Course Description:
CORE 115 introduces students to the functions and modes of oral presentation, as well as many practical strategies with which to execute it.  It requires students to plan, prepare, practice and perform various types of public messages that provide them with invaluable experience in developing ideas thoroughly and communicating them effectively.  An electronic portfolio is kept of each student's performances to document evolving skills development.  Emphasis is given to help students execute informative and persuasive presentations that are clearly focused, well organized, substantially supported, effectively worded, and confidently delivered.  Varied contemporary presentation aids will be addressed.  The aim is to help students develop their abilities to express their thoughts, beliefs and experiences in an intelligent and affecting manner, as well as to help them gain confidence in themselves as they do so.  Students will also engage in the critique and analysis of the messages of others.  Attention is given to interpersonal & group communication class experiences as well. 

Introduction:
Educated citizens should at the very least be able to read, write, listen, think and speak in a competent and effective manner.  Along side “The Liberal Arts Seminar” and “Effective Writing”, “Effective Oral Communication” completes a battery of courses designed expressly to develop such competencies.  This fundamental course work will provide a basis for your personal, social, and professional growth.

… For we all harbor an innate need to express our “selves” … To share with others who we are, where we are, and why we are … and why we think and feel and do what we think and feel and do … To the extent that we are able to do so openly and effectively, we learn about each other, about our very selves, and about the realities that swirl about us …

This course will help you to develop your individual abilities to communicate with other human beings clearly, effectively, powerfully.  To this end you will experiment with techniques and strategies for celebrating engaging ideas, conveying information efficiently, arguing persuasively, and analyzing messages thoroughly. 

And always very much at the very heart of the matter, this course provides a place for students beginning their career here at King’s to come “to discover and develop their own unique voice” as adults, as citizens, as expressive professionals.