The Role of Public Speaking in China’s English-Language Curriculum -- Stephen E. Lucas

Is there a permanent place for public speaking in the English-language curriculum at Chinese universities?

Bidding for the Olympic Games

Entrance to the World Trade Organization

What is the relationship between a public speaking course and courses in oral English?

Technical Competence in Oral English Vocabulary Vocabulary Grammar Grammar Syntax Syntax Usage Usage Pronunciation Pronunciation Accent Accent

Public Speaking More than technical proficiency More than technical proficiency Act of communication Act of communication Strategic communication Strategic communication Use of English as a working language Use of English as a working language

Situations Requiring English as a Working Language Formal public speeches Formal public speeches Informal speeches Informal speeches Negotiations and small-group communication Negotiations and small-group communication One-on-one communication One-on-one communication

Where does a course in public speaking fit in the English-language curriculum?

What are the primary topics to be covered in a public speaking course?

Content Structure Language Delivery

Content Informative: Convey information to audience Informative: Convey information to audience Persuasive: Change beliefs or actions of audience Persuasive: Change beliefs or actions of audience

Content Main points Main points Supporting materials Supporting materials

Content in “The Great Wall of China”

Structure Introduction Introduction Body Body Conclusion Conclusion

Importance of Structure Speech unfolds over time Speech unfolds over time As with a film, a speech must make sense to the audience as it develops across time As with a film, a speech must make sense to the audience as it develops across time

Structure in “The Great Wall of China”

Language Accuracy Accuracy Clarity Clarity Vividness Vividness

Language in “The Great Wall of China”

Delivery Delivery

Speaker’s Voice Rate (Speed) Rate (Speed) Volume Volume Vocal variety Vocal variety

Bodily Action Gestures Gestures Eye contact Eye contact Use of visual aids (PPT) Use of visual aids (PPT)

Visual Aids/PPT Enhance speaker ’ s ideas Enhance speaker ’ s ideas Prepare carefully: clear and professional Prepare carefully: clear and professional Present effectively: integrate with speaker ’ s presentation Present effectively: integrate with speaker ’ s presentation

Delivery in “The Great Wall of China”

Stagefright: Qie Chang

Creativity

What is the most effective method of instruction in public speaking?

Ideal Method of Instruction Small classes Small classes Chance to develop skills Chance to develop skills Experiential and active learning Experiential and active learning Consultation time for instructor Consultation time for instructor

Teaching Public Speaking in a Large Class Rely on lecture rather than discussion Rely on lecture rather than discussion Fewer speaking opportunities Fewer speaking opportunities Break class into small units for speeches Break class into small units for speeches Students create their own speaking opportunities Students create their own speaking opportunities

Are there other courses related to public speaking that could contribute to the English-language curriculum in China?

Rhetoric Art of effective communication between a speaker (or writer) and an audience Art of effective communication between a speaker (or writer) and an audience Developed in ancient Greece Developed in ancient Greece Aristotle ’ s Rhetoric Aristotle ’ s Rhetoric Studied for 2,500 years Studied for 2,500 years

Rhetorical Theory

Public Address