Public Speaking Course

Introducing the Introductory Courses in the Department of Communication Studies

Communications Studies Introductory Speech Courses
Speaking effectively—as a citizen, a professional, an organizational member, or a student—requires a clear sense of purpose, resourceful thinking, an ability to adapt ideas to others, and confidence to express those ideas. Good speaking is good thinking— reasonable, well-informed, creative, and flexible. Introductory course instructors guide students to become efficient in crafting, presenting, and analyzing public speeches and texts, introducing students to relevant communication terminology and theory.

Here’s what we know: public speaking skills are essential to become an adaptable and critical member of society. In the introductory course, students will develop skills in critical thinking to become competent communicators in a variety of contexts. Public speaking is not easy (as suggested by the large number of people who dread speaking in public), but it’s well worth the time and effort required to master the principles—principles known to support career development, job placement, and increased public speaking confidence.

As part of the core curriculum, all undergraduate students are required to enroll in an introductory course. Consult with your advisor for guidance. Because class discussion, speech participation, and speaking are core components of the curriculum, the Introductory Course Office does not allow adds to introductory courses after the second week of a 16-week semester. 

Classes Offered

COMS 130. Public Speaking. 3 Hours. GE22 / U.
Study of rhetorical theory and its application to the preparation, presentation, and criticism of oral discourse in audience situations. Special consideration of listening behavior and of the ethical conduct of speech in a free society. This course fulfills the College argument and reason requirement. LEC.

COMS 131. Public Speaking, Honors. 3 Hours. GE22 / U.
The study of rhetorical theory and its application to the preparation, presentation, and criticism of oral discourse in audience situations. Special consideration of listening behavior and of the ethical conduct of speech in a free society. This course fulfills the College argument and reason requirement. This is an honors section of COMS 130 open only to students in the Honors Program. LEC.

COMS 322. Professional Public Speaking
In this course, students develop and present their ideas by applying communication theories to organizational audiences in various presentation situations. Specifically, this course focuses on presentation development, preparation, presentation and critique of messages appropriate in the business or organization setting. Special attention is given to speaking with confidence, presenting and working effectively in teams, reflecting and improving on presentations skills, and listening and speaking ethically in an increasingly diverse work world. Prerequisite: Not intended for Communication Studies Majors. LEC.

Contact Information

Communication Studies Department Office
117 Bailey Hall

Introductory Course E-mail
Coms130@ku.edu

Dr. Meggie Mapes
Bailey 116F
Introductory Course Director
meggiemapes@ku.edu

Joseph Kauffman
Bailey 5C
Assistant Introductory Course Director
joekauff@ku.edu

Nathan Davis
Bailey 413
Assistant Introductory Course Director
nathandavis@ku.edu