Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Speech Communication

Home
Meet Your Teacher
Course Materials/Assignments
Handouts
Tips and Hints
Speech Communication for Business & the Professions

fscjlogo.gif

flaglerlogo.jpg

Welcome to my class!

This course entails the understanding of communication accuracy and the application of those useful skills. To better communicate you must first understand yourself, your own communication with others, as well as the education and training skills to complete this goal. We will build a foundation of communication skills which will include the study of communication processes, language, listening, perception and nonverbal communication, then implement these concepts into our public speaking.  The course consists of textbook readings, class lectures, practical applications and in-class assignments and speeches.

The course is broken into two major sections: Communication Skills and Public Speaking. You will have two equally weighted tests, four presentations and in class activities. In addition, you will be graded on your classroom participation and attendance.

For those of you a little more apprehensive than others, I want you all to know that this class is not about making you nervous and forcing you to stand in front of people while they stare at you!  This class is about learning how to become a better communicator in your personal and professional life, AND how to become a better public speaker. I work in an environment of relaxation, calmness, and most of all fun.  There is no reason to be scared, and I will give you tips on how to manage your anxiety.  Really...there is nothing to be afraid of!  I will work with all of you in order for you to successfully complete this course, and the one thing I ask is that you TRY! 

 

Events and Announcements
Updated 8/29

BE HEALTHY!

FSCJ and Flagler offer various activities to keep you healthy. Check the college websites for exercise, dance, Zumba, or yoga and pilates. The gyms are free to students as well...take advantage of the resources offered to students!

Other local Jax and FSCJ events, and Flagler St. Augustine events, will be posted here. Anything you have going on that you want the classes to know about, tell me about it and I can post it for you!

.

STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ahalogo.gif

Support the American Heart Association and the Heart Walk teams!  In September, starting at Metropolitan Park in downtown Jacksonville, teams from all over the city will be walking for a cause.  Time and date are TBA.  
 
If you have any questions, contact your local American Heart Association by phone at (904)256-5640. Remember the American Heart Association and Live and Learn!

.

Volunteer Opportunities!!! 
 
If any of you have some info on volunteer opportunities, let me know and I will post them for you.  Here are a few places are looking for help!  

salvationarmy.jpg

The Salvation Army is calling for your help to "Ring the Bells" this holiday season.  If you would like to aid the Salvation Army this year as a volunteer bell ringer, please contact Shaqrria at the Kent Campus of FSCJ at 381-3617 to offer your help and good tidings to those in need!

kampkritter.jpg

Kamp Kritter, a no-kill animal shelter in Jacksonville, is looking for volunteers to help interact with and walk dogs, answer questions, and help with other duties at the Riverside Arts Market on Saturdays from 9:30am-4:30pm (flexible shifts available).  If you would like to help at the Market, or at the shelter, or want more information, please contact Toni Kueneman at (904)891-4066 or craze4cockers@live.com

In the News

Clipart of a newspaper; Size=234 pixels wide

BREAKING NEWS...

Nonverbal Communications course, SPC 2330, for the Kent Campus of FSCJ has had a hiatus.

This class is a more intensive study into nonverbal communication that focuses more behind the science of what it all means! This will be a fun and interesting look into how our bodies talk!

If you are interested, I need at least 15 students to request and make a class. Let's try to bring more body language education back to FSCJ!

FSCJ FORENSICS Speech Debate:



Anyone interested in joining the FSCJ team where you can compete in the area of public speaking? Events in which you can showcase your skills are in the following areas of speaking: Informative, Persuasive, Impromptu, After Dinner Speaking, Oral/Dramatic Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Programmed Oral Interpretation, Debate...and more! If this is something you may be interested in trying, contact the Director of Forensics, Dr. Audry Antee at the South Campus at aantee@fscj.edu for more info!


Talent grants are available

Please get in touch with any questions or comments on my site.

Mindy Peck Kurtz, M.A.
Professor of Speech
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Kent Campus/Cecil Center
Flagler College
Office Phone: (904)381-3426
Email: mpeck@fscj.edu
Website: http://www.fscj.edu
Center for Body Language Website: http://www.centerforbodylanguage.com