COM 131 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Description
In this course students research, develop, organize, and deliver informative, persuasive, and special occasion presentations. Students create and use key-word outlines to present speeches using an extemporaneous style delivery. To enhance speeches, students prepare and use a variety of presentational aids. Students listen to and evaluate their own and peers’ speeches.
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Architectural Technology, A.A.A.S (Ferris State University-Facility Management), Architectural Technology, A.A.A.S. (Ferris State University-Construction Management), Plastics-Polymer Engineering Technology, A.A.A.S (Ferris State University-Manufacturing Engineering Technology), Plastics-Polymer Engineering Technology, A.A.A.S (Ferris State University-Plastics Engineering Technology), Pre-Business, A.A. (Cornerstone University), Pre-CyberSecurity, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Elementary Education, A.A. (Ferris State University), Pre-Recreation/Sport Management, A.A. (Western Michigan University), Pre-Recreation/Sport Management, A.A. (Western Michigan University), Pre-Pharmacy, A.A. (General Transfer)
General Education Requirement:
Communications
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
2. Communication: Demonstrate effective communication through listening, speaking, reading, or writing using relevant sources and research strategies, 3. Critical Thinking: Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand inquiry as a means of creating knowledge
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Select appropriate speech topics, purposes, and thesis statements. (GELO2)
2. Develop a thesis statement, main points and supporting material for speeches.
3. Organize and develop speeches into introduction, body and conclusion with appropriate transitions.
4. Compose clear, well-developed outlines for speeches.
5. Use an audience-centered approach when preparing and presenting speeches.
6. Demonstrate effective research, citing sources and documenting works cited for speeches.
7. Prepare and use appropriate and effective presentational aids for speeches.
8. Demonstrate effective extemporaneous delivery using a key-word/phrase outline. (GELO2)
9. Demonstrate appropriate use of voice and body while presenting speeches.
10. Develop, organize and deliver well-prepared and professional informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches.
11. Evaluate own and peers’ speeches for content, organization and delivery. (GELO3)
12. Give and receive constructive feedback.
13. Make connections between academic learning at GRCC and the knowledge and skills necessary for careers of interest.
Course Outline:
I. Introduction to public speaking
A. Overview of a speech
B. Managing speech anxiety
C. Ethical public speaking
D. Listening to and evaluating speeches
II. Basics of giving first speech
A. Developing
B. Organizing
C. Delivering
III. Speech development
A. Analyzing and adapting to the audience
B. Selecting a topic and specific purpose
C. Creating a thesis statement
D. Developing supporting material
IV. Effective research
A. Using your own knowledge and experience
B. Doing library research
C. Searching the internet
D. Interviewing
E. Citing sources in speeches
F. Using work cited correctly
V. Organizing the speech
A. Introduction
B. Body
C. Conclusion
D. Organizational Pattern
VI. Outlining the speech
A. Working outline
B. Speaking outline
VII. Delivery
A. Methods of delivery
B. Controlling the voice
C. Using the body
D. Practicing delivery
VIII. Presentational aids
A. Types of presentational aids
B. Designing presentational aids
C. Tips for presenting presentational aids
IV. Types of speeches
A. Informative speeches
1. Objects/phenomena
2. People
3. Current/historical events
4. Processes
5. Concepts
6. Issues
B. Persuasive speeches
1. Claims of fact
2. Claims of value
3. Claims of policy
C. Special occasion speeches
1. Speeches of introduction
2. Speeches of acceptance
3. Speeches of presentation
4. Roasts/toasts
5. Eulogies/tributes
6. After-dinner speeches
7. Speeches of inspiration
8. Speeches of social agenda
Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 10-20%
Facilitated discussion: 10-20%
Mediated instruction: 5-10%
Group work: 10-20%
Student speeches: 60-70%
Mandatory Course Components:
Students must develop and present informative and persuasive speeches.
Equivalent Courses:
None
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None
Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 97, IRW 98, IRW 99
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
NA
Course Type:
General Education- Offering designed to meet the specific criteria for a GRCC Distribution Requirement. The course should be designated by the requirement it fulfills.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 100754
Course CIP Code: 09.01
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
General Room Request: None
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA
School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Language & Thought
Discipline: COM
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
A Master’s Degree in Communication
Major Course Revisions: General Education Review
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220213T17:41:10
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027
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