SPCH 1A Homework Assignments

Directions: The purpose of the homework assignment is to help students explore course material. Homework must be typed, a minimum of ½ a page and maximum of two pages per assignment. Please note that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions per se – please provide your honest response.

Reminder: No emailed or electronic copies of your assignments are accepted. Please bring a printed copy to class.

HOMEWORK #1

Please answer the following questions:

1. As you begin this class what is your understanding of “public speaking”?

2. Have you given a speech in public before (speeches in classes count)? When? What was your topic?
How did it go?

3. Presidential politics require candidates to give many speeches to various audiences. Please
watch the following two speeches:

Hillary Clinton 2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4CJ_dH1zak

Trump 2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv7vyrOxwrg  

Beyond the political positions of each candidate, what do you think each candidate did well in terms of public speaking and what could they improve in terms of their public speaking?

4. What is your goal in taking this class?

5. What email address should I use in case I need to get in touch with you?

6. Do you have a nick name / preferred name I should use in class?

HOMEWORK #2

Please answer the following questions:

1. What topic would you like to cover for your demonstration speech? Why do you think it would be valuable to the class?

2. What topic would you like to do for your informative speech? Why do you think your audience should learn about this topic? 

3. What topic would you like to do for your persuasive speech? What would be your stand on the issue? Why do you think your audience disagrees with you on this topic?

4. If you have a preference on which days you would like to present, please let me know.  For the Demo Speech, it would be either Wed 4/26 or Mon 5/1.  For the informative speech, it would be either Wed 5/10 or Mon 5/15. For the persuasive speech, it would be Wed 5/31, Mon 6/5, or Wed 6/7.  I will try and accommodate your request but may not be able to given the need to balance the number of speakers on each day.

Homework #3

For your homework #3 please complete page 73 in the workbook section of your textbook - the "Impromptu Speaking Brain Archive."  You will be able to use this worksheet during your preparation time for your impromptu speech.  This assignment DOES NOT need to typed. Please write directly on the worksheet.