COM 100: FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Volunteer State Community College

Prof. Leonard Assante

Speech Day Guidelines:

I. Preparation Outlines

A. Outlines are due at the beginning of class the day you are to speak.

B. The outline is worth approximately 33% of the speech grade.

C. Outlines must be typed. Hand-written work will NOT be accepted.

D. Outlines must have a cover page, a full bibliography of all sources, and conform to all applicable rules of style, grammar and structure (see the syllabus and/or web page).

E. Outlines must conform to the rules of outlining taught in class.

F. You may not speak without providing me an outline. No outline, no speech.

G. If you use a copy of your preparation outline as speaking notes, you MUST have a copy for me as well. I MUST have your outline WHILE you speak.

II. Speaking notes

A. The following are acceptable forms of notes

1. A copy of preparation outline on paper or note cards

2. A Akey word@ or Aspeaking@ outline on paper or notes

3. Brief notes not in outline form.

B. The following are unacceptable and will result in penalty

1. Manuscript of speech

2. Printouts of web pages or copies of pages from a text source

3. Notes that are so large/sloppy that they interfere in the effective delivery of the speech or result in distraction to the audience.

4. Memorized speeches are strongly discouraged.

III. Attire/Appearance:

A. You must dress appropriately for your speech. This includes:

A. Suits for men and women

B. Dress/@casual dress@ slacks and button-down shirt for men. Prefer jacket & tie.

C. Dress or Acasual dress@ slacks or skirts for women with blouse.

D. All attire and speaker should be neat and presentable.

B. Inappropriate attire will result in point deduction. This includes:

1. Jeans

2. Tee-shirts

3. Shorts

4. Sneakers/tennis shoes.

C. Exceptions will be made for speech-specific reasons. (ie, uniforms, etc.)

IV. General:

A. Time:

1. Speeches will be timed and 4-6 minutes long. Will cut off at 7 minutes.

2. Any speech under 3 minutes will be automatically graded as a AD@. (97 or 130)

3. After a 20 second cushion, 5 points per 20 seconds over/under deducted.

B. Valid, written excuses only for missing your speech day. Unexcused late speeches may be re-scheduled when time permits at the discretion of the instructor and will include a MINIMUM 10% reduction in grade (15 or 20 points).

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