QUESTION: Need Help--Creating New Communication Apps/Speech Class

[Vanessa Lowe]

Hi. I'm not sure whether I'm hitting up the right group for information, but I've been charged with creating a Communication Application/Speech class for our very small, new school. This will be a year long class that should incorporate some speech and debate, but my AP would also like to see some Media Literacy in the class, as well. I'm having trouble creating a clear scope and sequence that incorporates ALL these things. I was hoping some of you out there might have some ideas on how to incorporate all of this into a cohesive, comprehensive class.

[Johanna Denis]

Hi Vanessa,

I've never taught this kind of class, but I have taught a year long study skills course and I incorporate a lot of speech techniques and rhetoric in my American Literature class. I think it would be good to start off with providing students with rhetorical and persuasive devices in advertising and speech. There are many websites that help introduce and present these. Then I would ask the students to identify techniques both in advertising and then in speeches (historical and contemporary). This would lead to having students write their own persuasive speeches and presenting them using communication skills. After this, they can add on to their vocabulary with debating terms and learn how to debate with mock trials. Then they can try informational speeches and a little drama, like reader's theater. Hope this helps. What a fun class it will be.