FAQs About Distance Learning Speech Classes
1. If this class is a Distance Learning class why do we have to meet three times?
Answer: This course is designed to allow a person to compete the course objectives entirely at a distance although it places the responsibility on the distance learning student for gathering an audience, video recording the speech, and submitting the video recording. A person can do it that way but it might be easier to meet three times to deliver speeches and provide feedback to classmates. This approach allows you to be audience members for one another and your instructor will be able to assist with capturing and uploading the video recording.
By offering three face-to-face meeting opportunities classmates can more easily fulfill the speaking requirements without having to worry about finding audience members or recording equipment. It is your choice as the student to decide which approach best meets your needs. Be sure to communicate with you instructor if you have any questions or concerns.
2. The syllabus says that the online quizzes are ungraded; does that mean that we can skip them?
Answer: Only you can know how you best study or learn new material. The quizzes are a great way to learn new material and test your understanding of the chapter material you've read. They are not exactly like the Exams although there may be some similarities. Students who take the quizzes multiple times tend to earn a full letter-grade higher on the exams than those students that spend little time using the quizzes. So while the choice is yours the benefits are pretty clear.
3. The quizzes seem to have different questions every time I take them. What's up with that?
Answer: The quizzes include only 10 questions pulled randomly from a pool of 15 - 25 questions. Each time you take a particular quiz you will see some new questions. By taking the quiz 3 or more times you increase the chance of seeing all the questions and gaining the most benefit. You also give yourself a chance to learn what you don't know.
You will notice the quiz feedback includes information about what you got wrong and where you can find the right answer. This makes the quizzes a great way to become familiar with the course content.
4. What do we have to submit when we give our speech?
Answer: Each of the three required speeches is a little different although all require submission through the drop box of a preparation outline as described in your textbook in chapter 11- "Outlining your Speech." You may also need to submit some sort of visual aid or PowerPoint presentation through the drop box. If you are video recording your own speech you will need to submit the digital video recording either through the drop box. or by sending it to your instructor at the address provided by your instructor.
5. What's the difference between a preparation outline, speaking outline and manuscript? Which should we use?
Answer: This course emphasizes "extemporaneous" speaking. This means that you should never read your speech from a manuscript or write it out word for word. Instead, create a preparation outline using full sentences to plan out your speech. Then, as you begin practicing, create a speaking outline. The speaking outline goes on your note cards and is generally short phrases that will help keep your thoughts organized.
You might take a look at the material in your text on extemporaneous speaking in the delivery chapter of our textbook.
6. What type of speaking notes can I use and what should I NOT use?
Answer: Brief speaker notes as described in your text on page 232 are what I recommend. I don't want you to use a "manuscript" Don't use off-camera notes such as having a speech written out word-for-word on a flip chart. I've seen people use a teleprompter set up thinking I wouldn't notice. To me this is cheating as it certainly is not an opportunity that students meeting face-to-face would have! The reality is this is not a technique that will serve you well when asked by your employer to make a presentation to the corporate Board of Directors. I really can tell when off-camera notes are used.
7. Do you have to use visual aids in the informative speeches?Answer: A visual aids is not required in the first informative speech. However the first speech is a good time to "practice" with visual aids. The second informative speech and the persuasive speech both require the use of a visual aid.
At a minimum this means one PowerPoint (or similar) slide incorporated appropriately into the speech. Certainly more than one slide and more than one type of visual aid would be acceptable.
8. What kinds of visual aids are acceptable?
Answer: You can use any type of presentational aids you wish in your speeches although at least one PowerPoint (or similar) slide is required. Remember the advice shared in your text regarding the use of electronic presentation graphics. They should be prepared and practiced in advance, explained clearly, used only while being discussed and should not become a crutch for the speaker. Visual aids should help audience members recall and understand information presented. The visual aid should never distract audience members from the speaker's message.
9. If I use PowerPoint as a presentational aid, what should I consider?
Answer: Students do PowerPoint in a couple of different ways. Most place their PowerPoint or similar file in the drop box. Some will bring a USB "flash drive" on presentation day. Many do both as it is always wise to have a backup plan when relying on technology.
