COM 109 — Clarity, Structure, and Impact: Delivering Persuasive Presentations
Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): Rod C. Taylor
Date(s): Oct 5—Nov 9
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 6:00—7:50 pm (PT)
Tuition: $465
Refund Deadline: Oct 7
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 45
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Fall
Day: Mondays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00—7:50 pm (PT)
Date(s): Oct 5—Nov 9
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $465
Refund Deadline: Oct 7
Instructor(s): Rod C. Taylor
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 45
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
What makes an audience lean forward and pay attention? Why do some presentations clarify and persuade while others quickly dissolve into background noise? This course explores how effective speakers capture attention, organize ideas, and move audiences through clear and compelling lines of reasoning. Drawing on rhetorical theory from Aristotle to Kenneth Burke, alongside examples ranging from classic literature to top-charting music, journalism, and film, we’ll examine how memorable openings draw audiences in, narratives sustain momentum, and thoughtful conclusions create emotional and intellectual impact. Students will analyze presentations and speeches, develop their own communication style through hands-on workshops and guided feedback, and learn practical techniques to communicate with clarity, confidence, and persuasive force.
Advanced-level proficiency in spoken English is required.