Nov 22, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

COMS 1030 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking


The Fundamentals of Public Speaking course develops understanding of theories and skills related to successful communication in the presentational speaking context. Through the use of interpretive and rhetorical methods students understand meaning, context, culture, diversity, ethics, research, and language in the development and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches that are informed by and adapted to desired audiences.

Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS Bridge: Diversity and Practice, Bridge: Ethics and Reasoning, Bridge: Speaking and Listening
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2HL
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMCOM Transfer Module English: Oral Communication, TAG course: OCM013 Public Speaking/Oral Communication
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to define and explain communication terms and principles that serve as a basis for competent oral communication.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of theories related to public communication, including listening, reasoning, verbal and nonverbal communication, gender communication, intercultural communication, ethics and audience analysis.
  • Students will be able to analyze the self, audience, and situation and adapt their speech to the specific cultural and social context in which it is delivered.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the communication process and the ways that culture and diverse experiences impact the sharing of meaning.
  • Students will be able to apply principles of diversity related to public communication situations and demonstrate competent communication practices that value diverse perspectives.
  • Students will be able to conduct research, prepare, and deliver well-organized impromptu, extemporaneous informative and persuasive presentations that contain effective supporting materials to accomplish the presentational goal.
  • Students will be able to locate, analyze, and use research in an ethical manner to support ideas.
  • Students will be able to critically and ethically evaluate public communication attempts delivered by others.
  • Students will be able to apply interpretive and rhetorical methods to understand meaning, context, culture, and language.


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