Students gain practical experience in speaking situations, group discussion, and informative and persuasive presentations. Emphasis is on confidence-building through extemporaneous delivery and through audiovisual resources. The public speaking course is designed to develop the ability to effectively present a variety of speech types. Exercises in voice production and diction and informal presentations will develop confidence and fluidity in public speaking. Through lectures, class discussions, projects and assigned reading, students will become familiar with important theories of communication. Research, preparation, and presentation of several formal speeches will allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively. Prerequisite or corequisite: ENG 101.