text of the
full-sentence outline and in the bibliography
4. Deliver speeches extemporaneously from a set of limited notes and within the specified time
frame.
5. Express ideas artfully, both verbally and nonverbally.
6. Respond to questions from the audience .
7. Produce and integrate sensory aids (including computer generated visual aids) to support their
message.
8. Critique his/her own speeches and those speeches of others with respect to invention,
arrangement, language, style, critical thinking and delivery.
9. Learn to write in a professional manner in a variety of situations.
10. Work effectively with a group in order to present information accurately on researched
information.

GRADING:

Course requirements have the following value for the computation of final course
grades:

Group Project 15% Exam 10%

Writing Asmt. One 10% Homework 10%
Writing Asmt. Two 10% Library Research Hwk (3@10%) = 30%
Project One 15% Self Evals (3 @ 5%) = 15%
Project Two 15% Formal Memorandum = 20%
Project Three 15% Peer Review = 20%
Email = 15%

WRITTEN EXERCISES:
 Peer-Evaluations: After each speech, assigned students will complete a peer
evaluation of the speaker, with written comments and suggestions for
improvement.
 Self Evaluations: After each speech, students will be required to watch their
speech on elearning.tamu.edu and assess it according to the guidelines for the
assignment. The self evaluation is due the class period after you give your
speech.
 Outlines: Students will be required to turn in outlines and bibliographies for the
informative and persuasive speeches on the day of the speech. The
outline/bibliography must be printed out 3 days prior to the speaking date in
order to make sure there are not last minute computer failures or internet
problems. Points taken off the outlines will be deducted from the final speech
grade. Failure to turn in an outline/bibliography on the day of the speech
will result in a 20 point deduction per day late, including weekend days.
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 Research Homework: Before each assignment students will complete the

research homework from the online packet and turn it in to show that they have
committed to a topic and begun researching it.
 Formal Memorandum: Write a formal memorandum reporting the progress your
group has made and the divisions of labor that have been established. Turn one
copy in and make a copy for each member of your group. See the example on
page 185. This should clarify in writing what responsibilities each member of the
group should be taking. It should also schedule any future meeting dates and
times. This should be the plan by which your group will function.
 Analytical Peer Review Report: Each class member will be assigned a
classmate to review based on their second speech. You will then write a former
analysis on their speech and turn one copy in to me and one copy to the person
you evaluated. See the example on page 307. Remember, we are all learning
to be more effective communicators. Help your classmates improve by offering
constructive criticism on their second speech. As a future employee, it is
important that you learn to both give and receive criticism.
 Emails: At the beginning of the semester we will discuss the importance of using
email as a business tool. Each student will email me with requested info in a
timely and professional manner.

** Please note that late assignments will not be accepted. This includes
submissions that are late due to computer malfunctions or system shutdowns. See
REFERENCES 10 and 12

Exam:
There will be one exam given during the semester, worth 10% of the course
grade. Exam materials will include lectures and textbook chapters. Some of the
material on the exam will NOT be covered in class discussions. THERE WILL
BE NO FINAL EXAM however, the Final Exam period is reserved as a regular
class meeting if we are behind in our speeches. Let’s work together to stay on
schedule!!

**COURSE POLICIES**
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED
I will not accept explanatory notes for absences. Excused absences will only be given if
you bring me a note from the doctor saying you were too ill to attend class, or
verification from the university that your absence is excused. For each absence over
three your grade will drop a letter grade. Three tardies equal one absence.
See syllabus for details. Simply don’t miss class! See REFERENCE 11

CHECK NEO E-MAIL EVERYDAY

Checking e-mail daily is recommended by Texas A&M University and required by me.
http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule61.htm
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SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require accommodation for a disability, please contact your instructor during the
first week of class so that we may make arrangements for you.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination
statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with
disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with
disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable
accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring
an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for
Students with Disabilities in Room 118-B of Cain Hall, call 845-1637, or e-mail
[email protected].”

A NOTE OF CAUTION
Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty will not be committed in
this course. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s penalty for these offenses.
See REFERENCE 14 on elearning and www.tamu.edu/aggiehonorcode
.
An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.

