LAN 2950: Public Speaking

05/01/2025 to 05/30/2026 • Modified 04/25/2025

Course Description

This semester-long course will present information, exercises, and example speeches to help students prepare and deliver speeches publicly. Students will learn some basics about research, situation, types of speeches, overcoming anxiety, persuasion, and the audience. Also, students will learn the purpose of public speaking and how it can apply in settings such as school and work.

Next Start Date*

Next Monday

Program Restrictions*

ESD: Elementary School Diploma (ESDP-ESD-D) Excluded
MSD: Middle School Diploma (MSDP-MSD-D) Excluded

Prerequisite

None

Schedule

Module 1: Introduction to Public Speaking

Week 1: Benefits, History, and Theories of Communication
Week 2: The Public Speaking Situation & Speaker Anxiety
Week 3: Speaker Anxiety and the Audience
Week 4: Speakers & the Audience
Week 5: Audience Analysis

Module 2: First Steps in Preparing a Speech

Week 6: The First Speech
Week 7: Selecting, Developing, and Researching Your Topic, Thesis Statement
Week 8: Selecting, Developing, and Researching Your Topic, Research, Plagiarism, and Sources
Week 9: Processing Your Research & Supporting Materials

Module 3: Preparing a Speech

Week 10: Organization of Speech Content and Materials; Introductions and Speeches
Week 11: Transitions and Conclusions
Week 12: Using Language Effectively in Speeches

Module 4: Preparing Your Speech

Week 13: Presenting a Speech
Week 14: Presentation Aids Used in Speeches
Week 15: Speaking to Inform and to Persuade
Week 16: The Ethics of Persuasion

Module 5: Presenting Your Speech

Week 17: Speaking to Persuade and for Special Occasions
Week 18: Notable Speeches and Final Assignments

*Course specifics are tentative and subject to change each year. For the most current information, please refer to the Course Registration Tool.