California State University, Fullerton

Human Communication Studies

Dr. Page, HCOM 102               

                                                        OUTSIDE-THE-CLASS ASSIGNMENT

 

                                                            SPEECH CRITIQUE OPTION      

                                                                    [Due:  December 4th]

 

Observe, describe and evaluate a live non-classroom speech; preferably one delivered by a person with considerable public

speaking experience.  Your analysis should result in a 3-5 page double-spaced essay to include the following:

 

 

·        Description.  Describe the speaking event in terms of the situation (date, location, size of audience, audience

      expectations), the speaker's specific purpose, thesis statement, and structure. How did the speaker adapt

      to his/her audience?  Were there any obstacles the speaker needed to overcome?

 

·        Evaluation.  Evaluate the choices made by the speaker in light of his/her purpose, audience and obstacles. 

      Indicate how well the speaker adapted to his/her audience.

 

·        Suggestions.  Suggest ways the speaker might improve should he/she attempt a similar speaking challenge in the future.

 

·        Insight(s).  Indicate what you learned about speechmaking from doing this assignment.  Also indicate

      practices you would consider incorporating into your own speech-making.

 

 

                                    Note:  Do not include content of the speech unless some specific aspect is

                                    needed to illustrate a specific point of your analysis.

 

                                    Note:  Your written expression will be a factor in evaluation.  Please check

                                    your writing against the “Page's Gig List.” (available on the class website)

 

Some sources of speeches: 

            Religious service

            Political rallies

            Guest speakers on campus  (check Daily Titan)

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        What to do

 

 

• Complete your observation at least one week before the due date (see above) in order to

      allow time for effective writing to take place.

 

• Generate a working outline of your paper.  Plan an introduction, body, conclusion, and

transitions (or subheadings).

 

• Based on your outline, write a rough draft of the paper. 

 

• After two days, revise it and write a second draft.

 

• Have a friend read your second draft and comment on it.  Note: Listen to your friend's

comments and impressions without interrupting.  Take notes on what he/she says; do not

argue or justify.

 

• Revise and rewrite.

 

• Read the paper aloud.

 

• Write a penultimate (next to the last) draft.  Edit for correctness (check against Page's Gig List). 

       Your paper must be double-spaced with one-inch margins, and should not exceed five pages.

 

• Write a final draft.  Staple your pages together.  Please do not place them in a plastic binder.

 

• Submit it and expect a high grade.

 

 

Criteria for Grading

 

• Have the expectations of the assignment been fulfilled?

 

• Are public speaking principles clearly identified and explained?

 

• Is the paper written so and intelligent person could easily read and understand it?

 

• Is the paper logical, coherent, and well organized?

 

• Has the paper been carefully proofread and free from mechanical errors?