15
GROUP ASSIGNMENTS AND PAPERS
Group assignments are a staple in introduction to communication classes but are often difficult
to assess. Simple activities may only warrant participation points, which can be used as a
deterrent against missing class. More involved group activities can be graded by assessing a
shared group grade, where every group member receives the same grade. For example, if you
have an in-class activity that requires little group preparation and instead focuses on
participation, assigning one grade for the whole may be easier than trying to individually
The nature of your group assignment will help you decide which grading method is best.
You also need to consider the implications of nonproductive group members on the overall
grade. Having clear guidelines and policies on group participation will help. Many students
have had dismal results with group projects and activities in the past, and your introduction to
communication course could be their first glimpse into effective communication within a
group. Activities are provided within each chapter of the IRM to help build these group
communication skills.
16
PUBLIC SPEAKING ASSIGNMENTS
For many introduction to communication classes, public speaking assignments take up a
significant percentage of the assessments and classroom time. The types and number of public
speaking assignments may depend on the size of your class and/or your class learning
objectives. More so than with other assignments, you will need to plan carefully when
preparing your syllabus to ensure you have allotted enough presentation time. This will vary
depending on the number of students in the class and the time assigned time for each student’s
speech.
The length of the speeches is up to your discretion, but usually 5 to 7 minutes is sufficient
time to assess a student’s skills for most types of speeches. Introduction speeches and
impromptu speeches may only need 2 or 3 minutes. Regardless of the time you select, you
need to establish a procedure for how you will handle a student should they go under or over
the limit, and make sure students are aware of the policy up front. Explain to students that the
time limit will be enforced and that practicing with a timer is the only way to ensure they don’t
17
through their anxiety by helping them realize how common their anxiety is, offering to speak
with them privately, discussing how the course will walk through each step of the process,
stressing the importance of being prepared, and encouraging them to start thinking of topics
they are passionate about.
You can also help alleviate some the anxiety by having students make a presentation within
the first week or two of class. This assignment works best if you don’t assign a lot of points to
it or formally grade it. The goal is to get them up and talking without them having to worry
about being criticized or judged. Discuss how important it is to realize that in any given class
some students will have had some public speaking training, whereas others will not have had
any, and that you expect the class to be encouraging and supportive for all.
Regardless of the type or number of speeches you select, you may want to give your
students their assignments at the onset of your discussion of Chapter 13, “Preparing Your
Speech.” It will help students to connect your discussions with what will be expected from
18
them and ensure they have sufficient time to prepare. Encourage them to think about how they
can incorporate each section into their own speech. To aid students through the stages of
speech preparation, ask them to submit their topic and outline on a given date before their
speech. Ask students to correct their graded outlines and turn a clean copy in when they
present their speech. Two sample speech assignments are provided following and can be
adjusted to your needs. You will also need to decide what will work best on presentation day
for you and your students. Students can sign up well in advance for a time and slot so they
know when they will be delivering their speech. A sample sign-up sheet is provided following
this. It is important that students understand your requirements concerning missing a speech.
You should spell these guidelines out in your syllabus and your assignments and be prepared
to enforce them. Too much flexibility often results in confusion and excessive time devoted to
speeches.
SAMPLE INFORMATIVE SPEECH ASSIGNMENT
19
Informative Speech Assignment
Outline: 50 points
Speech: 150 points
Assignment:
To prepare an informative speech that will educate your audience about a topic, demonstrate
how something works, tell a story about events or people, or explain similarities and
differences between things or ideas. Remember that you will not be trying to change your
audience’s mind—only informing them about your topic. Prior to giving your speech, you
should read and use as your guide the following chapters from your text:
Chapter 13: Preparing Your Speech
Chapter 14: Composing Your Speech
Chapter 15: Delivering Your Speech
Chapter 16: Informative Speaking
Time requirements: 4–6 minutes
Important Dates:
Topic Due:
Draft Copy of Preparation Outline Due:
Speech Due:
What to bring on day of speech:
20
* Final typed preparation outline
* Typed citation of sources
* Speaking outline
* Visual aids
Additional requirements:
– SOURCES
○ A minimum of three (3) sources must be used in your speech. Cite your sources verbally
in your speech and include them in your bibliography.
– VISUAL AIDS
– GRADING CRITERIA
○ See attached speech rubric for details on grading criteria.
– DRESS CODE
○ You need to be professionally dressed for your presentation. Please remove hats and
sunglasses prior to your presentation.
21
SAMPLE PERSUASIVE SPEECH ASSIGNMENT
Persuasive Speech Assignment
Outline: 50 points
Speech: 150 points
Assignment:
Using an extemporaneous delivery style, develop a persuasive speech that attempts to change
the attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors of your audience members. I encourage you to select
a topic that you are passionate about and ask that you remember that if your audience already
agrees with you, there is no need for persuasion. You should read and use as a guide the
following chapters while preparing your speech:
Chapter 13: Preparing Your Speech
*Note: Points will be deducted if you fail to meet the minimum time requirements or if you
exceed the limit. You will be given a 30-second warning as you near the time limit and will be
asked to stop your presentation when you have reached 1 minute over the limit.
