Communications Question

Sophia LearningCOMM1002: Public Speaking (ACE recommends 3
credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sophia’s Public Speaking course will take the learner through all of the stages of developing a speech, from
preparation to rehearsal to presentation. Along the way, they will learn how to become better listeners, manage
their anxiety, and incorporate feedback effectively. Students will apply their knowledge to analyzing their
audience, conducting research, and presenting speeches for different purposes and occasions.
COURSE EFFECTIVE DATES: August 2023 – Present
PREREQUISITES: No prerequisites
LENGTH OF COURSE: This is a self-paced course. Students may use as much or as little time as needed to
complete the course.
ACE LEARNING EVALUATIONS RECOMMENDATION: In the lower-division baccalaureate category, 3 semester
hours in Public Speaking (ACE ID: SOPH-0024).
GRADING: This is a pass/fail course. Students must complete 14 Challenges (formative assessments), 5
Milestones (summative assessments), and 4 Touchstones (project-based or written assessments) with an overall
score of 70% or better.
Challenges
Points Possible
Challenge 1.1: History, Benefits, and Ethics of Public Speaking
4
Challenge 1.2: Components of Communication
7
Challenge 1.3: Effective Listening
5
Challenge 2.1: Types of Speeches, Topics, and Purpose
4
Challenge 2.2: Audience Analysis
6
© 2023 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.
Page 1
Challenge 3.1: Researching, Organizing, and Preparing
5
Challenge 3.2: Supporting Your Ideas
4
Challenge 3.3: Informative Speeches
6
Challenge 4.1: Outlining Your Speech
11
Challenge 4.2: Choosing the Right Language
4
Challenge 4.3: Persuasive Speeches
8
Challenge 5.1: Speech Patterns and Nonverbal Communication
12
Challenge 5.2: Creating Effective Presentations
6
Challenge 5.3: Feedback
4
Total
Milestones
86
Points Possible
Milestone 1
48
Milestone 2
30
Milestone 3
42
Milestone 4
66
Milestone 5
66
Total
Touchstones
252
Points Possible
Touchstone 2: Special Occasion Speech
50
Touchstone 3: Informative Speech
75
Touchstone 4: Persuasive Speech Outline
100
Touchstone 5: Persuasive Speech
150
Total
375
Grand Total
713
Touchstones are projects that illustrate comprehension of the course material, help refine skills, and
demonstrate application of knowledge. Read further for information on the touchstones in this course:
Touchstone 2: Special Occasion Speech (50 points): Students will select a topic of their choice to present
for a special occasion speech and record this presentation. Students should consider their audience,
purpose, and thesis.
© 2023 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.
Page 2
Touchstone 3: Informative Speech (75 points): Students will select a topic of their choice to present for an
informative speech and record this presentation. Students will find three credible sources that are relevant
to their speech. Students will then identify five pieces of evidence that support their thesis.
Touchstone 4: Persuasive Speech Outline (100 points): Students will select a topic of their choice to present
for a persuasive speech and create a speech outline that includes an introduction, body (main ideas),
conclusion, and transitions. Students will also need to incorporate visual aids in the outline of this
presentation.
Touchstone 5: Persuasive Speech (150 points): Students will utilize the speech outline created in
Touchstone 4 to plan and deliver a persuasive speech, including creating notes that can be used during the
presentation. Students will then record this presentation. In their speech, students should incorporate at
least one visual aid.
For more general information on assessments, please visit the Student Guide located on the course dashboard.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the basic principles of ethical and effective public speaking.
2. Analyze different types of speeches and methods for conducting audience analysis.
3. Identify methods for crafting an informative speech and supporting the ideas in a speech using research.
4. Explain how to outline the components of a speech and employ language to persuade an audience.
5. Discuss key components for enhancing the delivery of a speech and ensuring the speaker is successful.
COURSE COMPETENCIES AND TOPICS
Unit
Competencies
Major Topics
1. Introduction to
Examine the history, benefits, and ethics of
Benefits of Public Speaking
Public Speaking
public speaking.
Listening and Speaking Ethically
Identify the important components of
Avoiding Plagiarism
communication.
Components of Communication
Explain the key components of effective
Stages of the Listening Process
listening skills.
Being a Serious and Open-Minded
Listener
2. Defining Your
Identify characteristics of informative,
Informative Speeches
Speech and
persuasive, and special occasion
Persuasive Speeches
Audience
speeches.
Speeches for Special Occasions
© 2023 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.
Page 3
Discuss how audience awareness and
Audience Analysis
analysis impact public speaking.
3. Preparing Your
Identify methods for crafting an
Researching, Organizing, and
Speech
informative speech and supporting the
Preparing
ideas in a speech using research.
Evaluating Sources
Demonstrate how to utilize supporting
Supporting Your Ideas
evidence in a speech.
Informative Speeches: Definition
Discuss the basic principles of informative
and Types,
speech writing and delivery.
Informative Speeches: Subjects,
Goals, and Scope
Mind Your Audience
4. Developing
Discuss the components of a speech
Choosing a Topic
Your Speech
outline, including those related to an
Organizing and Outlining the Speech
effective introduction, conclusion, and
Using Transitions
transitions.
Identify language that is inclusive,
accurate, and audience-appropriate.
Recognize the basic principles of
persuasive speech writing and delivery.
Variations in Directness, Abstraction
and Objectivity
The Ethics of Persuasion
Using Appeals in Persuasive
Speaking: Pathos, Ethos, and Logos
5. Presenting Your
Analyze the importance of speech
Preparing to Deliver Your Speech
Speech
patterns and nonverbal communication.
Dealing with Speech Anxiety
Effectively incorporate visual aids.
Using Your Voice: Volume, Rate,
Explain the impact of feedback on public
Pitch, Pauses, Articulation,
speaking.
Pronunciation, *Dialect, and Vocal
Variety
Nonverbal Communication
Interaction in Public Speaking
Rehearsing Your Speech
Q&A Sessions
Using Visual Aids
Creating Effective Presentations
Feedback and Criticism
© 2023 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.
Page 4