CALENDAR
(Readings must be done by the dates under which they are listed)

Dates Topic Readings/Assignments

T Jan 18 Course Introduction, Syllabus,
Impromptu activities, Course Packet,
Impromptu Speeches
R Jan 20 Digital Communication, Gurak Chapters 18, 2
Assign email assignment, O’Hair Chapters 34, 35
Presentation in Teams,
Communication in Groups,
Teamwork in Technical
Communications
T Jan 25 Assign groups for project 1, Email Asmt. Due
Discuss group project, Gurak Chapter 10
Memos and Letters, O’Hair Chapters 6, 7
Assign Formal Memo,
Audience Analysis,
Selecting a Topic and Purpose
R Jan 27 Assign Speaking Numbers, O’Hair Chapters 1, 2, 8
Becoming a Public Speaker,
Speech Overview,
Developing Support
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T Feb 1 Lab Day, Meet in Bolton 111

Locating Support O’Hair Chapters 9, 10, 11, 4
Internet Research,
Citing Sources,
Ethics
R Feb 3 Organizing the Speech, O’Hair Chapters 12, 13, 14,
Organizational Patterns, 15
Outlining the Speech,
Introductions and
Conclusions
T Feb 8 Group Projects, Groups 1, 2, and 3
Speech Anxiety O’Hair Chapter 3
R Feb 10 Group Projects, Groups 4 and 5
Descriptions, Gurak Chapter 12
Major Writing Asmt #1
T Feb 15 Informative Speaking, O’Hair Chapters 23. 20, 21,
Types of Visual Aids, 22
Designing Presentation Self Evals and Group
Aids, Evals Due
Guide to Powerpoint
R Feb 17 Discuss Speech 1, Product Description Due
Methods of Delivery, O’Hair Chapters 17, 18, 19
Voice,
Body
T Feb 22 Language Research Homework Due
O’Hair Chapters 16
R Feb 24 Speech 1 Speakers 1-10
T March 1 Speech 1 Speakers 11-20
R March 3 Speech 1 Speakers 21-25
Writing Assignment #2, Gurak Chapter 16, 3
Formal Reports,
Research Process
T March 8 Monroe’s Motivated O’Hair Chapter 24
Sequence,
Persuasive Speaking
R March 10 Questions and Answers, O’Hair Appendix B
Persuasive speaking, O’Hair Chapter 5
Exercise
Assign Speech 2
Listening
T March 22 Informal Reports Formal Report Due
Peer Review Gurak Chapter 15, 21
Assignments, Research Homework 2
Oral Presentations Due

R March 24 Speech 2 Speakers 14-21

T March 29 Speech 2 Speakers 22-25 and 1-5
R March 31 Speech 2 Speakers 6-13
T April 5 Assign Speech 3, Peer Review Due
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User Friendly Documents, Gurak Chapters 8, 11

Definitions
R April 7 Review for Exam Research Homework Due

T April 12 Exam Study for Exam

R April 14 Speech 3 Speakers 22-25 and 1-3
T April 19 Speech 3 Speakers 4-9
R April 21 Study Day
T April 26 Speech 3 Speakers 10-15
R April 28 Speech 3 Speakers 16-21
T May 3 Last Office Hours 9:00-11:00

Graded Assignments
Group Project: An informative symposia about recent developments related to your field of study.
(15%)

The purpose of this speech is to work in a group situation in order to produce an informative report on a
recent development related to your field of study. I will group you based on majors so you will be able to
find a recent developments that will relate to each of you. Groups will consist of five members.
Presentations will explain the recent scientific developments and how they relate to your field of study.
You will also discuss the possible implications that this research has to offer. You must be specific about
who conducted the research and how it was performed in order to prove to the class that it is viable
research.

Presentation Length: Each speaker should speak for three minutes about their development. At the end
of three minutes the speaker will be stopped so the next one can begin. In addition you need an
introduction and conclusion as a group. Each group has a total of 18 minutes to speak. Please pay close
attention to the time cards. A violation of the time limits will result in a reduction of your speech grade.
The best way to avoid time problems is to time your self while rehearsing out loud.

Outlines- Each group will complete a preparation and speaking outline and have them ready to go when it
is their turn to speak. Groups may not speak without a preparation outline.

Research- Each main point will be supported by research. You will submit a bibliography in MLA form
with a minimum of five sources. This means you will identify the source of your information about your
subject in both written form in your preparation outline and oral form when you speak as well as in your
bibliography. Failure to cite sources in your outline and orally will result in an automatic D.

Visual aids- You must use power point for this speech. The Bolton computer lab offers tutorials if you
need it. Print a copy of your power point slides and put them in the pocket of your folder. Make sure you
have two ways to access your visual aids (usb and email)

Delivery- All speeches must be delivered extemporaneously. You must speak from a keyword outline.
Under no circumstances may you have your preparation outline or a script with you while you
speak. This would result in an automatic D.

Self Evaluation- Each individual is required to review their speech and complete the self-evaluation form
from the packet. This is due the class after you give your speech.

Group Evaluation- Each individual will complete a questionnaire evaluating all group members and the
roles they played during the speech writing process.
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Project One: An informative speech about a person who had a profound impact on your field of
study. (15%)

The purpose of this speech is to discuss a person who influenced history your field of study. The person
you choose to speak about can be someone who is a recent scholar or more of a founding father, but
they should be someone who the class would find interesting. Discuss the individual’s life, career, and
influence on their field of study.

Speech Length should be five minutes (4-6). Please pay close attention to the time cards, as a violation
of the time limits will result in a reduction of your speech grade. The best way to avoid time problems is to
time your self while rehearsing out loud.