Important Dates:
Topic Due:
Draft Copy of Preparation Outline Due:
Speech Due:
22
What to bring on day of speech:
* Final typed preparation outline
* Typed citation of sources
* Speaking outline
* Visual aid
Additional requirements:
– SOURCES
○ A minimum of four (4) sources must be used in your speech. Cite your sources verbally
in your speech and include them in your bibliography.
– VISUAL AID
○ See your text for guidelines on using visual aids. Ensure your visual aid looks
– GRADING CRITERIA
○ See attached speech rubric for details on grading criteria.
– DRESS CODE
○ You need to be professionally dressed for your presentation. Please remove hats and
sunglasses prior to your presentation.
23
SAMPLE INFORMATIVE SPEECH GRADING RUBRICS
Informative Speech Grading Rubric
Name ________________________________ Topic ________________________________
AUDIENCE ANALYSIS/TOPIC CHOICE
Agree
Disagree
Interesting and creative topic?
5
4
3
2
1
Tone of speech proper for speech type?
5
4
3
2
1
INTRODUCTION
Attention getting?
5
4
3
2
1
Established credibility?
5
4
3
2
1
Introduced topic and paved way for talk?
5
4
3
2
1
BODY AND ORGANIZATION
Specific purpose clear and explained?
5
4
3
2
1
Points well explained?
5
4
3
2
1
Points supported with evidence? Cited?
5
4
3
2
1
Sources appropriate for topic?
5
4
3
2
1
Clear and well-organized format?
5
4
3
2
1
Spoken objectively?
5
4
3
2
1
Internal summaries between major points?
5
4
3
2
1
Clear transitions?
5
4
3
2
1
DELIVERY
Spoken in a conversational manner?
5
4
3
2
1
Language clear and concise?
5
4
3
2
1
CONCLUSION
Conveyed completeness and finality?
5
4
3
2
1
Reviewed major points?
5
4
3
2
1
Creative conclusion?
5
4
3
2
1
VISUAL AIDS
Simple, uncomplicated, and professional quality?
5
4
3
2
1
Presented at appropriate time?
5
4
3
2
1
OUTLINE
Typed and in correct outline form?
5
4
3
2
1
Used at least four sources?
5
4
3
2
1
Written in correct style as presented in text?
5
4
3
2
1
TIME FACTOR
Adhered to time allotted?
5
4
3
2
1
Speech Time: _________
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
1
Extemporaneous style used?
5
4
3
2
1
24
Notes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Total Points: _____________
SAMPLE PERSUASIVE SPEECH GRADING RUBRIC
Persuasive Speech Grading Rubric
Name ________________________________ Topic ________________________________
AUDIENCE ANALYSIS/TOPIC CHOICE
Agree
Disagree
Interesting and creative topic?
5
4
3
2
1
Tone of speech proper for speech type?
5
4
3
2
1
INTRODUCTION
Attention getting?
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
BODY AND ORGANIZATION
Specific purpose clear and explained?
5
4
3
2
1
Points supported with evidence? Cited?
5
4
3
2
1
Sources appropriate for topic?
5
4
3
2
1
Clear and well organized format?
5
4
3
2
1
Presented well-developed persuasive message?
5
4
3
2
1
Internal summaries between major points?
5
4
3
2
1
Clear transitions?
5
4
3
2
1
DELIVERY
Spoken in a conversational manner?
5
4
3
2
1
Language clear and concise?
5
4
3
2
1
Language appropriate and culturally sensitive?
5
4
3
2
1
Adequate eye contact?
5
4
3
2
1
Avoided nervous mannerisms?
5
4
3
2
1
Extemporaneous style used?
5
4
3
2
1
CONCLUSION
Conveyed completeness and finality?
5
4
3
2
1
Reviewed major points?
5
4
3
2
1
Creative conclusion?
5
4
3
2
1
VISUAL AIDS
Simple, uncomplicated, and professional quality?
5
4
3
2
1
Presented at appropriate time?
5
4
3
2
1
OUTLINE
Typed and in correct outline form?
5
4
3
2
1
Used at least four sources?
5
4
3
2
1
Written in correct style as presented in text?
5
4
3
2
1
TIME FACTOR
Adhered to time allotted?
5
4
3
2
1
26
Notes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Total Points: _____________
27
SAMPLE SPEECH SIGN-UP SHEET
Persuasion Speech Sign-Up Sheet
The following are the dates available to present your persuasion speeches. Please check your
calendar and select a date. You must present your speech on the date you select. We will start
on time, go in order, and move quickly between speeches. Be prepared!
***Do not add additional lines without my permission.
April 10 April 12
2. ____________________________ 2. ____________________________
4. ____________________________ 4. ____________________________
6. ____________________________ 6. ____________________________
7. ____________________________ 7. ____________________________
April 19 April 21
1. ____________________________ 1. ____________________________
3. ____________________________ 3. ____________________________
5. ____________________________ 5. ____________________________
7. ____________________________ 7. ____________________________