COMM 201 – Fall 2024 – M-W-F - Classes (Kaufman 206)

M-W-F: COMM 201 B-2 (8900) COMM 201 C-2 (10:00) COMM 201 D-2 (11:00)
Instructor: Prof David Kay Office: Kaufman Hall 105C Phone: 475-5979 e-mail - [email protected]
Office Hours: M & W 7:30-9:00; 11:50-1:15; Tu & Th 7:30-9:00; 12:30-1:15; Fr 7:30-9:00; 1230-1:00

TEXTBOOK: You must buy Speak Easy: Principles for Public Speaking (8th ed., green cover) by Veuleman &
Bell (green cover). You must tear out and turn in graded assignments, so make certain all pages are present. DO
NOT BUY USED – IT WON'T HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN IT (graded activity sheets torn out).

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introductory course in public speaking with emphasis upon audience analysis, message development,
and presentation of speeches. Experience in both informative and persuasive speaking. No prerequisite. This course has been designated
as a General Education course and, as such, addresses students’ achievement of this general education competency: Public Speaking.
Dual-Enrollment Students will have the same content as other students in the class.

COURSE GOALS: The goal of this course is to help students to become more confident and competent speakers through lectures, in-
class activities, and speeches. Students who don’t complete all the speeches can NOT receive a passing grade.

GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES: This course has been designated as a General Education course and, as such,
addresses students’ achievement of these general education competencies:
1. Communicate Effectively in Oral English – Assessed 2. Reason Abstractly & Think Critically – Emphasized
“Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment. To think critically, you must be aware of your
own biases and assumptions when encountering information and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources. [Ryan, E. (2023, May
31). What Is Critical Thinking? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 8/12 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/critical-thinking/]

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) Students will be assessed on their ability to effectively integrate the following into their
speeches; introduction, conclusion, organization, content, and delivery (with emphasis on eye contact.) (2) Students will be able to think
critically about material presented in the course, conduct research, and apply this to their speeches. (3) Students will be introduced to
independent learning and will produce their own work with their speeches and other assignments. (4) Students will learn to appreciate
diversity in the classroom by conducting audience analysis and providing feedback to other students’ speeches. (5) Students will become
acquainted with the art of public speaking. Including, but not limited to, Informative Speaking and Persuasive Speaking. (6) Students will be
introduced to ethical communication and the importance that ethics have in speech writing, speech giving, and listening.

ASSESSMENT for STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be evaluated on Speech Evaluation Forms
posted on Moodle and explained in class before assgn presentation & a midtern and final.
Supplies: Unwrinkled scantrons for the 2 tests, and 25 index cards (minimum) for research later in semester.

**IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS CLASS MAY INCLUDE THE PRESENTATION OF CONTROVERSIAL AND/OR
DISTURBING SUBJECTS. For example, a student may give a speech about date rape or abortion or include, in a
speech, personal examples of being a victim of racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, etc.

ABSENTEE POLICY: DOCUMENT YOUR ABSENCES.

1. Success in this class is impossible without nearly perfect attendance. Any absence not excused by adequate written
documentation and provided at the next class attended shall be unexcused. I WILL HELP STUDENTS WITH LEGITIMATE
PROBLEMS, BUT YOU MUST EMAIL ME WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. When unexcused absences exceed 10%
(4+ absences), you may be dropped from the class with a “WN” if you are in good standing before the absences. I reserve the right to assign
an “F” to students who skip or fail major assignments before the absences become excessive. Any student who misses 40% of classes
(even if all excused) will be dropped. YOU MUST GIVE ME A COPY OF ANY WRITTEN EXCUSE TO FILE.

2. Three unexcused tardies shall count as 1 unexcused absence. DO NOT ENTER THE ROOM IF A STUDENT
IS PRESENTING A SPEECH - IF YOU ARE TARDY, LOOK BEFORE YOU ENTER THE ROOM.
3. Any student who misses her/his assigned date for a speech must be prepared to make up the speech at the next class meeting attended
if you have a written or school excuse. Failure to provide written documentation excusing that absence will result in a grade reduction of 20%
and being required to do your makeup at a non-class appointment (a Friday afternoon with other late
speeches). FAILURE TO COMPLETE ALL SPEECHES WILL RESULT IN FAILURE.

