Course Description

This course focuses on the communication needs of individuals in personal, social and vocational settings. It meets the learning outcomes for communications as set forth by the Council of General Education for the core curriculum of the University System of Georgia – “oral and written communications will be characterized by clarity, critical analysis, logic, coherence, persuasion, precision, and rhetorical awareness.”

Semester Hours Credit

3 hours

Textbook: Communication Works by Gamble and Gamble

A thesaurus and a dictionary are also required.

Student Goals

· Ability to develop clear and effective speaking skills

· Ability to develop effective problem solving skills

· Ability to explore the major components of multicultural communications

· Ability to acquire effective interviewing techniques

· Ability to develop effective listening skills

· Ability to explore the nonverbal dimensions of communication

· Ability to develop effective communication in teams and task groups

· Ability to enhance learning by utilizing various components of technology

Expected Outcomes

Students will have (a) gained knowledge of effective oral communication methods, (b) applied technology as a tool to enhance communication, (c) developed an awareness of the diversity of communication and developed a keener awareness of their own communication skills and needs

Required Oral Presentations

· Ice Breaker

· Impromptu

· Panel discussion

· Informative Speech

· Persuasive (motivational) Speech

Class Topics

· Communicating in small groups

· Non verbal Communication

· Critical Thinking

· Interviewing Skills

· Listening

· Speech preparation and presentation

· Speech apprehension and source credibility

· Diversity in Communication

· Research

· Visual Aids/Technology in Speech Preparation

Participation

· Ice Breaker

· Impromptu Attendance

· Classroom activities

Informative Speech

Motivational Speech

Panel Discussion

Exams (2)

Speech Critique

Due to the nature of this class, attendance is essential. Students risk reduction of the class grade and possibly the final grade if absences are excessive. No makeups are permitted (exams, class exercises and oral presentations).

Laptops are not required for in-class use; however, students should have access to a computer as most assignments should be typed, and speeches sometimes require research.

Students who feel that they may need accommodations based on the impact of a disability should make an appointment with the Access Center to coordinate reasonable accommodations. They may also contact the instructor to discuss specific needs.