FAQs About Distance Learning Speech Classes
1. It says that the online quizzes are optional, does that mean that we still have to hand them in?
Please DO NOT have them emailed to your instructor. You can have them sent back to yourself for study purposes, however.
2. When we submit our speeches do you want us to hand in the note cards also?
What you want to hand in is a tape of your speech with a brief outline and a list of sources in MLA or APA style. (Sources are not needed with the speech of self-introduction.)
Do NOT write out your speeches in a transcript form. Keep it to an outline - first a preparation outline, then a speaking outline. The speaking outline goes on your notecards. I want a brief outline handed in than may or may not be the same as your speaking outline. I'm not picky. I can tell you that I consider over-developed outlines to be overkill, so keep it to about a page.
You might take a look at the material in your text on extemporaneous speaking in the delivery chapter. It will discuss the different delivery styles. Extemp is from limited notes. In other words, I don't like seeing students read on camera.
3. Do you want visual aids in the informative speeches?
Visual aids are not required in the informative speeches. They are, however, a good time to "practice" them before being required in the persusasive speeches.
4. What kinds of visual aids are acceptable?
You can use any type of presentational aids you wish in your speeches.
5. If I use PowerPoint as a presentational aid, what should I consider?
Students do PowerPoint in a couple of different ways. Some will send me a disk of the presentation and I just follow along as they say, "See slide one" etc. Others send copies of the slides. Remember that PowerPoint can support much, much more than text. Consider using graphs and pictures.
Again, I can tell you what I don't like: don't tape yourself doing a PowerPoint presentation where the screen is on camera the whole time and you take up a minimum of the monitor/visual space. This is often combined with the PowerPoint presentation being nearly all of the speech and the student essentially reads from a screen. I call this the lecture hall format. On screen it looks like I am in the back, back row. I can barely see the speakers expressions. Often the sound is poor, too.
Whereas I like the "send the disk in" format the best because of its ease and simplicity, there is one format that I REALLY like, but don't often see: the edited PowerPoint speech. This is where the student edits in the PowerPoint screen into the tape. Really advanced students even provide a voice over. I think these are always media arts students! In fact, sound effects work well in the taped speech format - speeches on birds and bird calls for instance. I've even had applause edited it.
6. Do I have to go to my Learning Center to tape or submit speeches?
No, you do not have to go to your Learning Center. You can tape speeches at home and either submit them through your LC or mail them using the information at Contact Information. Several of the Learning Centers are VERY good at taping!
7. What formats can speeches be in?
VHS is the preferred format. 8-mm is okay. I have conversion cassettes for small VHS tapes, and I have an 8-mm player. You can also stop in and deliver a speech to a one of the lecture classes. I'm willing to experiment with other formats, but it needs started early in the semester!
8. I have to give a presention, can I use it for credit.
Yes, credit for speaking in the community, a conference, etc. is acceptable. Some level of documentation is required. Email or call to discuss the best option. Speeches for other classes, hoever, don't get this option but you can probably tape a version of that speech and submit it.
9. Do you want a preparation outline or a speaking outline handed in with the speeches?
Most students hand an outline in that is neither the preparation or speaking outline. I am not picky about the outline and will accept anything brief and with parenthetical sources. The introduction and conclusion should have enough information to relate what you will mention. Don't develop the outline for me beyond Main Points, Subpoints, Sub-sub points. (I, A, 1, etc.). Getting beyond E or 6 is usually too much.
10. What size note cards should I use?
4x6 or 3x5 are fine. One note card for each main point works well. Don't use notebook paper.
11. What type of notes should I NOT use?
Don't use off-camera notes such as having a speech written out word-for-word on a flip chart or poster boards. This falls under the catagory of cheating - it is certainly not an opportunity that lecture students have! If you are tempted to do this, try practicing and retaping. I really can tell when off-camera notes are used.
12. Should I use a podium?
Avoid the podium – they should only be used when you have extensive notes. The podium significantly cuts down on your ability to move naturally and expressively as a speaker. The podium also creates a situation where posture is ruined and gestures become nonexistent.
13. Do you grade on quality of the taping? What taping elements should I consider?
This is NOT a broadcasting class, so you are NOT taped on the quality of the taping of your speech. HOWEVER, that does not meant that the elements of the taping won't impact the grading. Here are several guidelines:
*I want to be able to see you - not the ceiling and not a lot of wall. If I can't see your facial expressions, there is a problem.
*I want to see you from just below the hips to a few inches over your head. If I can't see your hands and arms, there is a problem.
*Don't be afraid to move while on camera. Some movement is good!
*Consider using multiple light sources to reduce shadows. Leaning lamps over and pointing them at the speaker has worked for many students. Shop lights work well.
*Consider your background. Simple is best. Speaking in front of bare walls or curtains works well.
*Consider speaking and taping in the appropriate environment. Why speak about goats in a classroom when you can do in a farm yard? Why speak about buffalo meat in your living room when you can do it in front of the herd?
14. The assignment sheets make it sound as if our speeches should appeal to a broad audience. Must that necessarily be the case? Can I present speeches that would appeal more to my interests and people who share my interests--generally topics and people in the sphere of academe?
Academic material from other classes is usually pretty good. Pick topics that are in your head and in your heart such as your job, areas of study, hobbies, activities, volunteer work, parenting, and such. There are some general guidelines:
- Learning Center students that are in high school should look beyond high school experiences for informative and persuasive speeches.
- Students with strong religious feelings and activities should look beyond that and remember that faith-based source material holds minimal credibility in academic environments.
- Controversial topics that are frequently banned in other classes should be avoided or narrowed down significantly. These topics include but aren't limited to abortion, gun control, capital punishment, religion- and faith-based proof, suicide, euthanasia, etc. They usually can't be dealt with in a responsible manner in 5 - 9 minutes.
- Topics of an overly sexual or offensive nature. STDs, birthcontrol, etc. are certainly okay.
- Topics that are too emotional for the speaker should be avoided such as the death of a loved one or a child.
Adrian's Communication Resources Page
Send E-Mail to: adrian.com@bigfoot.com
Copyright © 2003 . All Rights Reserved