This course is designed to help students build confidence in preparing and delivering various types of speeches.  Students in this class will be able to recognize and understand the basic principles of communication and will develop skills in selecting and researching speech topics, outlining, and delivering speeches to entertain, inform, and persuade.  Basic propaganda techniques are discussed during the persuasive speech unit. To encourage and strengthen listening skills, students will provide brief critiques of speeches given by fellow classmates.  A final unit of the course provides an opportunity to expand basic skills in the oral interpretation of literature.