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