Welcome to Speech 1321: Business and Professional Communication! I'm Professor Candace Eldridge, and I hope you're ready for a great semester. In order to help you orient yourself to the course and to Canvas, we'll begin with introductions and common questions about this class. (Also, check your announcements for a few opening comments...the rest of our announcements and class updates will take place through Remind.)

First:

Contact information for your instructor: This course will use Remind, a texting app that goes on your phone. All announcements and updates will be made through Remind. It is FERPA compliant and you can text me at any time. I will not be able to see your number nor can you see mine, but we can still text. This is the fastest way to get a hold of me. You can text me (or your classmates) anytime through Remind. Our class Remind information is https://www.remind.com/join/n1321 but be sure to pull this up on your phone so you can get linked up with the app.
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-3:00 pm Online.

What is the required textbook for the course? Communicating at Work, Adler, McGraw-Hill, 12th Ed. (details in syllabus)
What is the audience requirement for this course? The attire for your speeches is business casual to business formal. Also, you will have citation requirements and visual aid requirements. Make sure you bring your phone or tablet to record your speech. You will upload it after you give it. So, no, you cannot use it for your outline; bring your outline (paper copy) with you to class. Print it BEFORE class.

How much time should you expect to spend on this course? If you are not willing to spend the necessary amount of time each week researching, reading, and setting up your speeches, you will probably not be successful in this course. How much time do you mean by "necessary time"? The rule of thumb is a 3-credit hour course should take you 6-9 hours a week. You should expect a minimum of 6-9 hours per week studying, reading, and prepping for most courses in college. You must read the chapter and view the online class materials such as videos and presentations PRIOR to doing the assignments. You are guaranteed to have me during my office hours, save for any professional travel absences, but you must be putting in those 6-9 outside hours on your own in order to be successful, especially in this course. Please be prepared for each week; make sure you check the weekly assignments at the beginning of each week as many assignments take longer to complete than others. If you wait until the day assignments are due to begin them, you will not finish many of them.

How much speaking, writing, and reading is required in this course? Keep in mind that this is a communication course; therefore, your grade in the course will be primarily based on your speaking, reading, and writing skills. You can expect to read several chapters each week (plus studying for quizzes and preparing for your speeches). There will also be discussion boards and video chats.

How much computer knowledge should I have? You don't need to be a computer expert for this course. However, you will need to use Microsoft Word and some of the less common commands--for your assignments. If you do not have Microsoft Office, you have free access to these programs through Canvas.

What kind of feedback can you expect from me in the course? Your success in this course is my ultimate goal; therefore, I will give you feedback on most of your assignments; it can be found in the gradebook within the assignment. Just click into the grade and you can view the rubric where I have made my notes. Many items have a rubric; be sure to click on the tab that says "view rubric" to see additional feedback rather than just the comments in the grade book. Sometimes writing comments on each student's assignment can take a couple of days, so please be patient. (There are 25 of you and 1 of me.) I aim to evaluate and provide feedback on your assignments within two weeks, and I will post an announcement when all assignments are evaluated. In return, I expect you to read, reflect upon, and apply my comments to your future assignments. I also promise to respond to your emails promptly.

What Time are the Assignments Due? You will have weekly assignments that will be due before 11:55 p.m. on the due date listed in Canvas.

How should we respond to each other and to the instructor? You are expected to communicate with your classmates and me with civility and respect when communicating via email, text, or in discussion postings. Posts and emails that are rude, culturally insensitive, or hostile will be deleted and students may be reported to the administration. (In other words, just be nice to each other. We're all learning here.)

Getting Behind? I understand that sometimes things come up, so just send me an email letting me know when to expect your work if you have a situation. Once we have moved on from a particular speech, you won't be able to make up that speech assignment. Do not drop the class before you speak with me. I want you to be successful in this course, so keep me informed.

Next:

How do you get started? While the course might seem overwhelming at first, it's helpful to use the Modules tab and proceed through the course using the "Next" button.

Get excited for a great semester!