Speech introduces students to the principles and practices of effective public speaking, from audience analysis and topic selection to organization, research, and delivery. Emphasizing both ethics and inclusivity, the text helps learners develop confidence and professionalism in a variety of speaking contexts. Students practice informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches while refining skills in critical listening, evidence-based argumentation, and extemporaneous delivery. With a balance of theory and applied techniques, this resource prepares students to communicate effectively in academic, professional, and civic settings.

Competency 1: Analyze Audiences

Learning Objectives

• Analyze audience for presentation

• Identify audience demographics

• Identify situational characteristics

• Identify psychological characteristics

• Use analysis to guide speech

• Adapt content topic based on analysis

Competency 2: Apply Ethical Practices in Public Speaking

Learning Objectives

• Orally cite credible sources document sources using specified format

• Use inclusive verbal delivery

• Use inclusive non-verbal delivery

• Use ethical speech strategies

• Differentiate among fact, inference, and opinion

Competency 3: Incorporate Supporting Materials

Learning Objectives

• Use relevant presentation aids

• Apply information literacy strategies

• Identify types of supporting materials

• Use multiple types of supporting materials to support ideas

• Synthesize materials to support the speech's purpose

Competency 4: Organize Speech

Learning Objectives

• Use the audience analysis to prepare an outline

• Develop a preparation outline

• Identify speech purpose in the outline

• Apply organizational patterns relevant to speech's purpose

• Develop introduction

• Develop body

• Use transitions

• Develop conclusion

• Document sources, as required

Competency 5: Employ Speech Delivery Skills

Learning Objectives

• Use presentation aids

• Use non-verbal delivery techniques

• Use vocal delivery techniques

• Adhere to speech time-limits

• Use audience-appropriate language

• Use situation-appropriate language

• Deliver speech from speaking outline

• Use extemporaneous techniques

Competency 6: Evaluate Speeches

Learning Objectives

• Apply critical listening skills

• Employ pre-determined criteria to evaluate speeches

• Formulate suggestions for improvement

• Identify speaker's strengths

Competency 7: Present an Informative Speech

Learning Objectives

• Present to an audience

• Use informative content

• Integrate audience analysis into speech

• Adapt content delivery based on audience

• Use a speaking outline

• Cite sources orally

• Adhere to specified timeframe

Competency 8: Present a Persuasive Speech

Learning Objectives

• Integrate logical reasoning into arguments

• Present to an audience

• Use persuasive content

• Integrate audience analysis into speech

• Adapt content delivery based on audience

• Use a speaking outline

• Cite sources orally

• Adhere to specified timeframe

Competency 9: Present an Occasion Speech

Learning Objectives

• Present to an audience

• Identify audience

• Adapt content delivery based on audience

• Use a speaking outline

• Adhere to ethical speech standards

• Adhere to specified timeframe

• Adapt content of speech language to occasion

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