Sample of Thinkwell's Public Speaking videos

Honors Public Speaking Online Course

$99.00 


Optional course additions (check box to select):
Workbook $24.99 View details

Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking

Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking is an indispensable high school elective.  Fear of giving speeches or talking to small crowds is legendary, but that fear subsides when you gain the confidence and knowledge to construct and deliver your thoughts out loud.  Whether it's motivating your teammates on the sidelines, an oral report for class, or a toast at a wedding, you'll know the tips and tricks to help you feel confident and relaxed.  Don't miss this lifelong gift to your student.

The companion workbook (optional) comes with application exercises, speech evaluation forms, a glossary, and an index. It also can serve as a useful place to record your own notes, examples, questions, and ideas.

Course Features

Video Lessons

147 engaging 5-15 minute lesson videos
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Lesson Plan

Detailed, 31-week lesson plan and schedule
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Assessments

Automatically graded exercises and tests with step-by-step feedback
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Notes

Illustrated course notes
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What Parents Are Saying. . .
"My son is loving the Thinkwell Public Speaking course. He's been able to use the skills he learned when interviewing for his first job - a job which he now enjoys!”
– B W
"My oldest son recently started two Thinkwell courses: prealgebra and public speaking. Today I heard him yell to me from the other room, "Mom, I LOVE this program you bought!"
– E Family
Course Overview

what you get

  • 12-month, online subscription to our complete Honors Public Speaking course
  • Day-by-day course lesson plan
  • 140+ course lessons, each with a streaming video
  • Automatically graded exercises with correct answer feedback
  • Chapter & Practice tests, a Midterm & Final Exam
  • Illustrated notes....and more!

How It Works

  • Purchase Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking through our online store
  • Create an account username and password which will give you access to the online Honors Public Speaking course section
  • Activate your 12-month subscription when you're ready
  • Login to the course website to access the online course materials, including streaming video lessons, exercises, quizzes, tests and more
  • Access your course anytime, anywhere, from any device
  • Your work is automatically tracked and updated in real-time
  • Grade reports and certificates of completion are available at request
Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking Authors
Brenda J. Allen, Jess K. Alberts, and Dan West

Brenda J. Allen University of Colorado at Denver

Brenda J. Allen is departmental chair and a professor of communication at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, where she teaches organizational communication. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on organizational communication and diversity and she serves on the editorial boards of several communication journals. In 2004, she authored the book Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity. While at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, she has been recognized with the First Annual Award for Outstanding Achievement for Commitment to Diversity and she received the Francine Meritt Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Lives of Women in Communication from the Women's Caucus of the National Communication Association. Prof. Allen is frequently invited to speak at community and professional events.


Jess K. Alberts Arizona State University

Jess K. Alberts is a professor of communication at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University, where she was Director from 1995 until 2004. She currently serves as Director of the Conflict Transformation Project and is an associate with Project for Wellness and Work-life. Her research appears regularly in academic journals, and she recently co-authored Human Communication in Society. Undergraduates at Arizona State honored her classroom teaching skills with a "Last Lecture Award," and she has twice been a finalist for Professor of the Year at ASU. A nationally known speaker on interpersonal communication, Prof. Alberts has given numerous presentations across the country on humor, conflict, and developing and maintaining a passionate life.

Dan West Rice University

Dan West is the John A. Cassese Director of Forensics at Ohio University. Previously, he was a distinguished lecturer at Rice University, where he also acted as Director of Forensics. Under his direction, the team consistently placed in the top ten at national debate tournaments. While at Rice, Prof. West won the Outstanding Faculty Associate for Brown College (1999) and the award for Outstanding Teaching in the Humanities and Social Sciences (four times). He is well known for using his engaging speaking style in a variety of settings; his annual presentation of the Rice University Alcohol Policy to the freshman class was always a hit.

Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking Table of Contents
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1. Introduction to Public Speaking

1.1 Benefits, History, and Theories of Communication
1.1.1 Why Public Speaking is Important to You
1.1.2 Student Voices: "Let me tell you..."
1.1.3 The Legacy of Public Speaking
1.1.4 Categories of Communication
1.1.5 Models of Communication
1.2 The Public Speaking Situation
1.2.1 Elements of Public Speaking
1.2.2 Critical Thinking
1.2.3 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Lyndon B. Johnson
1.3 Ethics
1.3.1 Ethical Principles
1.3.2 Ethical Practices of Speakers and Listeners
1.3.3 Freedom of Speech
1.3.4 Hate Speech and Political Correctness
1.4 Speaker Anxiety
1.4.1 Pervasiveness and Symptoms of Speaker Anxiety
1.4.2 Psychological Management of Speaker Anxiety
1.4.3 Student Voices: "I got used to it..."
1.4.4 Physical Management of Speaker Anxiety

