Communication IS important! But why is this class required and what will I learn?

Benefits of A Speech Course You learn how to speak to a public audience When do you think you might have to speak to an audience (outside of this class)? You learn skills that apply to one-on-one communication List some scenarios that good communication skills will be of good use. You develop the skills needed to get a job Think of requirements and expectations for a job posting – what do they look for?

Benefits cont. You work in an ideal environment for gaining experience and building confidence Your classmates are usually sympathetic b/c everyone is going through the same thing You get constructive criticism from the teacher and/or peers You are faced with a challenge and succeeding builds confidence! You can make a contribution to the lives of other people You provide new knowledge and can persuade others You can use these skills for future situations (funerals, weddings, awards, etc.)

Speaker REsponsibilities Maintain high ethical standards What are ethics? Focuses on how you handle your material and how you treat your listeners Never distort information Be honest about facts and figures

Speaker Responsibilities Cont. Respect your audience Discuss Respect WS from Friday What is wrong with this statement? “I know you people don’t believe me, but….” Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.

Speaker Resp. Cont. Reject stereotypes and scapegoating List some common stereotypes What is scapegoating? Blaming a group for some type of problem

Enrich Listeners LIves “I hope no one listens.” “I hope no one asks me any questions.” “I want to hurry up and get this over with.” Think of topics that you are interested in, but that can also help others.

Take Every SPEECH SERIOUSLY Every speech, no matter how big or small, is worth taking seriously. Prepare Plan Practice