2026-2027 School Year

Public Speaking Honors GVL

2nd Semester

Course Description

In this course students will learn the Five Canons of Rhetoric focusing on memory and delivery techniques as they write and present a minimum of five speeches: self-introductory, narrative, expository, persuasive, and impromptu. In addition, students will evaluate speeches both recorded and presented by classmates in preparation for self-evaluation. The intent of the course is to empower students to become competent and confident speakers.

To be successful in this class:

Students must be able to stay on the assignment schedule as laid out in JE, be able to think critically, be prepared to research topics as necessary, be willing to give and receive constructive criticism, and be able to face whatever fears of public speaking they may have utilizing the tools provided in the course.

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

Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)

Course Credit: 0.5 Honors Elective Credit

Required Materials

Required Materials:

Introduction to Public Speaking (Binder & Student Packet ONLY) from Institute for Excellence in Writing

Access to a computer and printer is required to be successful in this course. In addition, students must have notebook paper, writing utensils, highlighters, and 3×5 index cards for each class.

 

Suggested Materials:

Portable Walls for the Public Speaker from Institute for Excellence in Writing

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 Tonya Rowland

Education:

  • Associate’s degree as a paralegal from Greenville Technical College (1994),
  • Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Furman University (2000)
  • Registered IEW instructor

Teaching experience:

  • K3 teacher (1 year)
  • Various classes at Vanguard Homeschool Academy, including high school Government/Economics, Lego Engineering, History, Literature and IEW.

UHC courses taught:

  • First grade
  • IEW1
  • IEW2
  • IEW3
  • Literature Discussion/Analysis

Began teaching at UHC in 2011