Speech and Debate, Syllabus

Steven Delianides

Freedom High School

Speech and Debate, Syllabus

925-625-5900, ext. 3403

Welcome to Speech and Debate class. This course is designed to give students confidence in public speaking with various speeches, different types of debates, and improvisational exercises. Some important skills that will be emphasized throughout the year are: correct posture, eye contact, proper breathingand speaking volume, clarity in enunciation, research and rehearsal. These skills will help students to be more comfortable and confident in their approach to public and academic speaking.

The key to effective communication in speech is to research, write, rehearse, and then present a scripted speech to an audience. Research and rehearsal for any speech or debate are elemental for success. A typed and printed speech is a requirement for all projects, and must be delivered to the teacher upon presenting the speech, or debate. We will also work on improvisational skills with exercises designed to get students in front of an audience, and make them more comfortable speaking in general. At times we may be viewing speeches and debates on line, or in films, etc. These assignments, and others where students are required to view speeches and debates outside of class will require them to write a review/reflection of the event. There will also be research, written summaries and discussions on various media topics to prepare for debates and speeches. Students may often be put in pairs or groups for debates, thus it is essential for each group member to do their best in working with their partner(s) for a successful learning environment and assignment.

To be successful:

-Students must have a notebook/folder/binder in class every day.

-Have writing utensils of their own.

-Students must be on time to class daily.

-Keep chatter to a minimum.

-Be focused on the activity/exercise in class.

-Do your best, don’t make excuses for not trying- no one profits from laziness.

-Listen and document feedback, and implement it into one’s work.

Assignment categories:

Speeches=20%

Debates= 20%

Vocal/physical Warmup= 10%

Leading the warm up= 10%

Participation in feedback= 20%

Speech/debate/film/article reviews= 10%

Daily classroom behavioral participation=10%

Participation/attendance:

Positive participation is integral for success in learning. All students must take an active role in participating on a daily basis. The use of phones, headphones, and the eating of food is prohibited in class, as it keeps students from focusing on important activities and positive participation. These items should be kept out of sight. If these issues become problematic, students will be warned; phones will be sent to the student’s building office, and the student can pick the phone up later. In addition,a phone call or email home explaining the situation and the need for better restraint during class may be needed.

Students need to be in class consistently to be able to learn. Restroom privileges will be allowed on a two per quarter basis per student. Students should therefore take care of restroom needs before, or after class and save the two passes for emergencies. Once the two passes have been used, there will be no restroom passes for the remainder of that quarter.

Work expectations:

There is no late work accepted for all students, unless there is an excused absence. Students must always be prepared to present their work on time- the day it is due. Any assignments not turned in on time will result in zero credit. Students need to understand the need for deadlines, promptness, and the importance of productivity. Professional standards;the reality of college and the job market are what students are being prepared for, and respect for that is essential to success in class and in life. Students with special accommodations will have exceptions.

Focus and respect:

To create a safe and productive learning atmosphere, it is vital that every student understands the need to be prepared the moment he/she walks into the classroom every day. There will be a warm up activity to focus on daily, rather than talking. It is also important that when feedback is given, students take the process seriously, being constructive at all times-listening intently to what others are saying. The same respect must be given to the teacher. To maintain an atmosphere of classroom productivity, all students must respect the decisions of the teacher, and the need to have a calm classroom when activities, especially speeches and debates are taking place. Profane vocabulary, gestures, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

Class Rules:

Be respectful, polite and cordial to all individuals in the classroom.

Don’t criticize, complain and argue- politely offer a solution.

Keep your phone on silent and out of sight.

No food in class.

Keep your feet on the floor.

Raise your hand and wait to be called on to talk in class.

Ask before doing or taking things.

Disrespectful, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

The teacher’s word is the last word- please respect it.