Topic outline

  • Welcome!

    Collapse all Expand all
    Welcome to Public Speaking [CCOM 2013]!

    Course Introduction
    Public Speaking is the study and application of basic principles of effective extemporaneous speaking, including audience analysis and adaptation, topic selection, research, organization, and presentation skills. Students will deliver, listen to, and critique a variety of speeches.

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    1. Students will be able to prepare and deliver presentations using core concepts and tools of public speaking

    2. Students will be able to locate and evaluate credible sources to support their thesis and main ideas and properly cite those sources in their presentations
    3. Students will be able to analyze an audience to develop and adapt presentations accordingly
    4. Students will be able to organize and outline a presentation logically
    5. Students will utilize appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication suitable for oral presentations
    6. Students will use appropriate visual aids and other technology to complement the speaker’s message
    7. Students will identify ways to manage fear and reduce anxiety during presentation
    8. Students will use active listening skills to critique presentations and to provide constructive feedback

    Navigating the Course
    Adopting institution should provide learners information on how to navigate the course. There is a Navigation Section in the Getting Started section that can be updated. Also consider adding an introductory navigation video.  Text description could include, for example:

    This course is set up in Modules covering various topics which may be accessed from the course navigation menu on the left or by scrolling below. Modules may be collapsed in the menu and it the body of the course to minimize scrolling. Each module includes the relevant chapters followed by various activities, which may include discussion forums, listening activities and quizzes, practice quizzes, module tests, and other relevant activities as appropriate for each module. Many items are required and may be marked as completed automatically when the activity has been submitted (the broken check box), but others will marked as done by the student (the solid check box). 

    Please move through the items below and continue through the Learner Support and Getting Started modules before moving on to Module 1. Be sure to check for announcements and due dates to stay on track.

     This course and its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted. 

  • Getting Started

    This module contains all the items you should review and complete before you begin Module 1. Before moving on, be sure to:

    1. Check the News and Announcements Forum regularly
    2. Read the Course Syllabus to understand your instructor's requirements for this course
    3. Review the Course Calendar and ensure you are familiar with the due dates and policies for work submission
    4. Read the Technology Requirements, any questions should be directed to Technical Support, not your instructor
    5. Read the Course Alignment Page to understand how the assignments fit into the course objectives
    6. Read the Navigation Section to learn how to navigate the course
    7. Introduce yourself to the class
    8. Read the instructions for the Q & A Forum

    Good luck in the course!
    • Forum icon
      News and Announcements Forum
      This forum contains general news and announcements.
    • File icon
      Course Syllabus File
    • Page icon
      Course Calendar Page
    • Page icon
      Technology Requirements Page
    • Page icon
      Course Alignment Page
    • Page icon
      Navigation Section Page
    • Forum icon
      Introduce Yourself! Forum
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to tell us a little about yourself and your interests. Some topic ideas:

        1. What is your field of study/research interest or concentration?
        2. What are you most interested in learning about in this class and why?
        3. Have you ever taken an online class before?
        4. Any other information you would like to share with your classmates, such as special interests or activities.

      Post a picture!  We look forward to meeting you.

    • Forum icon
      Q & A Forum for Students

      Use this forum to ask your instructor any questions you have about the course. You may post at any time, and your instructor will respond here. Be as specific as possible.

      Please keep in mind that others can see your posts, so do not post any personal information. If you have questions about your grade, please email your instructor directly. You can expect a response to posts and emails within 24 hours Monday - Friday and next business day on weekends . 

      (Future adopters update)

  • Learner Support

    Chapter 2: Building Confidence

  • FOR INSTRUCTORS: Using This Template and Additional Resources

    Use the information in this module to customize the template to your needs. This module is currently hidden from students, and available for you to refer to throughout the semester.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking

    A microphone with a blurred background.

    All communication starts with the communication model, the process of creating a message and sending it to the audience, but public speaking is more than that, it is a conversation between the speaker and the audience.  While we might not all be comfortable speaking in front of an audience, there are simple things we can do to gain confidence, and as an audience member, listening is so important but a difficult task.  This module focuses on the beginnings of creating communication and an understanding of how difficult it can be to an active listener. 

    Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash (opens in new window)

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Prepare and deliver presentations using core concepts and tools of public speaking. 
    2. Differentiate and present different types of speeches (e.g., introductory, informative, persuasive).
    3. Select a specific and appropriate topic suitable to the genre and purpose of the speech.
    4. Discover and refine topics to generate a general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea.


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 1 Introduction
    2. Read Chapters 1, 2, and 4 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 1 Discussion Forum
    5. Complete Speech of Introduction Assignment


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 2: Focusing on Your Audience

    The word focus in scrabble letter blurred

    As speakers, we might get to choose our topics, decide on our information, research for the most credible sources, but everything that we do is for the audience.  Understanding the audience is key to creating a well-received speech and ensuring that we are presenting information that is ethical and correct matters in public speaking.  Before we begin to create a speech, we need to think about the audience. 

    Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash (opens in new window)



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Locate and evaluate credible sources to support their thesis and main ideas and properly cite those sources in their presentations. 
    2. Locate and evaluate credible sources of information.
    3. Properly cite sources.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 2 Introduction
    2. Read Chapters 3 and 5 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 2 Discussion Forum


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 3: Speaking to Celebrate

    Fireworks with people in silhouette.

