A study of and practice in oral communication, including principles of interviewing, group discussion, listening, informative briefings, and persuasive speeches.

Theory and practice of persuasive discourse analysis and composition. Research techniques, logical and rhetorical conceptions of argument, and technical principles for persuading in public venues.

A study of how perception, self-concept, and verbal and nonverbal communications affect the communication process as it emerges in the workplace. The course provides skill training in speech writing, public speaking, group communication, interpersonal communication, listening, and responding.

Students, as they make use of evolving technologies, need to be able to present themselves effectively in front of any number of different audiences through any number of different outlets. Whether in an interview on radio, a guest presentation at a conference, in comments on a video blog, in commentary on TV, in the lead on a self-produced YouTube video, or as spokesperson in front of investors or management, professionals need strong oral communication skills. This class focuses on strengthening those skills through active individual and group presentations, as well as, through discussion of key techniques and group critique of presentation publicly available in the social media space on sites such as YouTube.

An introduction to the fundamental practice and theory of public speaking and oral communication using theatrical techniques of both performance and the craft of storytelling.