Public Speaking

(COM 01)

Feeling uneasy about an upcoming toast at a wedding or a business presentation? Many of us wish we could speak more clearly and confidently. Informed by scholarly research, this course provides a hands-on, practical introduction to the theory, basic principles, and methods of effective public speaking. Using a variety of directly relevant contexts (e.g., job interviews, sales presentations, and business meetings), we will focus on the three major aspects of speechmaking: delivery, organization, and oratorical style. This course will consist of a combination of lectures, discussions, group activities, video analysis, and speechmaking. Everyone will develop, deliver, and then evaluate both formal (informative and persuasive) and informal (question/answer and impromptu) speeches. Additionally, students will learn speech apprehension management techniques, effective use of visual aids, and tips and tricks for powerful online presentations.

Matt Abrahams, Speech Communication Instructor, DeAnza College

Matt Abrahams received a BA in psychology from Stanford and an MA in communication from UC Davis. He has published several articles on speaking anxiety, persuasion, and interpersonal communication and he teaches and does research and development to aid in the learning and teaching of communication. Previously he was an executive in the high tech industry for ten years.