    While many of us might wonder how public speaking will help us in the future, all of us will present special occasion speeches in celebration of an important event sometime in our lives.  Whether we are toasting a wedding or celebrating our family at their reunion, crafting a thoughtful and touching special occasion speech will be the memorable highlight of the event.

    Photo by Arthur Chauvineau on Unplash (opens in new window)


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Analyze an audience to develop and adapt presentations accordingly. 

    2. Consider an audience’s knowledge, background, and attitudes when constructing a speech.
    3. Know the process of audience analysis.
    4. Analyze the speaking situation and adhere to established time requirements.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 3 Introduction
    2. Read Chapter 15 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 3 Discussion Forum
    5. Complete Ceremonial Speech Assignment


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 4: Researching Your Speech

    Open books spread around someone on a laptop.

    A good topic is important, and our own personal connection to the topic matters to establish credibility in the presentation of information, but the audience will always think “prove it,” and that is what research and credible sources add to a speech.  Personal connection and stories add emotion and interest to a speech, but facts, statistics and expert testimony let the audience know that our information is correct, that we can support our ideas.  Research is the proof the audience needs to believe a speaker.
    Photo by Windows on Unsplash (opens in new window)


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Organize and outline a presentation logically. 
    2. Establish an appropriate organizational structure for the presentation.
    3. Create an organized outline which includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 4 Introduction 
    2. Read Chapters 6 and 7 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 4 Discussion Forum
    5. Take Midterm (Will be available at later date)


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 5: Putting Your Speech Together


    Puzzle pieces painted on wall

    All the best research and topic ideas won’t matter if your audience can’t understand or follow the information presented in a speech.  Organizing our information helps the audience connect the main points and adds interest to your information.  This is an opportunity to present your information in the best light using an appropriate organizational pattern.  Finally, an introduction and conclusion are the first and last things an audience hears. We want to start strong and end strong, give the audience something that catches their attention and leave the audience with something to remember.  We only have one chance to share information that matters to us, we want our audience to walk away with something valuable for the time they spend listening to the speech.

    Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash (opens in new window)

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Utilize appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication suitable for oral presentations. 
    2. Use appropriate body language as part of an oral presentation.
    3. Improve posture, voice, and other mechanisms of speech. 
    4. Employ effective vocal techniques.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 5 Introduction 
    2. Read Chapters 8 and 10 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 5 Discussion Forum

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 6: Informative and Online Speeches

    Virtual Video Call

    The most widely used speeches in business are informative speeches, whether it is teaching someone how to do their job, or explaining a new policy at work, we will all us informative speeches in our professional life.  Informative speeches are designed to present information so that the audience can learn something new, or gain a better understanding of an idea.  In today’s world, many of us will also be using online speeches to present our information.  As with all speeches, taking the time to plan, prepare and practice can help make this a memorable event for the audience, and help them learn something meaningful.

    Photo by Surface on Unsplash (opens in new window)

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Use appropriate visual aids and other technology to complement the speaker’s message. 
    2. Deliver an effective oral presentation via Zoom or other video conferencing software.
    3. Select audio-visual aids when appropriate.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 6 Introduction 
    2. Read Chapters 13 and 16 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 6 Discussion Forum
    5. Complete Online Speech Assignment

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 7: Beyond Structure, Adding the Speaker to the Speech

    Person in silhouette speaking

    While the contents of the speech are important, and having a clear structure is essential to create a meaningful message that the audience can understand, the speaker is also very important to the speech.  How the speaker delivers the speech, the excitement in their voice, or their gestures that direct the audience to a key piece of information all matter as well.  Choosing the topic and the message is only half of the creation process, the other half is ensuring that as speakers, we are adding to the speech and helping the audience engage in the presentation

    Photo by Alberto Bigoni on Unspash (opens in new window)


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Manage fear and reduce anxiety during presentation. 
    2. Establish confidence in delivering public presentations.
    3. Use physical techniques to manage fear and reduce anxiety.
    4. Use mental techniques to manage fear and reduce anxiety.
    5. Employ rehearsal strategies.


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 7 Introduction 
    2. Read Chapters 9, 11, and 12 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 7 Discussion Forum
    5. Complete Informative Speech Assignment

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Module 8: Persuasive Speeches

    Stage and auditorium

    Persuasion is the chance to share ideas that matter in a way that persuades the audience to take action or to change their beliefs.  While it seems like an easy task, we are all bombarded with persuasive messages every day, from billboards to social media ads, we are asked to buy products or do activities.  We don’t do everything that people try to persuade us of, and creating a persuasive speech is more difficult than it seems.  While we are passionate about our topics, sharing that passion with our audience requires some careful planning and research to ensure that the audience believes us and takes the action we advocate for.

    Photo by ASIA CULTURECENTER on Unsplash (opens in new window)

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Use active listening skills to critique presentations and to provide constructive feedback.
    2. Demonstrate active listening skills by evaluating presentations and providing constructive feedback.
    3. Analyze and critique presentations in terms of speech techniques, content, and organization.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 8 Introduction 
    2. Read Chapter 14 in It’s About Them: Public Speaking in the 21st Century (opens in new window)
    3. Review PowerPoints
    4. Complete Module 8 Discussion Forum
    5. Complete Persuasive Speech Assignment
    6. Take Final

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.