Heather Farrell

How do you watch my speech video?

In order for me to view and critique your speeches you will need to send me the direct You tube link.  I have found this is the easiest method for everyone.  By choosing this option, you can adjust the privacy settings to “unlisted (anyone with a link can view)”  which means that the general public cannot see your speech.  Do not set the speech to “Private” or I will not be able to view it.  There is a submission box for every speech and you will need to include the direct URL link in your assignment submission.

What can I use to record my speeches?

To record speeches, students use the web cams on their computers, some smart phone cameras (depending on the quality – you should test your camera to determine if it will work) or handheld digital cameras. The advancement of computer web cameras and high quality smart phones have made it much simpler to record and upload videos to the internet.

Can I create a video group of class mates to tape and upload my speeches?

Absolutely! You can join/create a videotaping group within the class.  This allows you to set the time for videotaping based on your schedules.  It also means that you can use each other as your audience and only one person needs to have a good quality camera.

I am new to the area and do not know many people, is it necessary to have an audience?

Not only is it necessary, but it is mandatory. This is not just my requirement, but the college regulation board requirement. This is “Public” speaking which means that you must have an audience for your speech. Doing a speech completely alone is not the same as doing it in front of an audience. Part of learning to become a strong public speaker is learning to accommodate and adjust to your specific audience. When you develop your speeches and select your topics they should be geared towards your “live” audience members. What interests them? What do they already know? Working with actual audience members is beneficial to you on many levels and this is something that cannot be altered. If you need to have one or two audience members via “Skype” that is fine, but you must have actual “live” and adult audience members present during your speeches. However, if you still cannot find an audience then an online public speaking class may not work for you.

Is it required to show the audience during the entire videotaping of my speech?

You must show your audience at some point during your videotaping, but it isn’t required to show them the entire time. You can scan the audience before the speech and afterwards when you do the question and answer session with them.

Do I need a question and answer session for each of the five speeches?

Yes, it is required for all of them. Please talk to your audience before your speech so that they know to ask you questions at the end. You must have a question and answer session so if audience members struggle to ask you questions then you need to get them started. Have at least one or two questions that audience members may have about your topic and say, “Some of you may have been wondering about…” This generally helps them start to think of questions. It is rare that an audience of five adults cannot think of questions to ask at the end of a speech if they know beforehand that you need them to do this part. This question and answer session helps you develop your impromptu speaking skills. This is valuable.

What if I submit my speech late?

If you have extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for you to submit your speech on time then you must contact me ASAP. However, you must understand that extenuating circumstances do not include technical problems because you waited until 9 PM to start uploading your speech and it’s taking a long time to upload your speech. You must have a legitimate reason for any late submission and I have the right to refuse the acceptance of any late assignment. THE MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE FOR ANY REASON! I have given you the latest possible due date for

How do you watch my speech video?

In order for me to view and critique your speeches you will need to send me the direct You tube link.  I have found this is the easiest method for everyone.  By choosing this option, you can adjust the privacy settings to “unlisted (anyone with a link can view)”  which means that the general public cannot see your speech.  Do not set the speech to “Private” or I will not be able to view it.  There is a submission box for every speech and you will need to include the direct URL link in your assignment submission.

What can I use to record my speeches?

To record speeches, students use the web cams on their computers, some smart phone cameras (depending on the quality – you should test your camera to determine if it will work) or handheld digital cameras. The advancement of computer web cameras and high quality smart phones have made it much simpler to record and upload videos to the internet.

Can I create a video group of class mates to tape and upload my speeches?

Absolutely! You can join/create a videotaping group within the class.  This allows you to set the time for videotaping based on your schedules.  It also means that you can use each other as your audience and only one person needs to have a good quality camera.

I am new to the area and do not know many people, is it necessary to have an audience?

Not only is it necessary, but it is mandatory. This is not just my requirement, but the college regulation board requirement. This is “Public” speaking which means that you must have an audience for your speech. Doing a speech completely alone is not the same as doing it in front of an audience. Part of learning to become a strong public speaker is learning to accommodate and adjust to your specific audience. When you develop your speeches and select your topics they should be geared towards your “live” audience members. What interests them? What do they already know? Working with actual audience members is beneficial to you on many levels and this is something that cannot be altered. If you need to have one or two audience members via “Skype” that is fine, but you must have actual “live” and adult audience members present during your speeches. However, if you still cannot find an audience then an online public speaking class may not work for you.

Is it required to show the audience during the entire videotaping of my speech?

You must show your audience at some point during your videotaping, but it isn’t required to show them the entire time. You can scan the audience before the speech and afterwards when you do the question and answer session with them.

Do I need a question and answer session for each of the five speeches?

Yes, it is required for all of them. Please talk to your audience before your speech so that they know to ask you questions at the end. You must have a question and answer session so if audience members struggle to ask you questions then you need to get them started. Have at least one or two questions that audience members may have about your topic and say, “Some of you may have been wondering about…” This generally helps them start to think of questions. It is rare that an audience of five adults cannot think of questions to ask at the end of a speech if they know beforehand that you need them to do this part. This question and answer session helps you develop your impromptu speaking skills. This is valuable.

What if I submit my speech late?

If you have extenuating circumstances that make it impossible for you to submit your speech on time then you must contact me ASAP. However, you must understand that extenuating circumstances do not include technical problems because you waited until 9 PM to start uploading your speech and it’s taking a long time to upload your speech. You must have a legitimate reason for any late submission and I have the right to refuse the acceptance of any late assignment. THE MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE FOR ANY REASON! I have given you the latest possible due date for Topic 8 which means that final grades for the class are due the next day. There is simply no wiggle room on the submission of the motivational speech. If it is not turned in on time then the grade is a “0”. Remember that you can always turn in an assignment early.

How will I know the grade for my speech?

You will receive a rubric with feedback from me after I have graded the speech.  You will receive it within a week of my receipt of it.   This will have suggestions for improvement.  You should look over each critique sheet to see suggestions for improvements.