Platform Speeches
For the Professional/Business Speaker in Each of Us
There are four platform speeches:
- Informative Speaking teaches the audience something new.
- Persuasive Speaking moves the audience to think, feel, and act differently.
- Communication Analysis, also known as Rhetorical Criticism, provides an evaluation of a communicative act using an appropriate theoretical lens.
- Speech to Entertain, also known as After Dinner Speaking, can have any and all of the above purposes, but accomplishes those purposes using humor.
Informative Speaking: An original, factual speech by the student on a real subject to fulfill the general aim of informing the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Persuasive Speaking: An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce, or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Communication Analysis: An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
After Dinner Speaking: An original, humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Course Descriptions
Academic Programs: Communication Studies
College Catalog
Class Schedules