Course ePortfolio

The Art of Presentation

This course will prepare students for a variety of situations requiring skills in oral communication. Acting exercises will be used to develop attributes useful in public speaking such as confidence, focused listening, vocal clarity and expression, and the ability to improvise. Students will get practical experience in writing and delivering speeches and making presentations in front of others. Satisfies general education requirement Area A1.

Date Added to MERLOT:: August 21, 2025
Created by:: Kamala Boeck
License:

Prerequisites

None

Pedagogical Approach & Learning Outcomes

Pedagogical Approach

By utilizing the actors’ toolkit of text analysis, vocal performance, and creating persuasive objectives, students receive practical experience in writing and delivering speeches and making presentations in front of others.

Learning Outcomes

1. The student will compose and present well-organized speeches. 2. The student will apply the basic principles of persuasive argument in the development and presentation of a persuasive speech 3. The student will research and cite credible sources to support claims made in speeches. 4. The student will listen actively, adapt to what they hear, and respond spontaneously in oral form. 5. The student will employ vocal skills when speaking in front of an audience. 6. The student will gain experience as an audience member and reflect on that experience. 7. The student will work collaboratively with others on presentations 8. The student will reflect on their sense of confidence and on their growth as a presenter. Goal A1-2. Students will actively participate in written and oral forms of communication in English. Outcome A1-2A. Students will create, organize, and support ideas for various types of oral presentations. (Toast outline and manuscript, Informational Group outline with sources, Persuasive Speech outline with sources, Interview/Report) Outcome A1-2B. Students will present well-organized oral presentations practicing sound reasoning and advocacy in the physical presence of others. (All Oral Presentations, especially Persuasive Speech) Outcome A1-2C. Students will demonstrate acceptable ethical and responsible communication in researching, creating, and presenting presentations, including proper verbal citations. (Informational Presentation and Outline with sources, Persuasive Speech and Outline with sources) Goal A1-1. Students will analyze the principles of effective oral communication from the rhetorical perspective. Outcome A1 Students will identify and apply the rhetorical principles that underlie form and content in formal speeches and oral presentations. (All Speeches, Reading Quizzes/Questions) Outcome A1-1B. Students will evaluate contexts, attitudes, values, and responses of different audiences. (Toast, Play Viewing, Improvisations, Persuasive Speech and Peer Evaluation) Outcome A1-1C. Students will demonstrate active listening skills in order to interpret, critically evaluate reasoning, and engage.