2. The Audience

2.1 Listening
2.1.1 The Nature of Listening
2.1.2 Effective Listening in Practice
2.1.3 Ways for Speakers to Assist Listeners
2.1.4 Becoming a More Effective Listener
2.2 Evaluation
2.2.1 Evaluation of Speeches as a Responsible Listener
2.2.2 Student Voices: Samples of Effective and Ineffective Feedback
2.3 Diversity: Speaking Inclusively
2.3.1 The Meaning of Inclusion
2.3.2 The Consequences of Exclusion
2.3.3 The Opportunities of Diversity
2.3.4 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Jesse Jackson
2.4 Audience Analysis
2.4.1 The Importance of Audience Analysis
2.4.2 Knowing Your Audience
2.4.3 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Robert F. Kennedy
2.4.4 Analyzing the Situation
2.4.5 Adapting to Your Audience
2.4.6 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Barbara Bush

3. First Steps

3.1 The First Speech
3.1.1 Keeping the First Assignment in Perspective
3.1.2 Student Speeches for Analysis: Typical First Speech Assignment
3.1.3 Developing the First Speech
3.1.4 Delivering the First Speech
3.1.5 Following Up
3.1.6 Student Voices: "I did it..."
3.2 Selecting Your Topic
3.2.1 Assessing Possible Topics
3.2.2 Generating Possible Topics
3.2.3 Narrowing and Refining Your Topic
3.2.4 Student Voices: "How I Chose My Topic."
3.3 Developing Your Topic
3.3.1 Defining Your Speaking Purpose
3.3.2 Constructing Your Thesis Statement
3.3.3 Choosing Your Main Points
3.4 Researching Your Topic
3.4.1 The Research Plan
3.4.2 Plagiarism
3.4.3 Using Personal Experience
3.4.4 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Cesar Chavez
3.4.5 Student Speeches for Analysis: Using Personal Experience
3.4.6 Using Library Resources
3.4.7 Using Your Own Sources (Interviews and Contacts)
3.5 Using Electronic Sources in Research
3.5.1 Using and Evaluating Electronic Sources
3.6 Processing Your Research
3.6.1 Record Your Sources
3.6.2 Evaluate Your Sources
3.7 Supporting Materials
3.7.1 The Need for Supporting Materials
3.7.2 Types of Supporting Materials
3.7.3 Selecting the Best Supporting Materials
3.7.4 Using Supporting Materials Ethically
3.7.5 Media Bias

4. Preparing the Speech

4.1 Organization of the Body of the Speech
4.1.1 Reasons for Effective Organization
4.1.2 Guidelines for Organizing Your Content
4.1.3 Methods of Organizing Your Major Points
4.1.4 Methods of Organizing Your Persuasive Content
4.1.5 Methods of Organizing Supporting Materials
4.2 Introductions
4.2.1 Purposes of the Introduction
4.2.2 Types of Attention Getters
4.2.3 Guidelines for Effective Introductions
4.3 Transitions
4.3.1 Purposes, Types, and Uses of Transitions
4.3.2 Student Speeches for Analysis: Effective Transitions
4.4 Conclusions
4.4.1 Purposes of the Conclusion
4.4.2 Closing Statements
4.4.3 Guidelines for Effective Conclusions
4.4.4 Notable Speeches for Analysis: John F. Kennedy
4.5 Outlines
4.5.1 Preparing the Formal Outline
4.5.2 How to Prepare Speaking Notes
4.6 Using Language
4.6.1 Why Language is Important
4.6.2 How Spoken Language Differs from Written Word
4.6.3 How to Use Spoken Language Memorably
4.6.4 How to Use Spoken Language Inclusively
4.6.5 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

5. Presenting the Speech

5.1 Delivering the Speech
5.1.1 Understanding the Methods of Delivering a Speech
5.1.2 Using Vocal Delivery Effectively
5.1.3 Student Speeches for Analysis: Effective Delivery
5.1.4 Using Physical Delivery Effectively
5.1.5 Body Language
5.1.6 Rehearsing for Effective Delivery
5.1.7 Common Mistakes in Delivery
5.2 Using Traditional Presentation Aids
5.2.1 Advantages of Using Presentation Aids
5.2.2 Types of Presentation Aids
5.2.3 Creating Effective Presentation Aids
5.2.4 Student Speeches for Analysis: Incorporating Traditional Presentation Aids
5.2.5 Guidelines for Using Presentation Aids
5.3 Using Electronic Visual Aids
5.3.1 How to Design Computer-Generated Visual Aids
5.3.2 How to Use Computer-Generated Visuals Appropriately
5.3.3 Student Speeches for Analysis: Incorporating Electronic Visual Aids
5.3.4 How to Prepare Videotaped Materials