3. A written assignment must be turned in (at the latest) by the start of the next class attended. Late assignments will have grades reduced
by 20-40% or given a 0%, depending upon how late it is received. Students are responsible for making up all work missed whether the
absence is excused or unexcused to complete the course.

Communication 201 – Prof. Kay – Spring 2024 M-W-F p. 1

Students are expected to know and adhere to all McNeese policies. All students:
a. Academic Integrity Policy: This policy provides students, faculty, and staff with guidelines about expectations
for academic integrity, what behaviors violate academic integrity, and the process for addressing academic integrity
issues. http://www.mcneese.edu/policy/academic-integrity-policy/
b. Accessible Participation Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to register with the Office of Accessibility Services when
requesting an academic adjustment in accordance with the ADA. It is highly recommended that students register as early as possible to
receive the accommodations they need. Retroactive accommodations are not provided. Any student with a disability is encouraged to
contact the Office of Accessibility Services, located in Frazar Memorial Library, Room 102, by phone at (337) 475-5916, by fax at (337) 475-
5878, or by email at [email protected]. All students, including students with disabilities, are responsible for locating the designated
emergency exits and the areas of refuge in a classroom building and are encouraged to develop and discuss an evacuation plan with the
class instructor. https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/accessible-participation-policy/
c. Equity and Inclusion Policy: Students should visit https://www.mcneese.edu/compliance & https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/
on the University website for policies and procedures regarding disabilities, equity and inclusion, sexual misconduct, anti-bullying, civility and
personal conduct, and retaliation https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/equity-and-inclusion-policy/
d, Fire Drill Policy: In compliance with the law, McNeese State University will periodically conduct fire drills.
https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/fire-drill-policy/
e. Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy: While McNeese strives to provide access to computer
labs & other technology, it is the student's responsibility to ensure adequate access to the technology required for a course. This may include
access to a computer (not Chromebooks, iPads, etc.) webcam, internet adequate bandwidth, etc. This requirement is a standard expectation for
all courses regardless of initial course delivery format. https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/acceptable-use-of-information-technology-resourc/
f. Course Delivery Classifications Policy: For courses initially being delivered in a face-to-face or hybrid format, the instructor
may modify the course delivery format to ensure safety and to respond to constraints that may continue to change throughout the term.
Courses beginning in a fully online format will remain online throughout the term. https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/course-delivery-
classifications-policy/
g. Instructor Response: The instructor will respond to all communications within 24 hours on operation business days. This does not
include weekends & holidays. If you have not heard from the instructor within 24 hours, it may be due to issues with the university email
system. If you are having trouble getting in touch with your instructor, try sending a message through Moodle, checking the instructor's
syllabus for an alternate contact method, leaving a detailed message with call-back number on the instructor's phone, or calling the
departmental office (337-475-5290).
h. Plagiarism & use of AI: 85% of presentations must be the student’s own work; quotations and paraphrases must be cited.

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS - All assignments are explained in detail on pp. 3-4.

DATE(S) Any date not listed is a lecture period that may include a graded textbook assgn.
M 8/19 Orientation - [Print "1st Test Notes" by next class (from Moodle "Test Notes")]
F 8/23 Students introduce themselves to class (see p. 3 of syllabus)
W 8/28 Pet Peeve Assignment
F 8/30 Speech anxiety analysis & p. 17 from text due
W 9/4 Complete &submit pp. 71-72 in text (only the 1st 3 on p. 72) & Demo Speech
Brainstorm; place your demonstration speech topic on Moodle
M 9/9; W 9/11; F 9/13 Sales Speeches (commercials) - See “Speech Schedule” on Moodle -
M 9/16 Self-Analysis Activity due; Enter informative speech topic on Moodle
F 9/20; M 9/23; W 9/25; F 9/27 Personal Stories
M 9/30 In class textbook graded assignment.
W 10/2 Speech Introduction/Conclusion Activity due
F 10/4 In class textbook graded assignment
M 10/7 MIDTERM TEST- BRING SCANTRON AND #2 PENCIL
W 10/9 & M 10/14 In class textbook graded assignment
W 10/16 + 18+21+23+25 DEMONSTRATION SPEECHES - See “Speech Schedule” on Moodle
M 10/21 Place persuasive speech topic on Moodle
M 10/28; W 10/30; F 11/1 IMPROMPTU OPINIONS
M 11/4 + 6 + 8 + 11) INFORMATIVE SPEECHES - See “Speech Schedule” on Moodle
F 11/15 + 18 + 21 + 22) PERSUASIVE SPEECHES - See “Speech Schedule” on Moodle
FINAL EXAMS:
Comm 201 B2 (9:00 MWF) Friday, December 4, 8:00
Comm 201 C2 (10:00 MWF) Wednesday, December 4 10:30
Comm 201 D2 (11:00 MWF) Friday, December 6 10:30

