The following syllabi outlines for Communication Skills I and Communication Skills 2 are taken from the course packets used by all instructors of CommSkills.

Fundamentals of Discourse

Letter of introduction (block, modified block)
Theoretical foundations of communication
Characteristics of oral communication
Characteristics of written communication; Writing process
Technology tools: phone, word processing, e-mail, netiquette

Personal Communication Tools

Perception—Intrapersonal communication
Memo: Setting goals
Language and voice
Writing style

Interpersonal Communication: Speaking and Writing for an Audience of One

Theoretical components of interpersonal communication
Nonverbal communication
Interpersonal relationships, audience
Improving relationships; Conflict resolution memo

Small-Group Communication: Speaking and Writing for Multiple Listeners or Readers

Theoretical components of small group communication
Communicating with groups in person and electronically
Group problem-solving
Research: Gathering information for task groups—Planning interviews
Critical analysis of group process and presentation
Punctuation, spelling, mechanics
Getting and giving feedback--Peer evaluations
Progress reports

Introduction to Public Speaking: Presenting a Narrative to a Large Audience

Theoretical components of public communication
Critical analysis of a professional speaker
Writing a speech plan for a narrative
Delivery and presentational aids
Reducing speaking apprehension
Analysis and reflection--Einstein's Dreams
Getting and giving feedback--Peer and self-evaluations

Participation

Writing activities include any of the following: Weekly Writing Works (considerations of usage and style); electronic communication; informal writing of exit slips, memos, informal responses, peer evaluations; reflection; journal writing; unannounced quizzes; and written summaries of in-class group work.

Speaking activities include any of the following: impromptu speeches; effective interpersonal communication with faculty and peers; and in-class group work.
 
 

Fundamentals of Formal Presentations

Characteristics of ceremonial speeches
Choosing and developing a topic
Strategies for organization
Delivery strategies and presentational aids
Sample assignments:
Brainstorming, freewriting, presentation plan (outline)
Peer and self-evaluations
Reflection essay—Einstein's Dreams

Group Informative Presentations

Characteristics of informative presentations
Research and documentation; Judging electronic sources
Planning and presenting a panel discussion
Sample assignments: Critiquing the library homepage, Proposal, Presentation plan
Group researched report and bibliography,
Peer review of written and oral presentations
Self-evaluations

Individual Persuasive Presentations

Characteristics of persuasive presentations
Delivering a persuasive speech with Powerpoint
Sample assignments:
Audience analysis and presentation plan
Researched report and bibliography
Peer review of written and oral presentations
Self-evaluations

Participation: Writing activities include any of the following: Weekly Writing Works (considerations of usage and style); electronic communication; informal writing of exit slips, memos, informal responses, peer evaluations; reflection; journal writing; unannounced quizzes; and written summaries of in-class group work.