This is not a PowerPoint course. PowerPoint should never be the message of a speech. Good speakers use technology and other aids to support their message not to be the message. I recommend students spend twice as much time practice with their visual aid as they spend creating/gathering them. This means that students should never spend hours and hours creating a PowerPoint slide. Rather spend 20 minutes creating a basic slide that reinforces a basic message of your speech and then practice using that visual aid for 40 minutes.
10. I would like to use an audio track or video in my speech. Can I do that?
Answer: There are situations where a short audio track or video segment can enhance a speech and the audience's understanding of that speech. It is not acceptable however to use the audio or video segment in place of the speaker. A short clip of no more than 20 seconds should be the maximum a speaker would use in a 5 - 7 minute speech. Numerous problems are inherent with efforts to incorporate audio and visual aids into a speech. Your text book addresses many of those issues in chapter fourteen.
11. Where can we go to video record our speech if we decide not to join classmates at a campus location?
Answer: You can video record your speech in a variety of locations although this may be less convenient than meeting classmates at a campus location. You might record your speech at work, or in a community room available at your local library or church. Panera Bread and some other companies have established community rooms for area organizations wishing to use common meeting space. You would need to coordinate the use of this space in advance and be sure to bring your own audience members and recording equipment.
12. What formats can speeches be video recorded in?
Answer: Digital technology is preferred. Additional details are available on the Video Directions page. Many families have purchased a digital video camera in the last couple years. Hopefully someone in your family owns one. Many of these record to a digital tape, a video DVD disc or a video card. It is also possible to connect a digital camera to a laptop or other computer through a "firewire" connection and record directly onto the computer's hard drive.
VHS is no longer adequately supported. I'm willing to experiment with other formats, but please check with me and test your equipment prior to making your recording.
13. I have to give a presentation at work or in the community; can I use it for credit?
Answer: Yes, credit for speaking in the community, a conference, etc. is acceptable. Remember, though, that your speech is graded against the criteria required for the speech class, not based on the criteria of your audience or situation. If you decide to use a speaking event at work or in the community be sure your speaking event allows you to achieve all of the objectives requires for the speaking assignment.
14. When are assignments due?
Answer: Due dates for assignments are identified in the "When things are Due" page in the "First Day: Everything That is Important" under the "Lessons" tab. The time for things to be completed is 11:30 p.m. This time was chosen as it allows students plenty of time into the evening hours to make submissions but still during the time that the Sinclair IT department staffs the Help Desk.
15. What do I do if I need IT help? What sorts of help can I expect from the Help Desk?
Answer: The IT Help Desk is available from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight seven days a week except for holidays or if the campus is closed for any other reason. The Help Desk can assist students with questions about accessing their Sinclair email accounts, using the online Angel course enhancements, accessing the resources of the library, and even answer some questions about software supported by the IT department. You can contact the IT Help Desk at 937 512-HELP.
16. Should I use a podium?
Answer: You may use a podium but by the time you complete the course many of you should be able to speak without one. A podium creates a physical barrier between the speaker and audience. It limits the gestures and other body language audience members can read and creates a psychological distance between speaker and audience. A speaker should reduce the distance both physical and psychological between audience and speaker.
17. Do you grade on quality of the recording? What taping elements should I consider?
Answer: This is NOT a broadcasting class, so you are NOT evaluated on the quality of the recording of your speech. HOWEVER, that there are elements of the recording that will certainly impact the grading. The Video Directions page provides information on creating your video recording. Here are several guidelines:
· I want to be able to see and hear a number of things. It is important that part of the video capture the audience members, hopefully in rapt interest to your speech.
· I want to see your body language and your facial expression. Most of the time the camera should focus on a shot that captures the speaker from the waist up including any arm movement or hand gestures.
· I do not want to see the ceiling, floor or walls. I certainly don't want to see only the visual aids and not the speaker.
· Don't be afraid to move while on camera. While nervous movement is bad, some movement is good! This will require the help of a friend.
· Consider using multiple light sources to reduce shadows. Turn the lights up full when taping indoors and avoid standing in front of a bright window or doorway.
· Consider your background. Simple is best. Speaking in front of bare walls or curtains works well. Wear a color that contrasts rather than blends with your background.
· Video recording your speech including your audience won't be easy and likely requires that you have a friend from the audience pan the room to capture the audience, zoom the camera on your body language, gestures, and facial expression for much of the speech and perhaps use a wider shot if you are using a visual aid.
