Special Occasion Speaking Discussion Questions

MN State Transfer Pathway Learning Outcomes for Public Speaking

Students should be able to:

1.1 Demonstrate appropriate topic selection, audience analysis, organization, and content development in a speaker-audience setting.

1.3 Practice effective verbal techniques that are well suited to the occasion and audience.

1.5 Demonstrate the ability to listen, analyze, and provide feedback on public discourse.

Special Occasion Speech Unit Discussion 1:

This week you will introduce yourself to the class and begin reading the syllabus, assignment 1, and assigned course materials.

1. Start: Look over the sample discussion post. Review the syllabus, especially the delivery requirements. If you have any questions, ask your instructor. Then, when ready, the discussion posting should take you 15 minutes to watch the YouTube videos, 1 hour to read the materials, and 20 minutes to complete the discussion post of 2-3 paragraphs or at least 250 words. You will, later, need to reply to 3 of your peers. Each reply should be 75-100 words.

2. Read:

• Syllabus
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 11
• Speech 1 Assignment

3. Practice: Watch the 15 Tips for Public Speaking YouTube Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfEwnVCgwHo).

4. Do:  Complete the Discussion Post as Follows

• ORIGINAL POST (Due Wednesday @ 11:59 pm)
  • o For this unit, first, watch this video  I created with my students: 15 Tips for Public Speaking
  • o Second, take the PRCA at http://acrossculturesweb.com/unit1/prca.html
  • o Third, answer the following questions in your original post (about 3 paragraphs – 250 words):
    • Tell us about yourself – your hobbies, your interests, your pet peeves, etc.
    • Tell us about how you feel when giving a speech.  What are your thoughts on “positive mental attitudes” and public speaking? Explain and give examples.
    • Which 3 “Tips” will you use from the “15 Tips Video” – why?
    • What have you found, in the past, helps you to increase your confidence when giving a presentation?
    • As for your PRCA Score, is this an accurate assessment of your feelings about communication?  What are 3 goals you have for your public speaking delivery?
  • REPLIES TO PEERS (Due Sunday @ 11:59 pm) (about 1 paragraph or 75-100 words)
    • o By Sunday, please post feedback to 3 of your peers. When you reply this week -my goal is for you to help us “create community through communication” — so let the other person know what you have in common with them or make a comment about what you found interesting, etc. These posts can help encourage the others to feel comfortable in class. Add:
      • What do you have in common?
      • From reading their post, what is one question you have for this person?

5. Reflect: Look back at the responses your classmates made. Notice how they might share your feelings about public speaking. Consider concrete ways you can use this information for starting your rough draft which is due in Week 3.

SAMPLE
Special Occasion Speech Unit Discussion #2 (see your own course for the questions):

This week you’ll work on your Special Occasion speech.

1. Start: Gather and look over the assignment sheet. Ask your instructor if you have any questions. Give yourself enough time to read the chapters and watch the video prior to writing your post. Then, when ready, the discussion posting should take you 20 minutes to complete (2-3 paragraphs or at least 250 words). You will, later, need to reply to 3 of your peers. Each reply should be 75-100 words.
2. Practice: Watch the sample speeches in the Content (they are linked in the Checklist and on our Announcement page).
3. Do:  Complete the Discussion Post as Follows (about 3 paragraphs):

• ORIGINAL POST (Due Wednesday @ 11:59 pm)

Use Google and/or YouTube (or TedTalks) to find one online special occasion speech you liked and one special occasion speech you did not like.

• Post the link to the speech you liked. What about the delivery did you find compelling? Describe the nonverbal delivery used. What about the content? Was it ethical as well as inspirational/personal, etc?
• Post the link to the speech you did not like. What is it about the delivery didn’t you find compelling? Describe the nonverbal delivery used. What about the content? Was it ethical, personal, inspirational, etc.?
• Finally, what are your plans for your Tribute “Special Occasion” Speech?
  • What is your topic, what is your goal for the speech?
  • Highlight your approach.
• REPLIES TO PEERS (Due Sunday @ 11:59 pm). These posts can help encourage the others to feel comfortable in class and will help them do better with their speeches. (about 1 paragraph or 75-100 words):
  • Comment on your thoughts about the speeches this person posted. Do you agree or disagree with their assessments? Why? Be detailed about your comments.
  • Give feedback on the ideas your chosen peers’ Tribute speech ideas.

5. Reflect: Look back at the responses your classmates made about your speech. Consider concrete ways you can use this information in your speech preparation. As you reflect, you’ll begin preparing for next week when you’ll post your Rough Draft of your Tribute Speech.

Special Occasion Speech Unit Discussion #3:

This week you’ll post the rough draft for your Tribute Special Occasion speech.

3. Start: Look over the replies from last week. Review the assignment sheet, especially the outline worksheet. Check the class schedule to determine if you are on track. Ask your instructor if you have any questions. Give yourself enough time to read the chapters and watch the video prior to writing your post. Then, when ready, the discussion posting should take you 20 minutes to complete. You will, later, need to reply to 3 of your peers. Each reply should be 75-100 words.
4. Read
5. Practice: See the sample Outlines posted in the Content and the Learning Modules on this unit.
6. Do:  Complete the Discussion Post as Follows

• ORIGINAL POST (Due Wednesday @ 11:59 pm)
  • o Copy and Paste your Rough Draft of the Tribute Speech into the Discussion Textbox. Don’t add this as an attachment (students tend not to want to download/open/read then come back to D2L). Follow the worksheet guidelines. Remember, this is an outline, not an essay. Also, remember to add a copy of your rough draft to the correct D2L Assignments Dropbox.
• REPLIES TO PEERS (Due Sunday @ 11:59 pm) (about 1 paragraph or 75-100 words).
  • By Sunday, please post feedback to your peers. These posts can help encourage the others to feel comfortable in class. As you write comments, do not just add a “good job” or “keep working” – in your reply add:
  • What are three strengths for this classmates’ outline and/or speech topic?
  • How can the classmate improve this outline/speech?
  • How you think the audience might react to this classmate’s speech topic and/or plan for the speech?
  • What is one question you have about this topic?

5. Reflect: Look back at the responses your classmates made about your speech’s rough draft. Consider concrete ways you can use this information for completing your final draft that is due next week. You will discuss your rough draft in an online (or, if it can be arranged, in person) conference with your instructor prior to submitting your final draft. Remember, your final draft is still an outline. Some students begin to write an essay (like in an English Composition class). Your final draft outline is just that, an outline, but the “final” full sentence outline is for grading. See the sample outlines for a guide or ask your instructor.