Units
Strategic Speech Communication
Unit code: KCD103
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit is based in rhetorical and communication theories, as a base for developing professionals who are articulate presenters, probing but empathic interviewers and interviewees, and good team players. Theory and practice are interrelated to develop understanding and self-reflexivity within students in terms of their own communication skills, and to guide them to become effective leaders in the communication industries and professions. Practice in simulated work situations will allow growth and learning in the laboratory of the classroom.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 13TP1 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP3 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit emphasises both the theory and practice of speech and interpersonal communication. It introduces theories of language, rhetoric and persuasion, which are interrelated to promote understanding and development of your communication skills. Classroom practice in simulated work situations will enhance the leadership skills you need to become articulate presenters in a range of contexts including personal presentations.
Aims
The unit aims to develop in students:
- an understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical application of rhetoric, semiotics, and interpersonal communication as an underpinning for effective and professional communication practices within the workplace.
- the ability to be articulate presenters, with a self-awareness that allows for self-critique and continued growth.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate and present material in a professional and persuasive manner, both oral and written.
2. Discuss and analyse the rhetorical bases of persuasive speaking underpinning the choices a speaker makes in public presentations whether in a live situation or via the media.
3. reflect on and appraise individual oral communication skills in both interpersonal and public contexts.
Content
The unit draws from the following areas:
- Meaning-making and the reality of construction.
- Theories of persuasion.
- Preparing for speaking - persuasive strategies.
- Persuasion in action - practical critiques.
- The big picture - image management.
- Verbal and non-verbal languages.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit involves one hour lectures and two hour tutorial workshops. The lectures are designed to explore the theoretical concepts underpinning the areas of communication practice studied in this unit. Video and textual case studies of speakers, interviews, and presenters are used to explore aspects of effective professional communication.
The tutorial and workshop exercises are designed to develop your understanding and competency in the skills required for successful communication practice. Simulations allow you to use the tutorials as a laboratory for real life professional situations. In-class exercises, provide the opportunity to study effective persuasion, and, importantly, allow you to reflect on your own practice.
The unit develops a distinctive, self-reflexive approach to learning to encourage independent critical inquiry, creativity, self-reflexivity and a commitment to professionalism. You are given the opportunity to practice and receive detailed feedback in tutorial sessions.
You will be expected to attend all scheduled class activities and show evidence each week of having studied the relevant readings.
Some tutorial sessions will be set aside for assessment items.
Feedback
You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
- ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during lectures and practical sessions
- your assignments will be returned to you before the end of semester with comments on your progress
- private consultation with teaching staff
Assessment name:
Critique (Written & Oral)
Description:
Written take-home exam. You will view a video-taped professional speech or presentation which you will rhetorically analyse. You will also analyse an historical speech of importance and present your findings in class through a short oral presentation.
Relates to objectives:
1 & 2
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Assessment name:
Oral Exam
Description:
Persuasive Oral Exam. You will be required to prepare and present a powerfully persuasive 5-7 minute oral presentation to be presented in tutorial to your tutor and peers.You will also submit a written appraisal of your oral presentation reflecting on ideas discussed in lectures and tutorials.
Visit the Blackboard site for details on the due date.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3.
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
TBA
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
KCD103 Student Guide. Available from the Bookshop
Suggested Texts
McCarthy, P. and Hatcher, C. (2002) Speaking persuasively: The essential guide to giving dynamic presentations and speeches, 2nd Edition. Allen & Unwin.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 14-Mar-2013
