1. Communication Crash Course
Speech Communication
Houston Community College Northwest
Professor Autumn Raynor 2019
Communications Crash Course

2. Welcome to the Lectern!
Syllabus, Assignments, Schedules & Resources are on the Learning Web
All assignments must be submitted in hardcopy, typed and stapled. A typed full sentence outline is required for each speech.
We sign up for speech order on the class period before speech day. If you are absent on sign up day, your name will be added to the list.
All students should be prepared to speak on the first day of speeches.
Make up speeches will only be performed during office hours. An eleven point penalty will be applied.

3. Welcome to the Lectern!
APA format is used in this class. Visit our class’ LW for an APA tutorial and outline examples
You may me drafts of your work for assistance. I’d be glad to help you.
You must arrive to class within 15 minutes of its start time
During speeches all distractions should be minimized; laptops, phones and tablets must be put away

4. NO Means NO
NO Means NO
Do NOT walk into the classroom when one of your classmates is at the lectern. Wait outside until you hear applause and enter quickly. Do NOT chew gum or eat candy at the lectern. Do NOT bring food to class. Do NOT use unkind or impolite language in outlines, speeches or discussions. Do NOT miss more than three classes.

5. PLAGIARISM: NOT EVEN ONCE
You MUST acknowledge sources for any material you use that is not your original work. This includes quotes, paraphrased content, statistics, facts and other material.
HCC Student Code of Conduct lists the following penalties for plagiarism: a zero for the assignment, a zero in the course, and/or dismissal from the college.
I can help you with references and citations.

6. How to earn an “A” Use ONLY index cards at the lectern. Ask questions.
Keep up with your grades and absences.
Give respect to and expect respect from our classmates.
Do your personal best. Find your voice.
Practice by telling us something interesting.

7. Speech communication theories, principles and key concepts

8. All Voices
Language influences culture and culture influences language.
We make words for things we need; we don’t have extra words sitting around.
Language is always evolving.
We put content in dictionaries, dictionaries do not dictate our words.
Words can have denotative (dictionary), connotative (emotional) and coded (secret) meanings.

9. American Voices Americans speak an average of 135 words per minute.
American brains process an average of 400 words per minute.
The United States of America has no official language on the federal level.
‘Standard English’ is an aspirational practice, not enforced by our government.
American Voices

10. Y’all fixin’ to get a coke?

11. Perception is Reality

12. Use Your Schema (you don’t really have a choice).
Schema is the collection of everything you know about your world; your entire collection of knowledge. You use this schema to interpret, measure and evaluate all new information.

13. Theories Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

14. Communication Definition
The process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction.
As a process communication constantly changes.
Meaning involves thoughts, ideas, and understandings shared by communicators.
Symbols include the words and nonverbal behaviors to communicate meaning and feelings.

15. The Communication Process
Context provides the people, the occasion and the task of communication.
Physical environment is the actual place or space where communication occurs.
Climate influences the emotional atmosphere.

16. Communication Process Modeling

17. Principles of Communication
Communication is transactional. You give something and you get something.
Communication is complex for several reasons.
It is interactive because many processes are involved.
It is symbolic because symbols are open to interpretation.
It is personal & cultural because a person’s culture can add a new or different meaning to a phrase or gesture.

18. Principles of Communication
It is irreversible because once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back.
It is circular because it involves both original messages and feedback which is necessary to confirm communication.
It is purposeful because there is always a reason behind a message and it helps meet our needs.
It is impossible to duplicate because each interaction is unique.

19. Principles of Communication
Communication is unavoidable. It is impossible to not communicate-with the universe.
Communication is continuous. Future interactions and relationships are shaped by previous interactions. We pick up where we leave off.
Communication skills can always be learned and improved upon.

20. Communication Levels
1. Academic Speech- Used for precision and to announce the vocabulary knowledge of the speaker.
2. Vernacular Speech- Used for general conversation and includes cultural fluctuations of formality.
3. Slang Speech- Used for creative, informal ‘in-group’ conversations.