Transcript Slide 1

The Role of Public
Speaking in China’s
English-Language
Curriculum
-- Stephen E. Lucas
Is there a permanent
place for public speaking
in the English-language
curriculum at Chinese
universities?
Bidding for the
Olympic Games
Entrance to the
World
Trade Organization
What is the relationship
between a public speaking
course and courses in
oral English?
Technical Competence in
Oral English
Vocabulary
 Grammar
 Syntax
 Usage
 Pronunciation
 Accent

Public Speaking
 More
than technical proficiency
 Act of communication
 Strategic communication
 Use of English as a working
language
Situations Requiring English
as a Working Language
 Formal
public speeches
 Informal speeches
 Negotiations and small-group
communication
 One-on-one communication
Where does a course in
public speaking fit
in the English-language
curriculum?
What are the primary
topics to be covered
in a public
speaking course?
Content
Structure
Language
Delivery
Content
 Informative:
Convey
information to audience
 Persuasive: Change beliefs or
actions of audience
Content
Main
points
Supporting materials
Content in
“The Great Wall of
China”
Structure
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Importance of Structure
 Speech
unfolds over time
 As with a film, a speech must make
sense to the audience as it develops
across time
Structure in
“The Great Wall of
China”
Language
Accuracy
Clarity
Vividness
Language in
“The Great Wall of
China”
Delivery
Speaker’s Voice
Rate
(Speed)
Volume
Vocal variety
Bodily Action
Gestures
Eye
contact
Use of visual aids (PPT)
Visual Aids/PPT
 Enhance
speaker’s ideas
 Prepare carefully: clear and
professional
 Present effectively: integrate
with speaker’s presentation
Delivery in
“The Great Wall of
China”
Stagefright:
Qie Chang
Creativity
What is the most
effective method of
instruction in public
speaking?
Ideal Method of
Instruction
 Small
classes
 Chance to develop skills
 Experiential and active learning
 Consultation time for instructor
Teaching Public Speaking
in a Large Class
 Rely
on lecture rather than discussion
 Fewer speaking opportunities
 Break class into small units for
speeches
 Students create their own speaking
opportunities
Are there other courses
related to public speaking
that could contribute to the
English-language
curriculum in China?
Rhetoric
 Art
of effective communication
between a speaker (or writer) and
an audience
 Developed in ancient Greece
 Aristotle’s Rhetoric
 Studied for 2,500 years
Rhetorical Theory
Public Address