Speech and Journalism

Mrs. A. Stapleton

Having a background in public speaking as well as communication skills are

 essential to being successful and productive in today's society. This course will provide

a basic foundation in communication skills. As a student, you will master this course

through successful completion of public speaking, communication process, professional

interview skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, and formal/informal language, etc.

Classroom Rules:    1. Bring ALL materials to class. Be prepared to work everyday.

                                        2. No food or drinks (only bottled water) are to be brought into my

                                         classroom. Don't bring leftovers or food from breakfast.

                                        3. Ask permission before leaving your seat. Please raise your hand

                                        if you have something to say.

                                        4. Leave all cosmetics, sprays, brushes, etc. in your locker.

                                        5. Class is over when I dismiss you to leave.

                                        6. Be respectful to yourself and others at all times.

                                        7. Be in your assigned seat when the tardy bell rings.

    Failure to comply with the above rules will result in proper disciplinary action.

Resources:

                Communication Matters- West

                Public Speaking/Speech Videos

Areas of Concentration:

                 Nonverbal/Verbal communication

                 Delivery

                 Organization of speaking

                 Informative speech

                 Demonstrative speech

                 Debates

                 Listening skills

                 Interview skills

                 Effective language

                 Persuasive speech

                 Personal speech

                 Impromptu speech

                 Group discussions

                 Newspaper speech

Assessment:

            Participation-10 points

            Newspaper speeches-20 points

            Chapter reviews-10-30 points

            Vocabulary-15-20 points

            Chapters tests-100 points

            Major speeches-100-150 points

Make up work:  If a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to collect his/her

                        assignments. Assignments will be posted everyday on the calendar in

                        front of the room. If the student needs additional information about an

                        assignment or speech, I will answer any questions. A student is allowed by

                        school policy only TWO school days per excused absence to make up

                        missed assignments/speeches and/or schedule times to make up missed tests.

                        Any work missed because of an unexcused absence will NOT be

                        allowed to be made up, and the student will receive a zero (0) for the

                        missed work if not completed within the given two days. All make up

                        work must be done on my planning period (1st block), or before of after

                        school. It is the student's responsibility to come to me to arrange a

                        make-up date. If you are absent on the day your speech is due, you may

                        make up your speech; however, you can only give your make up speech in

                        front of the class and within two days.

Hall Passes:    Students will be allowed (4) passes out of my classroom for the entire

                         semester. After the four passes have been used, students will not be

                         allowed to leave my classroom for any reason. Use your passes wisely.

                         Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers for things they have

                         forgotten.

Parent/Teacher Communication: If a parent would like to schedule a conference,

he/she may call the school office (467-7833) for an appointment. Parents and students

may e-mail me anytime at ashley.stapleton@sccboe.org. I will be glad to talk to

anyone with concerns or questions and keep you up to date with your child's progress.