2009-10-- Roger's High Schools Oral Communications Students & Parents: WELCOME

Oral Communications is a one semester course. Although the course is a graduation requirement, oral communication teachers strive to make students comfortable with the public speaking portions of the course. We, naturally think the class is both fun and useful. Speech (Oral Communications) is not difficult. As a matter of fact, the only students that have ever failed Oral Communications (to my knowledge) have been students who have not completed major speaking assignments or have missed too many classes in order to receive credit according to district attendance policies.
Because Speech is a performance-based course (similar to music, band, drama, P.E.), I like to educate students on day one as to the requirements for passing: you cannot pass the class if you miss a major speaking assignment regardless of your grade. That is not to say that there could never be any highly unusual circumstances that occur that could possibly make me rethink policy, but only on a case by case basis--and only for students who have consistently shown a readiness and willingness to participate.
Most students do very well, and quite a few have admitted that once they had spoken a couple of times, that they felt pleased with their ability to do something they had never thought possible for them. Many others have claimed that Oral Communications had become one of their favorite classes because you will have numerous opportunities to voice and logically defend your opinions on a variety of topics.
REMEMBER, I am here for you. I can be at school early for the students at Heritage, and I can stay late for the students at RHS. You can email me or call me if you have concerns. HOWEVER, you cannot wait until the last minute to seek help or fail to do the step by step processes as they are assigned because you choose to visit with your neighbor in class, work on another assignment, etc. instead of producing something that shows a real effort (right or wrong)--and expect to delay your assignment. A student that claims they are nervous about speaking with a completed speech or outline in hand is a great deal more believable than a student who claims nervousness, but has little or nothing in hand.
Take a look at past posts on this blog to view examples, instructions, and web sites to help you with upcoming assignments. Some assignments will change, but there is much information that will be useful. Good luck!
Mrs. Taylor