Winter 2009
FSW – Phoenix
CO500
Parker

DESCRIPTION:  Effective public communication is indispensable in ministry.  This course is designed to build and enlarge upon student’s communication skills.  Attention will be given to speaking situations frequently encountered in ministry:  speeches to persuade and to inform, self-introductions, sharing of Christian experience, and biblical messages.  Emphasis will be placed on the creation of original material for delivery, writing for the ear instead of for the eye.  Questions about voice, gesture, nonverbal communication, and speech anxiety will be considered.  Speeches will be video taped.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:  Course objectives are that students would grow: (a) In their understanding of human communication in a Christian context; (b) In their understanding of the differences between written and oral communication; (c) In their understanding of the sources of speech anxiety and how to move beyond it; (d) In their ability to prepare and deliver spoken messages clearly and relevantly to a contemporary audience; and (e) In their ability to assess both their own speaking and that of others.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:  Oral presentation is important in the communication of the gospel.  The spoken witness has always been a primary means of communicating the faith and continues to be a powerful tool for planting and nurturing faith in Christ.

COURSE FORMAT:  The class will meet weekly for a two-hour session for ten weeks.  Lecture, discussion, and oral presentations will provide the content of the time.  Time outside of class will be devoted to reading, speech preparation, and written critiques.

REQUIRED READING:
• Schultze, Quentin J., An Essential Guide To Public Speaking:  Serving Your Audience With Faith, Skill, and Virtue.  Baker Academic (to be published August 2006). [112 pp.] ISBN: 0801031516
• O’Hair, Dan, Rubenstein, Hannah, Stewart, Rob.  A Pocket Guide To Public Speaking.  Bedford/St. Martin’s (December 30, 2003). [288 pp.] ISBN: 0312400780

ASSIGNMENTS: 
1. Required reading
2. One 4-6 minute speech, two 7-10 minute speeches, and one 12-15 minute speech. (64%)
3. Written outlines are to be submitted with all but the 4-6 minute speech. (13%) 
4. Self-assessments of speeches. (9%)
5. Independent study project in communication. (14%)
6. On time regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required.  Final grade may be affected by a lack of attendance, prep and/or participation as outlined in syllabus. (10%)

PREREQUISITES: None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MDiv.: MIN 2; MAT: Elective; MACL; Leadership Foundation 2.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.