Syllabus for COM-209



Public Speaking introduces the essential techniques and concepts of public speaking with an emphasis on how to structure, research and build a speech. You will have the opportunity to refine your skills as a speaker by producing two speeches that you must record and submit for critiquing. Among the skills you will practice are: topic selection, speech organization, selection of supporting material, and delivery techniques.


After completing this course, you should be able to: 

  1. Explain and demonstrate how Public Speaking differs from written communication.
  2. Select relevant topics of interest to yourselves and your audience.
  3. Plan and organize a thoughtful speech.
  4. Select appropriate supporting material to strengthen your speech.
  5. Create a meaningful thesis that is supported throughout the speech.
  6. Design introductions, conclusions and transitions and employ them in a speech.
  7. Use organizational speech patterns effectively.
  8. Employ effective delivery techniques to speak effectively.
  9. Use delivery techniques to overcome nervousness.
  10. Demonstrate the effective use of non-verbal communication.
  11. Employ persuasive speaking techniques effectively.
  12. Build an argument and advocate for it clearly and effectively.
  13. Employ effective language in your speech.
  14. Demonstrate the effective use of visuals.
  15. Build interesting content into your speeches.



Required Textbook

Recording Equipment

You will need to have access to digital recording equipment capable of recording the two speeches you are required to submit as part of your course work. There is no specified make or model, but whatever equipment you use it must be able to record a speech of between 6-10 minutes duration.

For full details of what this involves go to the Recording and Submitting Your Speeches area of the course Web site.


Public Speaking is a three-credit online course, consisting of six (6) modules. Modules include learning objectives, study materials, and activities.

Consult the course Calendar for assignment due dates.



Consult the course Calendar for assignment due dates.

Discussion Forums



Written Assignments

You are required to complete eight (8) written assignments, including two (2) outlines and one (1) speech evaluation.The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules.




Recorded Speeches

You will be required to make two (2) speeches. 

After completing a series of preparatory exercises you will send a draft outline of your speech to your mentor.  The speech is delivered in front of a live audience while being recorded in an audio-visual format that you will need to first download to a computer then upload to a video sharing website where your mentor can review it.

After the midterm examination the process of a new speech topic to be developed and presented in front of a new audience begins. Again, you send a draft outline to your mentor before you give the presentation. The second speech is then delivered, recorded and uploaded to a video sharing website in the same manner as your first speech.

Draft outlines must be received by your mentor well in advance of actual presentations. You may work in advance of course deadlines, but all activities must be received by stated deadlines.

Midterm Examination

This course requires you to take a proctored online, closed-book midterm examination.

The midterm examination is two hours long and covers all material assigned in modules 1, 2, and 3 of the course. It consists of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. You will not be allowed to have any material with you.



Statement about Cheating




Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:































Below 60



First Steps to Success

To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:

Study Tips

Consider the following study tips for success:




Academic Dishonesty











Examples of Unintentional Plagiarism 

When to Quote and When to Paraphrase

Writing Assistance at Smarthinking

Originality Report Checking at Turnitin


Disciplinary Process

