Public Speaking
A Guide to Credit for Prior Learning
Typical Learning Experiences of Students Earning Lower-Level Credit:
- Speak or present to audiences of various sizes and levels in both formal and informal settings.
- Attend speaking courses. (Students who have taken the ACE-evaluated Dale Carnegie course may be eligible for three lower-level credits without further evaluation).
Typical Learning Experiences of Students Earning Upper-Level Credit:
- Generally, credit granted in public speaking is lower-level.
- Students who do receive upper-level credit demonstrate learning in communications theory and may have experience in training and/or evaluating speakers.
Discussion Topics:
If students are familiar with some (but not necessarily all) of the following topics, they may be eligible for lower-level credit in the area of public speaking. If students are familiar with advanced questions, they may be eligible for upper-level credit. If knowledge of some of the topics is substantial, the students may consider requesting additional credit in more narrowly defined areas.
Experience
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- Describe your experience in speaking/presenting. How many speeches or presentations have you given? How often? What type? How long are they?
Relationships, knowledge of discipline, methodologies (upper-level):
- Have you taught someone else how to do an effective presentation? If so, please explain.
Formats/Media
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- Describe the types of speeches/presentations you give and the media used.
- What reading have you done in the area of visual aids?
Content
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- What are the topics you speak on?
- How do you determine the content of your speech?
- What research do you do?
- How do you determine examples to use?
- Give the characteristics of an effective opening.
- Give the characteristics of an effective closing.
- What books/articles have you read about content?
Practice
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How do you practice?
- Do you use audio or video for help?
- How often do you practice?
Audience Analysis
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How important is audience analysis in presenting/speaking?
- What do you do to connect/build rapport with your audience?
Non-Verbal Messages
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How do you define non-verbal messages?
- Do you use eye contact? Do you have a special technique you use?
- Do you use gestures? When? How often?
Room Set-Up
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How do you determine your room set-up?
- How does a particular set-up help with delivering information?
Handouts
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How do you use handouts?
- What purposes do your handouts serve?
- When do the participants get them?
Humor
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- How do you use humor? When and why is it appropriate?
Strengths
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- What are your strengths in speaking/presenting? Why?
Weaknesses/Obstacles you have overcome
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- What are your weaknesses or obstacles you have had to overcome in becoming a speaker? How did you accomplish that?
Most Important Fact
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- What do you feel is the most important thing a speaker needs to remember or do when speaking?
Miscellaneous
Facts, definitions, concepts (lower-level):
- Is there anything else you wanted me to know about you and this topic?
