Oral Communication

CRITERIA FOR COURSES SATISFYING THE ORAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT Scope: Competence in oral communication is indicated by an individual demonstrating the ability to clearly transmit ideas and information orally in a way that is appropriate to the topic, purpose, and appropriate audience. It also involves demonstrating the ability to discuss ideas clearly with others, to hear and respond to questions, and to assess critical response appropriately. Competence in oral communication cannot be accomplished through a single speaking experience but requires multiple occasions spread out through the course of the term. The specific types of oral skill (for example: debates, speeches, or lectures) may vary from discipline to discipline, though a minimal level of oral competence is required. Courses satisfying the oral communication competency requirement must enable the student to develop the requisite skills through application of theoretical concepts and analytical structures basic to successful oral communication. Thus, instruction in the theory and practice of oral communication must be an intrinsic part of the course, as evidenced in course objectives, course readings, activities, and evaluation. Specific criteria: While the precise method of instruction and examination is the prerogative of the instructor, approved courses must contain the following elements: 1. The course must provide instruction and the student must demonstrate competence in the following:

generation of an original oral message which clearly presents ideas and/or information;

making effective use of both vocal and physical delivery in the presentation;

adapting the presentation to the particular audience; and,

being receptive to questions and/or criticism.

2. An audience is defined as 10 or more persons, unless a smaller audience size can be justified for course content. For example, five or six clients may be considered an audience. A teacher and or a teaching assistant do not constitute an appropriate audience. 3. Among the course requirements there must be provision for the student to demonstrate the ability to perform according to the above criteria using standard American English. 4. The syllabus should contain course readings and/or lectures related to instruction in the theory and practice of oral communication.

5. The course syllabus must contain the following statement: In order to fulfill FSUs Oral Communication Competency Requirement, the student must earn a C- or better in the course, and in order to receive a C- or better in the course, the student must earn at least a C on the oral communication competency component of the course. If the student does not earn a C- or better on the oral communication competency component of the course, the student will not earn an overall grade of C- or better in the course, no matter how well the student performs in the remaining portion of the course. 6. Therefore, evaluation criteria for the oral communication component of the class and the resulting impact on the course grade should be apparent to the students. The oral communication component should constitute enough of the grade to warrant failing a student who does not pass the oral component, e.g., 30% or more of the final grade. 7. Grading rubrics are required. Faculty teaching the course agree to submit students scores on this rubric to the Undergraduate Policy Committee for inclusion in its annual report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) if requested to do so. 8. Faculty assigned to teach the course must be certified by their department as having the experience and/or training to evaluate oral communication competence as defined herein. 9. Courses in the oral performance of literature will not satisfy this requirement.

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SCHEV Competencies
Oral Communication Oral communication is defined as the art of expressing and exchanging ideas in speech. It involves the ability to compose, critically analyze, and deliver information through verbal, vocal, and visual interactions. Standards for Competency The specific competencies that define good oral communication are: 1. Content. The speech topic is appropriate for the specific purpose of the speech context and the audience. The development of the topic represents the speaker's unique and original approach in researching the subject. Content expansion is accomplished through the inclusion of facts, statistics, examples, experiences,

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and professional perspectives, as appropriate for the speech type. The speech goal and main points are clearly differentiated and supported by credible research. Organization. The speech offers an introduction that attracts the audience's attention and orients the listeners to the goal of the speech. A clearly stated thesis statement provides an overview of the main points. The body of the speech offers well differentiated and developed main points presented in an appropriate order. The speech concludes with a summary of major points and an appropriate final impression making strategy. Wording. The speech integrates effective wording and imagery to define, elaborate upon, and emphasize key elements of the speech. Transitions are included to guide the audience through the speech. An audience centered approach reveals language adapted to the listeners. Delivery. The speaker uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills in the spontaneous/extemporaneous delivery of the speech. S/he connects with the audience through good eye contact, posture, body movements and gestures, and enthusiasm, and appears at ease. The speaker uses visual aids appropriately. S/he speaks clearly and articulately and varies his/her voice for emphasis. S/he completes the speech in the time allotted. Outline. The speaker develops a complete sentence outline that appropriately develops the speech in a logical format for the speech type.

Overall competency in oral communication is demonstrated by an average score of at least 73 (C) on the four speeches delivered in the class. Each competency area is scored on a scale of 5 (exceeds the standard) to 1 (fails to meet the standard). The specific competencies are weighted as follows: content = 5; organization = 5; wording = 4; delivery = 4; and outline = 2. Summary: (75 words) (Provide brief analysis of results) Students who passed Public Speaking (COMM 101) and completed all four required speeches were evaluated in five areas using a standard rubric for oral communication. The results demonstrate a substantial level of proficiency in oral communication, with 99% (n=546) of students receiving an

average of 73 (C) or higher on all four speeches. These results suggest that the vast majority of Old Dominion University students are competent in oral communication