Public Speaking

Public Speaking is one of the electives offered at Heidelberg College Japan every year. It is a full-year course in three parts, described below, and culminates in the annual Speech Contest in February in which all students participate.

Several Heidelberg students have also entered the Sapporo-Portland Sister City Oratorical Contest. Click contest to see the winners and read the texts of their speeches.

Public Speaking I

This is the introduction to the one-year Public Speaking course. It concentrates on postures, breathing, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and vocal control.

Students are expected to give a self-introduction and a short, expository speech on a topic they're familiar with. They learn to critique their own as well as others' presentations. It is recommended that students take Pronunciation/Listening in conjunction with the course.

Public Speaking II

This course, which is a continuation of Public Speaking I, focuses on learning to develop a cohesive, coherent speech in English with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Particular attention is paid to deciding on, narrowing, and developing a topic.

Students are expected to give at least one formal, 5-minute, memorized speech in English using the techniques learned in Public Speaking I. Critiquing their own as well as others' presentations, which is videotaped, is an essential part of class participation.

Public Speaking III

In this course, which is a continuation of Public Speaking I and II, students prepare a formal, 5-minute, memorized speech in English for the annual Heidelberg Speech Contest. Use of audio-visual materials is explained and encouraged. Students are expected to make use of all the skills learned in Public Speaking I and II.

The final presentation is a formal, dramatic reading of a poem, famous speech, or other selection to be chosen by the student with the help of the instructor. In addition to videotaping and class critiques, more individual attention from the instructor is given to each of the students in preparation for their performances.