2026-2027 School Year

Public Speaking Honors GVL

2nd Semester

***NOTE: DETAILS OF THIS COURSE ARE BEING REVIEWED AND POSSIBLY REVISED.  UPDATES WILL BE ADDED SOON.

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

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

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 Greg Wise

Education: BA-History, Augusta State University, MS- Curriculum and instruction, Western Governors University

Teaching experience: First Academy Leesburg, 2019-Present AP Human Geography, AP US History, Honors World History, Honors Government and Senior Bible. Montverde Academy, 2014-2019 upper school AP US History and AP Human Geography.• Lake Mary Preparatory School, 2009-2014 AP US History, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP European History, Economics, and AP Government. • Westminster Schools of Augusta, 2000-2009 middle school World Geography, US History, Ancient History, upper school Government, Economics, World History, Modern European History, AP European History, U.S. and AP US History. • Long Cane Academy, 1994-1998 upper school Government, Economics, Psychology, English Literature, Humanities, World History, and U.S. History.

Certifications: ACSI

UHC Courses Taught:

  • U.S. History,
  • World History
  • American Government
  • Economics
  • Middle School Digital Learning

Began teaching at UHC in 2024