I. Course Outline—

A. Key Assignments

FALL SEMESTER:
Original Oratory/Original Advocacy
Humorous Interpretation
Debate
Service Club Contest essays/speeches
Impromptu
Slam Poetry
Student Congress
Speech analysis
Character analysis

SPRING SEMESTER:
Expository
Dramatic Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
Oratorical Interpretation
Job Interview
Student Congress
Stand up comedy
Project: TV variety show video
Speech analysis
Character analysis

B. Required Performance
Students in Speech I are required to participate in at least one activity related to course content each semester. Examples include speech tournaments, Ojai drama festival, VFW recorded essay contest, Lions Club Oratorical Contest, Optimist essay and/or speech contest. Please note that some of these activities (but not all) require students to travel to another school. The speech team will make carpool arrangements for those activities. Parents, we can always use your help in transporting students! In addition, there are many activities that take place at Foothill—some during school hours. Check Mrs. Kindred’s website for dates and details.

C. Oral and Listening Skills
Students are expected to be articulate. All speeches should be rehearsed multiple times and polished. Students are required to be in professional dress on the day that they deliver their speeches. In addition students will be expected to assist in the critiquing of their peers’ speeches in a positive and constructive manner.

II. Homework Requirements
Homework may be researching, drafting, writing, revising and/or practicing a speech. Most speeches will need to be memorized. Do not wait until the last minute to begin rehearsing. LATE WORK IS NEVER ACCEPTED! Each student will sign up for the day s/he will deliver his/her speech. It is his/her responsibility to be there on the given day.

III. Grading Policy
Generally speaking point values will be as follows:
Formal speeches ------------------------- 50 pts.
Tests--------------------------------------- 20 pts.
Classwork/informal speeches ---------- 5 – 20 pts.
Speech tourn. /Play reviews------------- 40 pts.

Student grades will be calculated as follows:
90 - 100=A
80 - 89=B
70 - 79=C
60 - 69=D
59 and below=F

IV. Attendance/Tardy Policies & Class Rules
Regular attendance is imperative. The school’s attendance and tardy policies will be followed! My classroom rules are as follows:
1. Students will treat others and their ideas with respect and courtesy.
2. Students will not disrupt others.
3. Students will need to wear professional dress when presenting a formal speech
4. No trash basketball or any other type of object tossing.

V. How to contact me
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact me at any time. One of the best ways to reach me is through my school e-mail which I check every morning and afternoon. My e-mail is jennifer.kindred@venturausd.org If you would rather speak to me in person, you may call my classroom at 289.0023 x2406. If you call during school hours, you may leave a message with one of my teaching assistants or on my voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible.

VI. Speech Team (Forensics)
I am also the speech and debate coach for FTHS. Members of the speech team compete in several contests throughout the year, including an invitational tournament at U.C. Berkeley. Students can choose from a variety of genres including four different types of debate, humorous interpretation, dramatic interpretation and persuasive speaking. I strongly urge interested students to join the speech team. Speech competitions are a fun way to meet new friends from around the state while polishing speaking and dramatic skills that are applicable in a variety of careers. Eligible students may also join the National Forensic League. Membership in this esteemed organization is a nice addition to a college application.