Communication 201 – Prof. Kay – Spring 2024 M-W-F p. 2

GRADING - Grading will be on a total point system as follows:
900+ total points = A 800-899 = B 700-799= C 600-699 = D Below 600= F
Demo Speech 100 points Sales Speech 50 pts Midterm 150 pts
Informative Speech 100 points Personal Story 50 pts Final 150 pts
Persuasive Speech 100 points Impromptu Opinion 50 pts Introduction/
Persuasive Research 50 points Homework/Participation 150 pts Conclusion Act. 50 pts
YOU MUST DO ALL SPEECHES (every one) TO GET CREDIT IN THIS CLASS
HOMEWORK/PARTICIPATION - THE most important components are: turning in or presenting assign’s on
time & done properly; participating in class discussions; posting speech topics correctly & on time; being supportive
of other students & actively listening to each student’s presentations; evaluating other students’ speeches. It is
possible for an active, responsible student to get SIGNIFICANT BONUS POINTS in this category. Assignments
must be done (or turned in) ON TIME to be eligible for bonus points . It is also possible to reach benchmarks
that will exempt you from the final (high grade on midterm; A+ on speeches; very significant bonus points). ALL
SPEECHES MUST BE DONE TO GET CREDIT IN THIS CLASS REGARDLESS OF FINAL AVERAGE.
*TIME LIMITS ARE VERY IMPORTANT IN ORAL ASSIGNMENTS. (Violations = loss of points)

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENTS
F 8/23 Personal Introduction. Introduce yourself to the class. Say your name and major and 3-5 other
things about yourself (family, hometown, current and/or past jobs, career goals, unusual
experiences, etc.). Feel free to say that you are nervous about this class - almost everyone in the
room is. Part of homework/participation grade.

W 8/28 Pet Peeve. Be ready to explain to a group something relatively minor that really irritates you on a
regular basis (drivers not using turn signals, loud chewers, etc.). Try to use very expressive (but
clean) language and delivery in your explanation. In class we will break up into groups and you will
explain your pet peeve to one small group and then another. Part homework/participation grade.

F 8/30 “Speech Anxiety Analysis” (on Moodle) and p. 17 from text due (part of homework grade).

W 9/4 Turn in the Demonstration Speech Brainstorm & pp. 71-72 in text (answer questions briefly -
skip “narrowing the topic” on p. 72) and place demonstration speech topic on discussion
board on Moodle – don’t place a topic someone else has already taken it (part of your homework/
participation grade (0/10 points if not posted by due date – post it even if you are late or your
grade may be reduced by 20% - this is true of all 3 major speeches.)

____/____ Sales Speech (commercial) (50 pts). Create a fake product (based on a real product, like a kind
(M 9/9; 9/11; 9/13) of toothpaste or an imaginary product, like an electric toilet seat warmer). Write a 60 second (60-90
seconds acceptable) TV-style commercial selling the product USING A VISUAL AID as a prop.
You may use notes when you present it to the class, but you should not read extensively from
those notes. Exaggeration is expected (in other words, it is not meant to be realistic - more like a
pretend ad on a comedy show); humor is welcome but not required. Undertime and overtime will
result in loss of points). LOOK UP DUE DATE on “Speech Schedule” under “Assignments” on
Moodle.

M 9/16 (1) Self-Analysis Activity. Print the quiz and answer sheet off of Moodle. You and a friend or
loved one will identify how certain words describe you. We will discuss results briefly in class. Part
of homework/participation grade. . (2) Place informative speech topic on discussion board on
Moodle - read all the other postings to make sure that no one has already chosen that topic. This
is part of your homework/participation grade (0/10 points if not posted by due date).

____/____ Personal Story (50 pts.). Tell a 2-4 minute story about something that happened to you
(F 9/20+23+25 personally. After giving any background material that might be necessary for our understanding
+27) tell the story in chronological order. NO NOTES ARE ALLOWED. Possible ideas: very
embarrassing moment, most exciting thing to ever happen to you, funniest thing, weirdest thing,
etc.) LOOK UP DUE DATE on “Speech Schedule” under “Assignments” on Moodle.

