COMM 320
Business & Professional Speaking
Fall 2009

M & W, 9-10:15

Thompson Hall 211

Catalogue Description

Study of basic theories and skills of communication in a variety of professional contexts, including interviewing, relationship maintenance, small group teams, and public presentations. Emphasis on the development of practical and critical thinking skills.

Course Description:

This course focuses on the written and oral skills that you need to succeed in a professional business environment. The course provides information and skill development opportunities for interpersonal communication, problem solving in small groups, participating and conducting effective meetings, and successfully presenting your ideas in both an informative and persuasive presentation. The course will benefit students with the job application process and assist with expressing ideas after employment.

This course focuses on the interpersonal and group communication skills necessary to succeed in the professional environment. This includes:

Preparing an informative speech with PowerPoint about "Best Practices" you have researched within a company and delivering the presentation to the class in a group symposium format.
Writing a problem/solution persuasive letter about a current or recent work-related issue
Preparing and delivering to the class a problem/solution persuasive speech with PowerPoint
Understanding and participating in a small group problem solving exercise
Defining the formal and informal rules for effective meetings.

The course additionally focuses on the first information that a company will received about a person, the resume and cover letter. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a mock interview session. An interview provides the opportunity to explain your qualifications, expertise, and to express you enthusiasm. The requirements for these initial introductions to the professional environment include:

developing a current resume outlining your skills and abilities that match the job opportunity
developing a cover letter to send with the resume to the company
gathering materials and develop a professional-looking portfolio
practicing employment interviewing techniques.

The course involves only a few formal full-class lectures. You should read the course materials before coming to class. Class time is devoted to student presentations, class discussion, practice and project time, small group and teamwork activities, quizzes, exams and participation during various communication exercises.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Define the types of communication that occur within organizations and the complexities associated with each type.
Define how we combine values, self-concept, diversity, perceptions, listening, and critical thinking to create a “communication person” and how these can aid or prevent communication interactions in a professional environment.
Use appropriate verbal and nonverbal language for sending a message effectively.
Research an employment opportunity on the Internet.
Write an effective and professional-looking resume and cover letter using creative word processing.
Participate in an employment interview by developing and answering appropriate questions.
Participate in small groups to effectively analyze, discuss, and propose solutions to a problem.
Research a topic related to a business or profession and compose informative and persuasive speeches/presentations.
Write and orally deliver an informative speech in a symposium setting in front of an audience of peers.
Write and orally deliver a persuasive speech on a topic related to a business or profession.
Use computer technology and Microsoft PowerPoint to create visual aids for presentations.
Follow directions to successfully complete all course assignments.

Required Textbook:

Ronald B. Adler & Jeanne Marquardt Elmhorst. Communication at Work, 9 th Ed. New York:McGraw Hill, Inc. 2007
ISBN: 0073511889 (paper copy)

OR:

Ronald B. Adler & Jeanne Marquardt Elmhorst. Communication at Work, 9 th Ed. New York:McGraw Hill, Inc. 2007
(online version)

Moving On: A Guide for Career Planning and Job Search (GMU University Career Services)

This will be provided for free by Career Services

Required Course Materials

*GMU e-mail account
*Scantrons & pencils for exams
*Blank DVD to turn in interview.
*Media for PowerPoint presentations
*Loose-leaf binder
*Folder with pockets (for group meetings)
*Business card stock & resume paper

Student Learning Objectives:

In all communication classes, the following objectives are involved:

Students will become aware of the fundamental principles of communication as they apply in a variety of situations.
Students will have experiences that teach self-monitoring and thus provide the basis for life-long improvement of their communication skills.
Students will receive reinforcement for effective written communication.
Students will understand the role of free speech in a democratic society.
Students will gain insight about the influence of culture in communication and how to cope with cultural differences when interacting with others.

Participation:

You are expected to participate in all classes. If you miss your scheduled presentation time, a grade penalty of 20 points per class meeting is automatically imposed. No exceptions. You must make up your missed presentation within a week or you will receive a "0" for the assignment. Your group members will also be counting on you to be there to participate in group work. Your absence may affect their grade too.

Accountability is important in this class. Do not be late for class; it is disruptive and discourteous. Routinely coming to class late or leaving early will not be tolerated without penalty. If you are absent or tardy for any reason, you are responsible for the material covered and any announcements made while you were gone. Your instructor will not provide this information; you must get it from a classmate.

Because this class is group intensive, it is essential that you attend every class session. You are allowed a limited number of non-participation days on non-speaking days. The limited number of non-participation days you are allowed are as follows: two (2 absences) for Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday classes. Every class session will involve in-class assignments that are worth points and cannot be made up. Your final grade will depend on your attendance.

COMM 320 Business & Professional Speaking Fall 2009