Course Description

Speaking in front of others doesn't have to be intimidating; it can be exciting, creative, and fun! In this course, students will build confidence as they learn how to communicate ideas clearly, tell engaging stories, and persuade an audience. Students will explore four classic styles of communication—Logos, Pathos, Ethos, and Narrative—and practice using each through engaging speaking challenges and presentations.

Through interactive speaking activities, games, and short speeches, students will discover different ways to connect with listeners while developing their own unique voice. The course also introduces formats used in competitive speech, including impromptu, extemporaneous, and partner speaking, making it a great foundation for students who may want to compete in the future. During the final class, students will showcase their growth by presenting a series of "duo speeches” where they present different narrative perspectives on the same event.

Essential Questions

  • What are the elements of an effective speech? 
  • What are the basic styles and methods of communicating information to people?
  • How does the speaker’s choice of tactics and methods change the experience of the listener and thus how convincing a speech was?
  • How can speakers use Logos, Pathos, Ethos, and Narrative to connect with and persuade an audience?
  • How does changing the way a message is presented change how an audience understands or responds to it?
  • How can the same event or idea be communicated differently depending on the speaker’s perspective

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 Filling Space and Using One’s Voice - Students will learn about presence and how to fill a room with a voice
Week 2 Elements of a good (Logos) persuasive speech - Students will learn the idea of Logos and work on building a speech draft that they will deliver in the following class
Week 3 Practice Speeches - Students will deliver speeches and get feedback on them from the whole class.
Week 4 Elements of a good Pathos-driven speech - Students will learn the idea of Pathos  and work on building a speech draft that they will deliver in the following class.
Week 5 Practice Speeches - Students will deliver speeches and get feedback on them from the whole class.
Week 6 Elements of a good Ethos-driven speech - Students will learn the idea of Ethos and work on building a speech draft that they will deliver in the following class. 
Week 7 Practice Speeches - Students will deliver speeches and get feedback on them from the whole class
Week 8 Elements of a Narrative Speech - Students will learn about how to do broad story-telling
Week 9                                      Unreliable Narrator Dualing Speeches Showcase

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 11:00am - 11:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start