6. Types of Speeches

6.1 Speaking to Inform
6.1.1 Principles of Informative Speaking
6.1.2 Patterns of Organization in Informative Speaking
6.1.3 Types of Informative Speeches
6.1.4 Techniques for Informing
6.1.5 Student Speeches for Analysis: Speaking to Inform
6.1.6 Tips for Success
6.2 Principles of Persuasion
6.2.1 Principles of Persuasive Speaking
6.2.2 Types of Persuasive Speeches
6.2.3 Nature of Propositions
6.3 The Ethics of Persuasion
6.3.1 Motivating the Listener
6.3.2 Propaganda
6.3.3 Persuasive Speaking in Action: Infomercials
6.3.4 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Barbara Jordan
6.3.5 Student Voices: Testimonials on the Challenges of Persuasion
6.4 Speaking to Persuade
6.4.1 Constructing Arguments
6.4.2 Avoiding Fallacy
6.4.3 Testing Evidence
6.4.4 Patterns in Persuasive Speaking
6.4.5 Student Speeches for Analysis: Speaking to Persuade
6.4.6 Perspectives on Persuasive Speaking: Invitational Rhetoric
6.4.7 Tips for Success
6.5 Speeches for Special Occasions
6.5.1 Speeches of Introduction
6.5.2 Speeches of Honor
6.5.3 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Geraldine Ferraro
6.5.4 Notable Speeches for Analysis: Ronald Reagan
6.5.5 Speeches to Entertain
6.5.6 Speeches for Public Relations

7. Next Steps

7.1 Using Your Skills
7.1.1 Where Do We Go From Here?
7.2 Walk the Talk
7.2.1 Job Interview
7.2.2 Raise Request
7.2.3 Civic Presentation

8. Small Group Communication

8.1 Small Group Communication
8.1.1 The Nature of Small Groups
8.1.2 Formats for Group Presentation
8.1.3 Groupware
8.1.4 Brainstorming
8.1.5 The Decision-Making Process

9. Appendices

9.1 Speech Bank: Student Speakers
9.1.1 Typical First Speech: "Why I'm a Good Candidate"
9.1.2 Effective Transitions: "The Dangers of Mold"
9.1.3 Informative Speech: "Air Pollution"
9.1.4 Persuasive Speech: "Sexual Assault"
9.1.5 Persuasive Speech: "Euthanasia"
9.1.6 Speeches for Special Occasions: "Introducing a Business Speaker"
9.2 Speech Bank: Notable Speakers
9.2.1 Franklin D. Roosevelt
9.2.2 Eleanor Roosevelt
9.2.3 Harry S. Truman
9.2.4 John F. Kennedy
9.2.5 Lyndon B. Johnson
9.2.6 Richard M. Nixon
9.2.7 Sister Helen Prejean
9.2.8 Deborah Lipstadt
Frequently Asked Questions for Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking

How do Thinkwell courses work?

1. Your student watches a 5-10 minute online video lesson, completes the automatically graded exercises for the topic with instant correct-answer feedback, then moves on to the next lesson! The courses are self-paced, or you can use the daily lesson plans. Just like a textbook, you can choose where to start and end, or follow the entire course.

When does my 12-month online subscription start?

It starts when you're ready. You can have instant access to your online subscription when you purchase online, or you can purchase now and start later.

Is Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking appropriate for my accelerated student?

Yes, especially for college-bound students.

Does my student get school credit for Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking?

No, only schools are accredited and Thinkwell is not a school, though many accredited schools use Thinkwell.

Does Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking meet state standards?

Some states set standards for what topics should be taught in a particular course. Thinkwell does not have a course version for each state. Instead, the course is built to national standards to be inclusive of all states. Websites such as www.achieve.org can help you determine your state's standards.

What if my student needs access to the course for more than 12 months?

You can extend your subscription for $19.95/month.

Can I share access with more than one student?

The courses are designed and licensed to accommodate one student per username and password; additional students need to purchase online access. This allows parents to keep track of each student's progress and grades.

How long does it take to complete Thinkwell's Honors Public Speaking?

The pace of your course is up to you, but most students will schedule one semester.

Can I see my grade?

Thinkwell courses track everything your student does. When logged in, your student can click "My Grades" to see their progress.

How are grades calculated?

The course grade is calculated this way: Chapter Tests 33.3%, Midterm: 33.3%, Final: 33.3%.

What is acceptable performance on the exams?

As a homeschool parent, you decide the level of performance you want your student to achieve; the course does not limit access to topics based on performance on prior topics.

Can I get a transcript?

Yes, there's a final grade report print option in the My Grades section. Contact techsupport@thinkwell.com with any questions.

What if I change my mind and want to do a different course, can I change?

If you discover that you should be in a different course, contact techsupport@thinkwell.com within one week of purchase and we will move you to the appropriate course.

Can I print the exercises?

Yes, but completing the exercises online provides immediate correct answer feedback and automatic scoring, so we recommend answering the exercises online.

Are exercises multiple choice?

The exercises are multiple choice and they are graded automatically with correct answer solutions.

What is Thinkwell's Refund Policy?

We offer a full refund of 12-month subscription purchases within 14 days of purchase, no questions asked. For Essential Review courses, the refund period is 3 days. Optional printed materials are printed on demand and the sales are final.

How does my school review this course?

Should your school need to review a Thinkwell course for any reason, have the school contact techsupport@thinkwell.com and we can provide them access to a demo site.

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