2024-2025 School Year

Public Speaking Honors GVL

1st Semester

Course Description

The intent of this class is to introduce students to the fundamentals of public speaking theory and praxis, including the theology of the spoken word. The vast majority of the course will be the presentation of various types (e.g. persuasive, informative) of speeches, and constructive criticism from the entire class as a means of improvement.

To be successful in this class:

Students must be able to face whatever fears of public speaking they may have (with much assistance), be willing to give and receive constructive criticism, and not be afraid of thinking critically.

Grades: 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Fees: $245

Course Credit: 0.5 elective (honors)

Required Materials

There will be no text for this course. We will rely solely on websites (particularly The Public Speaking Project: The Virtual Text Ch. 1-16), augmented by classroom instruction.

Honors Addendum Summary

In addition to the CP assignments, honors students are required to:

  • Prepare and present a 10 minute speech.
  • The topic must be approved by the teacher before the student begins.
  • The rubric for this speech will be provided by the teacher.

Specific assignments and details for honors work will be provided by the teacher.

Meet Toby Woodard

Education:  BA in Psychology and minor in English from Clemson University
Masters of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary

Experience:  Served as a pastor for 15 years and addiction counselor for 5+ years

UHC courses taught:

  • High School Public Speaking
  • Middle School Public Speaking
  • Essay Writing
  • British Literature
  • Christian Worldview

Began teaching at UHC in 2012