Course Outline and Objectives

Class: Public Speaking - "Speech Practicum"

Tutor: Joanne Calderwood

Primary Text: The Exceptional Presenter (Timothy J. Koegel) but not necessary for students to purchase the book.

Other Books/Materials Required: a binder and a timer (for use at home)

***Parents are responsible for getting all texts and materials unless teacher specifies otherwise.

Semester Tuition:  $272.00                                  Copy/Lab Fees: none

With this tuition rate, I must have a minimum of   10  and maximum of    12  students.   

Overview of class: Students who have had the opportunity to practice speaking in public—especially among their peers—have a distinct advantage over those who have not. Learning how to write and present information on a given topic is an essential for college prep. By giving a presentation each week in class, students will gradually learn to overcome the fear of public speaking. Each student will receive weekly feedback (from tutor) on his presentation so that he can target areas that need improvement as well as realize his strengths and build on them. A very special feature of this class is the opportunity to give PowerPoint presentations which will be a requirement in college classrooms down the road. Practice, practice, and more practice is the key to building confidence and excellence in public speaking. This is a fun class that builds camaraderie among class members! J

Prerequisites for this class: a good attitude!

Recommended Grade Level(s) for this class: 9 -12

Estimated Difficulty Level of course for average student:   

Easy        average         above average  XXX           highly challenging

Average study time for this class will be approximately  Will vary but plan for 2 hours the weeks speeches are being written by student. On the weeks students are not writing their speeches, prep time will be about 30 minutes.

Tutor Expectations for Parents:  This class requires 100 percent participation by each student every week. Every other week the student will be writing his own one- to two-minute speech. The other weeks he will be reading prose or poetry out loud. Excuses for not being prepared will not be accepted, although life happens so grace is given where warranted. Please be sure your student understands that this course is fun, yet rigorous. Thank you!