Finding a Speech Topic

In a bizarre moment of research boredom, I realized that I forgot to tell you about my speech idea links (I think I told you I was going to tell you, but then spaced it).

If you are looking for a topic for your informative speech, head over to the blog and click "Speech Topic Ideas" in the top menu bar.  There are quite a few sites there that can help you get ideas for stuff you might teach us about.

I think the Global Issues Guide and Ted Talks are probably my favorite and, as you'll see, these can also help you when we get to the persuasive speeches.  For the informative, though, think in terms of giving us the background information.  When it's time to persuade us, you'll first have to fill us in on the background of your topic, right?  So for the informative, just stop there.  Things like history, definitely, description (your text goes over several ideas in the informative speaking chapter) make great informative speeches.

Let me know if you have little seeds of ideas that you want to run by me -- I'm happy to help!

Rubrics and Videos are Out

I meant to mention it in class this morning, but it was a frazzled Friday -- all of your rubrics and videos have been sent to your BlackBoard message inbox.  Go to the page for our class, then click "Messages" in the left-hand toolbar.

Each message as the rubric attached and a link where you can view your video.  Alternatively, I can email you your video if you have any trouble viewing it on the secure site (sometimes this trips people up).  You don't have to watch the video, but I do think it can be helpful.  Sometimes our concept of what we look/sound like isn't exactly accurate for others who are watching, so it's nice to be able to see what you look like from an outside perspective.  I highly encourage you to watch yourself (painful as I know it is).

Midterm Exam and Schedule Change

As a reminder, Monday is our midterm exam.  The exam consists of 20 multiple choice and 6 short answers questions covering chapters 1-6, 9, 13, and 15.  If you've gotten behind on readings, I would recommend starting NOW to get caught up, as the textbook is fair game for the exam, even though we didn't cover all of the details included in the chapters.

I had planned to cover visual aids tomorrow, but we will instead be discussing the next informative speech and doing a mid-term course evaluation activity that will allow me to get a read on how the class is feeling for you so far.

Not to worry, we will cover visual aids well before you need to incorporate one -- but that chapter is not covered in the mid-term, so I thought I'd save you some reading so that you can study for the exam instead.

See you tomorrow!

Documentary Screening

One speech under our belts!  If you're looking for an interesting evening out to celebrate, thinking about attending this intriguing documentary screening.  It describes one man's contributions to desegregation in Columbia, and it looks lovely!

Random Speech Selection

In the spirit of full disclosure, I wanted to post the engine that I use to randomly select speakers on speech days.

I use the numbers assigned to you on MyZou, first of all (you are all just numbered, alphabetically, 1, 2, 3, etc.).  Then I use The True Random Number Service to pull numbers 1 through 25.  Feel free to play around on it; it's kind of neat actually.  You will find that it is impossible to bias the generator.

On this first speech, we will need to hear 9 speeches on the first two days and 7 on the last day.  Remember that you need to come prepared on the first day, which includes having your outline uploaded to SafeAssign and having a paper copy in hand.  Otherwise, be sure you are familiar with the consequences of not being prepared in the course policies.  You may also want to review my rules for listening to ensure that you don't lose any points by being a poor listener.

Share Your Speeches

I hope you will all consider allowing the department to use your speech to help other students and TAs.  The form you will need to sign to do so is on page 7 of your course handbook.  You can also print it here.  Just bring the signed form to me any time -- your choice to do so really helps other students like yourself!  :)

Short Infos and SafeAssign

Just a reminder that your speeches are due in about a week.

Keep in mind that you will need to finish in time to upload your outline to SafeAssign (a tool available through our seldom used course BlackBoard site). Safe Assign can sometimes take up to 3 or 4 hours to process your documents; add to that the fact that I cannot let you speak until you're outline has been successfully uploaded, and it seems to me that you'd want to complete your finishing touches in time to upload on Thursday.

To access SafeAssign:
1. Open BlackBoard and find our course.
2. From the menu at the left side of the screen, choose "Course Content."
3. Choose the folder at the bottom of the screen (labeled "SafeAssign")
4. Click "View/Complete" under the heading "Short Informative Outline SafeAssign Submit"
5. Follow the directions on the following screens to upload your document.

If you have questions, please email me for help.  However, keep in mind that I often go to bed fairly early, which means that a panicked email sent at 11pm Thursday night will likely not reach me until I'm in the office Friday morning (and by then, it's kind of too late).

As per our course policies, if your outline is not uploaded when your name is called, you will be automatically reassigned to make-up day (and the appropriate penalty will be applied to your speech grade).  No excuses!

First Informative Speeches

To help you visualize your best Informative Speech, here's a sample of a good quality Famous Person Speech from a past semester. Notice that her organization is clear and that she does NOT read from her note cards.

iCom Meeting This Week

The Intercollegiate Communication Organization of MIZZOU is meeting this week, and they're hoping to gain some new members.  Free pizza and drinks and a great addition to your resume.  See their flier below:

Pinterest Audience IS Changing!

This is a really interesting article, especially in light of our audience analysis discussion on Monday:

Pinterest Expanding Its Audience Beyond Women