Definition or Description:

Public Speaking is generally defined as speaking to large group of individuals, in a formal setting, for the purpose of imparting information and/or persuading others to a particular point of view.

Comment:

Almost all courses involve some element of public speaking, but the degree varies with respect to the instructional method chosen. Small seminar and asynchronous distance courses clearly require less public speaking than do lecture courses or those delivered via interactive teleconferencing. In either case, SoTL studies could explore the overall effectiveness of the speaker or the presentation; could consider the elements of the presentation by documenting it on audio- or videotape and analyzing aspects like pacing, transitions, vocal variety, and expressiveness; or could consider content issues using methods such as content analysis or rhetorical analysis. SoTL studies could explore both the instructor's performance and that of the students.

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