Class proposal for FCHC

2014-15 Academic Year

Speech
Vickie Rocheleau and Kelley Finke, Co-Teachers
For: Sr High Grades 9-12. Younger students may be accepted after consultation
with teacher
2 semester class: 1st semester prerequisite to 2nd semester.
Costs: Potential book purchase of $10 or less, any materials necessary for
speeches, $5 additional class fee per semester.
Time outside class: 4-5 hours per week, Maximum
Successful completion of the course will equal High School English Credit
According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number
two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the
average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the
eulogy. Jerry Seinfeld

There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject,
then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart
of your audience Alexander Gregg

The ability to articulate your ideas in a public setting is critical to most careers and callings. My desire
with this class is to allow the students to have the experience of preparing and delivering a speech in a
non-family setting. Home education has many overwhelming advantages, a consistent forum for public
speaking is not one of them! From the first show & tell in Kindergarten, kids in a conventional school
setting are in an environment that requires them to speak in a public setting.
First semester we will focus on what are called Interpretive speeches ie. Taking someone elses words
and putting your interpretation on them. By the end of the semester each student will have chosen, cut,
memorized and presented a 5 minute speech.
Second semester we will focus on what are called Platform speeches ie. Presenting information to
inform or persuade. By the end of the semester, each student will have written, prepared, memorized
and presented a 5-10 minute speech.
I will be encouraging the students to give their speeches at the end of semester programs, although that
wont be required. They will be giving their speeches in front of their classmates and any parents I can
gather from Chew & Chat.
Please do not sign your student up for this class unless you are committed to following up with their work

and assuring it gets done. Students who come to class unprepared will be sent to their parent for the
class. If this is repeated, the student will need to find another class.
We were a part of the SOAR speech club for three years. I found the experience invaluable for our
students both the one who enjoyed it and did it by choice, and those who did it as a requirement.
There is a confidence that they are capable of preparing, memorizing and giving a speech. Now if they
need to speak publicly, they know they are capable.