Outlines- Complete a preparation and speaking outline and have them ready to go when it is your turn to
speak. You may not speak without a preparation outline.

Research- Each main point will be supported by research. You will submit a bibliography in MLA form
with a minimum of three sources. This means you will identify the source of your information about your
subject in both written form in your outline and oral form when you speak as well as in your bibliography.
Failure to cite sources in your outline and orally will result in an automatic D.

Visual aids- You must use power point for this speech. The Bolton computer lab offers tutorials if you
need it. Print a copy of your power point slides and put them in the pocket of your folder. Make sure you
have two ways to access your visual aids (usb and email)

Delivery- All speeches must be delivered extemporaneously. You must speak from a keyword outline.
Under no circumstances may you have your preparation outline or a script with you while you
speak. This would result in an automatic D.

Self Evaluation- You are required to review your speech and complete the self-evaluation form from the
packet. This is due the class after you give your speech.

Project Two: A persuasive speech discussing a change that needs to take place within your field
of study. (15%)

The purpose of this speech is to persuade the audience that a particular change should be made in within
your field of study. This change could be something the government should limit, or it could be something
that should be changed by the governing agents related to your field of study. No field of study or career
is perfect. What do you think could make your future field of study better? It may be helpful to talk to
professionals who are currently in your field. You must use Monroe’s motivated sequence in order to
prepare your speech.

Speech Length should be six minutes (5-7) and you will have a two minute question and answer session.
Please pay close attention to the time cards, as a violation of the time limits will result in a reduction of
your speech grade. The best way to avoid time problems is to time your self while rehearsing out loud.

Outlines- Complete a preparation and speaking outline and have them ready to go when it is your turn to
speak. You may not speak without a preparation outline. Your outline must use Monroe’s motivated
sequence.

Research- Each main point will be supported by research. You will submit a bibliography in MLA form
with a minimum of four sources. This means you will identify the source of your information about your
subject in both written form in your outline and oral form when you speak as well as in your bibliography.
Failure to cite sources in your outline and orally will result in an automatic D.

Visual aids- You must use power point for this speech. The Bolton computer lab offers tutorials if you
need it. Print a copy of your power point slides and put them in the pocket of your folder. Make sure you
have two ways to access your visual aids (cd, zip, email)
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Delivery- All speeches must be delivered extemporaneously. You must speak from a keyword outline.
Under no circumstances may you have your preparation outline or a script with you while you
speak. This would result in an automatic D.

Self Evaluation- You are required to review your speech and complete the self-evaluation form from the
packet. This is due the class after you give your speech.

Project Three: A persuasive speech arguing against a change proposed by one of your
classmates. (15%)

The purpose of this speech is to learn to intelligently argue against other people’s ideas and to investigate
the negative parts of any argument. You will be assigned a student to speak against with a similar field of
study to you. Before they give their third speech you will be told that you are going to speak against the
law they are going to propose. You must then research and find what negatives you see to their
arguments. You will present you speech in topical arrangement. Each main point will argue against three
points your opponent made during their speech.

Speech Length should be five minutes (4-6) with a two minute question and answer period. Please pay
close attention to the time cards, as a violation of the time limits will result in a reduction of your speech
grade. The best way to avoid time problems is to time your self while rehearsing out loud.

Outlines- Complete a preparation and speaking outline and have them ready to go when it is your turn to
speak. You may not speak without a preparation outline. Your outline must be organized using Monroe’s
motivated sequence.
Research- Each main point will be supported by research. You will submit a bibliography in MLA form
with a minimum of three sources. This means you will identify the source of your information about your
subject in both written form in your outline and oral form when you speak as well as in your bibliography.
Failure to cite sources in your outline and orally will result in an automatic D.

Visual aids- You must use power point for this speech. The Bolton computer lab offers tutorials if you
need it. Print a copy of your power point slides and put them in the pocket of your folder. Make sure you
have two ways to access your visual aids (cd, zip, email)

Delivery- All speeches must be delivered extemporaneously. You must speak from a keyword outline.
Under no circumstances may you have your preparation outline or a script with you while you
speak. This would result in an automatic D.

Writing Assignment #1: Write a complex product description or a complex process description on
a topic related to your major. The description should be 4-6 pages long and have 4-6 citations.
You should combine the information you find through your research with your knowledge of the
topic and write in your own voice. This is not a list of quotes but rather a detailed description of
something that you may be using in your future career. This paper will comprise 10% of your
grade for the class. See chapter 12 in the Gurak text.

Writing Assignment #2: Write a formal report proposing a change to take place within your field
of study. You must address this report to the body you feel should make the change and follow
all the steps included within the formal report section in Chapter 16 of Gurak. This proposed
change will be the same proposal you will make orally in speech two. This will give you a chance
to compare the modes or formal oral and written presentations.