SPICING THE ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE WITH THEMED READINGS

This paper introduces a semester-long effort integrating readings on selected themes based on the instructor’s expertise into the advanced public speaking course. Such an effort is aimed at the dual objectives of teaching students to master public speaking skills and educating them to appreciate the construct of civil public discourse for active participation in a democratic society. By following the provided processes of selecting and evaluating the additional readings, the authors found that the class teaching content of their public speaking classes was enriched and the quality of class discussions was guaranteed, and all the major presentations were positively influenced by the content and principles in the textbook chapters and additional themed readings.