 |
"Or what is so pleasing to the mind and the ear as a speech which is furnished and refined with important thoughts and language?"
|  |
SCCC's catalog description of Introduction to Speech identifies it as a first-year course that:
. . . aids the student in gaining skill, confidence and fluency in speech. It offers a study of the basic aspects of speech composition and delivery, as well as practice in the preparation and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Students also study rational discussion, extemporaneous speaking, and the evocative (emotional) elements of speech.
The goals of the course as described above can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Some instructors focus primarily or exclusively on practical steps for public oral communication, while others integrate theoretical approaches with the practical. The theoretical approaches instructors may find appropriate can come from a number of different disciplines:
My own approach to this course is to blend rhetorical/communication theory with practical guidelines in order to help people build a comfortable theoretical platform of human communication concepts from which they can create and deliver speeches in a variety of situations. As a result, in learning how to communicate orally in a public setting, people learn what rhetoric and oratory are, and how they work. They then apply rhetorical principles to their preparation and presentation of instructional, informational, explanatory/analytical, persuasive, and special occasion speeches.
Links to Some Web Sites on Public Speaking and Oratory
General websites on Oratory:
Oratory
(http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/gallery/rhetoric/terms/oratory.html)
This site offers a definition of oratory, as well as some information about its development in Western culture.
American Rhetoric (http://www.americanrhetoric.com/)
In this site, after providing a definition of rhetoric by 20th century rhetorician Kenneth Burke ("The strategic use of symbols to induce cooperation in humans who by nature respond to symbols"), Michael E. Eidenmuller offers a number of valuable tools for orators. Among these tools are: audio examples of a number of rhetorical devices (along with their definitions); links to research tools for orators; and links to over 5000 samples of public oratory (see below). Eidenmuller is an Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Texas, Tyler.
Toastmasters International (http://www.toastmasters.org)
This is the homepage of Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization with local clubs whose purpose is to enable people to acquire public speaking skills and confidence by practicing public speaking with club members.
Websites offering access to speech texts and/or audio performances:
Online Speech Bank (http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speechbank.htm)
In his site called American Rhetoric, Michael E. Eidenmuller offers links to over 5000 texts and audio or visual recordings of public oratory, including: speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, and debates.
[Frederick] Douglass Archives of American Public Address--Speeches Listed by Speaker (http://douglassarchives.org/)
In this site you can find the texts of speeches made by 19th and 20th century men and women in the United States. The texts of several written documents by women and men classified as having historical importance are also included.
Great Speeches (http://www.chicago-law.net/speeches/speech.html)
On this page you can choose to hear a variety of 20th century speeches.)
The History Place: Great Speeches (http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/previous.htm)
This site provides the text of a number of historically notable speeches.
The History Channel: Great Speeches (http://www.historychannel.com/speeches)
This History Channel site provides the opportunity to listen to a different 20th century speech daily from broadcasts or recordings; from its archives you can also access speeches it has made available in the past.
Sites addressing nervousness (stage fright):
10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking (http://www.toastmasters.org/tips.htm)
This page, part of the Toastmasters organization's site, offers hints for easing nervousness about public speaking.
Overcoming Stage Fright (http://www.cello.org/cnc/tim17.htm)
While the suggestions and resources offered on this page refer specifically to stage fright for cello players, most of them also are useful for public speakers. (This page is also a nice reminder that stage fright is relatively common and occurs in all forms of public performance.)
Speakers' Platform Cafe (http://www.speaking.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html)
This page offers access to both a Java-based chat room and a message board through which people can discuss aspects of public speaking, obtain advice, and simply be reminded that many others share the same concerns, especially about nervousness. Even though its focus is largely on speaking in sales and business meeting contexts, it can be useful for other kinds of speaking situations.