Students who enroll in this course will participate in Open Forum, a weekly showcase of student speeches followed by discussions. Open Forum takes place in Taki Plaza at lunch time and will, with the permission of the presenter, be broadcast to registered viewers. The following are goals of the course: (1) to obtain basic knowledge regarding oral expression and public speaking; (2) to brush up speech and public speaking skills; (3) to improve critical thinking and analytical skills regarding presentations by writing, rewriting, and rehearsing students' own speeches. Each student will receive personal coaching on their oral expression skills.
Students who have completed this course should exhibit the following: (1) completion of an outline and at least 3 drafts of an original speech on a topic of their interests; (2) two 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; (4) improved ability to give and receive constructive feedback on the speeches and oral presentations of classmates.
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
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An instructor with work experience as a performer will provide hands-on experience in the performing arts, based on practice in the field that fosters critical thinking and encourages creativity and self-expression. |
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. (Note: Syllabus is subject to change based on the level, needs, and actual number of students.)
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | 1. Orientation to the Class 2. Chapter 6, “Body language” 3. Chapter 10, “Question & Answer Sessions” | orientation to the speech contest; develop cultural awareness of body language; intensive practice for question and answer sessions after a presentation |
Class 2 | 1. Final draft of speech due 2. Practice speeches in small groups 3. Chapter 3, “Voice power” | analyze movement in speeches; practice speech presentation |
Class 3 | 1. Rehearsal & feedback (1) 2. Video recording of speeches (1) | present speech in front of camera; receive coaching on fine points of presentation style; memorization; view and analyze own presentation; rehearse speech delivery; coaching |
Class 4 | 1. Rehearsal & feedback (2) 2. Video recording of speeches (2) | speech delivery practice; polish delivery |
Class 5 | 1. Rehearsal & feedback (3) 2. Video recording of speeches (3) | deliver oral presentations and handle Q&A with a live audience of students and faculty |
Class 6 | Chapter 4, “Visual aids” | assess one’s performance and set goals; learn terms and techniques for effective use of visual aids |
Class 7 | Final presentation exam | synthesize and use concepts and skills taught in the textbook and in class |
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%
Final draft of speech: 25%
Participation in the contest: 25%
Final presentation exam: 20%
upper intermediate English skills
Registration for two consecutive quarters is required for this course.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.