M 9/30 In class textbook graded assignment.

Communication 201 – Prof. Kay – Spring 2024 M-W-F p. 3

W 10/2 Speech Introduction/Conclusion Activity (50 pts.). Print the handout on Moodle - it explains the
entire assignment including an example. Use the McNeese library’s magazine databases to find
and print a speech from Vital Speeches magazine - YOU MUST USE THE INTERNET - DO NOT
PHOTOCOPY IN LIBRARY. BRING FINAL NOTES (PRINT FROM MOODLE).

F 10/4 In class textbook graded assignment.

M 10/7 Midterm Test - 150 points. Students who miss test have one week to schedule makeup. Absence
must be properly excused or 20% will be deducted from the test score. You may not make up the
test if you do not schedule a date within one week. The make-up test will be different than the
original test. BRING A SCANTRON AND A #2 PENCIL TO THE TEST. (The test will be the last
60 minutes of class; review of demo speech requirements at the start of class.)

W 10/9 + M 10/14 In class textbook graded assignment.

____/____ DEMONSTRATION SPEECHES. (Speech 100 pts.) 3-6 minutes. Demonstrate to us how to do
(W 10/16+18+21 something. You must use visual aids. Your topic may come from the list on Moodle or one of your
23+25) own choosing, but MAKE SURE IT FITS THE ASSIGNMENT. You must SHOW us HOW to do
something, not just talk about it, and you must have and use visual aids as you show us. Do not
start this speech or any other major speech with just a direct statement of your topic - have
a CREATIVE attention getter. You must complete the Demonstration Speech Planner on
Moodle and turn it in for a homework grade on the day you present your demonstration
speech. LOOK UP YOUR DATE ON THE “SPEECH SCHEDULE” DOCUMENT ON MOODLE.

M 10/21 Place persuasive speech topic on discussion board on Moodle prior to class on this date -
read all the other postings to make sure that no one has already chosen that topic. This is part of
your homework/participation grade (0 points if not posted by due date). Even if you are late you
still must post your topic – your grade may be reduced 20% if you never post it.

____/____ IMPROMPTU OPINIONS (50 points) 1 8/2-3 minutes. You will draw a topic in class (such as “I
(M 10/28+30+11/1) believe that a college education is very important because....” and you will have approximately 2
minutes to prepare your speech. Grading will emphasize oral and physical delivery as well as
poise, organization, and effective language use.

____/____ INFORMATIVE SPEECHES. (100 pts.) 3-6 minutes. Teach or inform us about some subject
(M 11/4+6+8+11) appropriate to the class and the assignment. LOOK UP THE DATE YOU ARE ASSIGNED ON THE
SPEECH SCHEDULE” DOCUMENT UNDER “ACTIVITIES” IN MOODLE.

____/____ PERSUASIVE SPEECHES. (100 pts.) 3-6 minutes. Reinforce or change our attitudes toward some
(F 11/15+18+ serious problem or great opportunity to improve our lives, health, community, etc.. The speech
20+22) must be based on library research which will be graded separately. The speech grade will be
reduced if the quality of the research is poor: few or inaccurate facts, few or highly biased
quotations, etc.):
***You must turn in your research at the start of class on the day you present the
speech - 5 or more bibliography cards noting your sources and 20 or more note cards that you
got from your sources. The note cards must be cross-referenced to the bibliography cards
(author’s last name on each note card or some similar system). ***You must transfer facts
from your note cards to an outline - you MAY NOT just read off your cards.
***You must complete and turn in the Persuasive Speech Planner (on Moodle) the day of
your speech.
***You must, where appropriate, mention the source of your facts during the speech (cite
the source at least 3 times). DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENT: You must dress in BUSINESS
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE (think job interview for an office position at a large business), you
must have and use at least TWO visual aids (or a PowerPoint with multiple slides).

M 12/2 Final notes and review. Analysis of all grades for semester
FINAL EXAMS:
Comm 201 B2 (9:00 MWF) Friday, December 4, 8:00
Comm 201 C2 (10:00 MWF) Wednesday, December 4 10:30
Comm 201 D2 (11:00 MWF) Friday, December 6 10:30

Communication 201 – Prof. Kay – Spring 2024 M-W-F p. 4