Speech Courses

 

Speech I – RAI
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Required
Prerequisite: None

This is an introductory course in the fundamentals of communication and public speaking.  Communication principles like listening, perception, and paralanguage are studied and students will apply understanding to their own communication styles for goal setting and improved intrapersonal communication.  Speech presentations include demonstration, narrative, informative, and oral interpretation. This course also receives an English credit.

The student will:

  • Understand communication process
  • Analyze own communication and communication scenarios
  • Create own study of communication
  • Identify own signs performance anxiety
  • Set goals and reflect on own performances

Speech II – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Speech I 

This course builds on the fundamentals of Speech I with emphasis on speech writing and the impact on the audience.  Students study the effectiveness of famous speeches and use that understanding to get the desired results in their own presentations. This course also receives an English credit.

The student will:

  • Develop precise language through speech writing and revision
  • Develop techniques of persuasion using logical argument
  • Develop the ability to speak effectively in a variety of prepared or spontaneous situations
  • Analyze audience
  • Measure effectiveness of speeches
  • Communicate /problem solve in groups

Speech III – RAI
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Speech I, Speech II

This course builds on the fundamentals of Speech I and Speech II but with an emphasis on writing arguments. The focus is on using research and word choice to build a persuasive case.  Debate styles of Lincoln Douglas and policy are practiced. 

The student will:

  • Learn to develop techniques of argument in speaking
  • Learn to debate issues of value and of policy
  • Learn to communicate and work within a group to advocate a legal position in a criminal or a civil case
  • Develop the ability to speak effectively in a variety of prepared or spontaneous situations
  • Develop an appreciation for ordered argument in a democratic society

Oral Communication (DMACC SPC 101) – RAI – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

Most college degrees require a  public speaking course for graduation. Oral Communications (DMACC SPC101) is a 2-term course offered for both Waukee and DMACC credit.  This speech class focuses on both communication and public speaking and is taught in a hybrid format with some learning on its own (online) and some learning in the classroom setting. This course also receives an English credit.

The student will:

  • Present speeches for a variety of purposes and styles
  • Learn about communication with self and in groups
  • Study effectiveness of sample speeches
  • Give feedback to peers & work to revise for speech effectiveness
  • Analyze messages from a listener’s point of view
  • Understand worldview and audience-centeredness
  • Build confidence as a presenter