SPEECH COMMUNICATION REVIEW
Phone: (541) 440-4647 E-Mail: Paula.Usrey@umpqua.edu
Who Said Public Speaking Isn’t Fun?
This team received the “Most Persuasive Speech Award” for convincing classmates to donate food for a local shelter.
Scared Speechless? Public speaking is still ranked as one of the experiences people fear most. Yet students who take SP 111 at UCC often will tell you that learning fundamentals of public speaking in a supportive environment is really a lot of fun.
On the last day of each term, speech students in one speech class present awards to each other. The recipients give brief acceptance speeches.
Here are a few comments from other students who have taken a public speaking class at UCC:
“Your class is here to support you; so relax and have fun. I did!”
“I would honestly advise that students enter this class with an open mind. As afraid as I was, it turned out to
be fun. I took a lot out of this class that I never thought I would.”
“Don’t give up on public speaking because you are scared. Push through your fear;
you’ll realize everyone wants you to do well and succeed.”
“To be successful in the speech class, you need to know your material. It is easier to sound confident
and project knowledge if you really know what you are talking about.”
“Take every chance to get up and speak in front of people. After all, it is a speaking class and you need to do it to improve.”
Through “hands-on” experience, feedback, and facilitated learning, participants in public speaking learn how to research, develop, and deliver a variety of different types of speeches (including group presentations).
Communication and College Success
Reported in Spectra (a National Communication Association publication), a 2004 National Survey of Student Engagement revealed that communication skills contribute to college success. Specific communication behaviors mentioned included: asking questions in class and participating in class discussions, being able to make class presentations, and working with others on projects during and outside of class. (http://www.iub.edu/~nsse.)
Students Studying Persuasion Hone Critical Thinking Skills
By viewing and deconstructing different advertisements and other messages, persuasion students
learn about different strategies used to persuade them in some way. Students also learn how to
critically analyze messages and discuss how different persuasion tactics used in today’s society
affects each of us.
Working in teams, students also learn how to construct different types of persuasive messages and speeches. Debate activities are also a part of our collective learning experience. Regardless of personal perspectives, debate brings out the passion in just about everyone.
Students exercise their persuasive skills as they team up for spirited debates
In this class, it is evident that effective communication is power!
For more information, contact
Paula Usrey
Phone: (541)440-4647
Email: Paula.Usrey@umpqua.edu
Umpqua Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This page last updated 3-15-07.