This course prepares students to participate in the English Speech Contest, which will take place during class time on Wednesday, July 8th from 1:30 to 3:10 pm in W531. Students will learn and practice techniques for writing and presenting speeches in English. They will analyze speeches, write multiple drafts of an original speech, and receive coaching on their oral expression skills. Constructive feedback will be exchanged among students.
Students who have completed this course should exhibit the following: (1) completion of the final draft of an original speech on a topic of their interests; (2) video recordings of their presentations; (3) knowledge and skills in using oral delivery techniques and phrases in English, as taught in the textbook and in class; and (4) improved ability to give and receive constructive feedbacks on the speeches and oral presentations of classmates.
speech, presentation, oral communication, English, public speaking
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The following elements will be included in most classes: (1) from the textbook, Dynamic Presentations, learning of useful phrases and techniques related to oral presentation in English, video clip viewing and analysis, oral performative exercises; and (2) preparation of speeches for the contest, including analysis of past speeches, brainstorming topics, outlining, presentation and revisions of multiple speech drafts, detailed feedback from the instructor and students on all elements of speech construction and delivery.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | 1. Orientation 2. Chapter 1 “Opening and Closing” | orientation to the speech contest and its usefulness to students; watch a speech sample; learn phrases and patterns for speech starts and ends |
Class 2 | 1. Chapter 2 “Smooth Structure” 2. Brainstorm on the topic 3. Plagiarism; References | learn how to organize a speech; learn how to avoid plagiarism; learn how to cite sources properly |
Class 3 | 1. Chapter 5, “Facts and figures” 2. Chapter 9, “Storytelling” 3. Speech outline due | identify examples of effective speech construction techniques; practice phrases for signposting and transitions within oral presentations |
Class 4 | 1. Chapter 9, “Storytelling” 2. First draft due + Peer-critique | recognize the power of narrative in oral presentation; learn verb tense usage in and surrounding narrative; practice direct speech, simile, etc. |
Class 5 | 1. Chapter 7, “Rapport Building” 2. Chapter 8, “Impact Techniques” | learn how to build a relationship of trust with the audience; learn empathic speech techniques |
Class 6 | 1. Chapter 8, “Impact Techniques” 2. Second draft due + Peer-critique | learn how to use repetition, rhetorical questions, grouping ideas, and emphatic word choice; students assess each other's second drafts; feedback on structure and content; practice techniques for question and answer sessions |
Class 7 | Final presentation | detailed feedback on speech content and delivery; practice using pauses, stressed words, and inflection in speeches |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Mark Powell, Dynamic Presentations (Cambridge University Press, 2011)
Speeches from previous Tokyo Tech English Speech Contests will be analyzed in class.
Class Participation 30%
First draft of speech 15%
Second draft of speech 30%
Final presentation exam 25%
Upper intermediate English skills
The syllabus of this course is designed to continue on to the Speech Seminar 14 in the second quarter. It is strongly advised that students take this course with English Speech Seminar 14 (LAE.E472).
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.