1. Welcome to Speech Communication
Mr. VanWestervelt

2. Five Things About Mr. VW
Graduated from Towson U (undergraduate) and Goucher College (graduate) with an emphasis on writing, teaching, and publishing;
Has taught at Centennial since 2003; has been teaching grades 5  graduate level since 1987;
Is a Teacher-Consultant with the National Writing Project;
Lives in Towson with his wife and 3 kids; and
Was a columnist for the Towson Times, has written two novels, and has published hundreds of articles on parenting, writing, education, mindfulness, creativity, and publishing.

3. The Focus
3-Fold focus to prepare students to speak and communicate confidently in and beyond school
Understand your goals and intentions
Understand your target audience
Understand your own strengths and identify your weaknesses

4. Achieving The Goal Of Our Focus Through the Curriculum
Writing and presenting effective speeches to target audiences
Competing in debates (Policy format) with fully developed affirmative and negative cases
Developing podcasts and TedTalk-like presentations
Applying the skills learned to everyday situations where effective communication is necessary

5. Mr. VW’s Website and Contact Information
(Wingspan)
(School)
(Writing)
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