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Welcome to Speech 1321: Business and Professional Communication! I'm Sarah Spikeston, and I hope you're ready for a great (albeit short!) semester. In order to help you orientate yourself to the course and to Canvas, we'll begin with introductions and common questions about this class. (Also, check your Cisco Webex tab… our announcements will take place through Webex this semester.)

First:

Instructor Introduction:

Hello! My name is Sarah Spikeston. I’m a graduate of Western Kentucky University, Minnesota State University - Mankato, and Texas State University. I am a national champion debater and top speaker at the college level. I began my college career as a speech and debate coach, leading my first team to their very first national championship. I have worked in a community college setting for the last 10 years, and love the opportunity to help students develop their career goals and speaking skills. Outside of the classroom, I run three different nonprofit organizations and assist my husband (a freelance software engineer in the top 1% on Upwork) in running his business. I understand that not all students are thrilled to be taking a speech class… but I hope that you can take some of the skills from this class to enhance communication in the workplace and in the job search process.

Required phone and/or desktop applications to help supplement this course?

- First, you will need access to your NCTC Lion Pride email. You must use that email for correspondence with your instructor, and your classmates, and to Login to MyNCTC, Canvas, and the additional applications. A few orientation assignments will test your ability to use that email and login.
  - Canvas Student Phone App (if you're using a phone)
  - Cisco Webex App (phone app)
  - Cisco Webex Meetings App (phone app or desktop)

(This is what the icons will look like.)

How to contact your instructor? There are four main ways to contact me; all four are equally good options. Just pick which one you like best.
- Email: sspikeston@nctc.edu
- Canvas Inbox
- Cisco Webex: This is my preferred communication method and will get you the fastest response! This third-party app is also connected to Canvas and your classmates. You can instant message, send attachments and voice memos, work with classmates in groups, set up a call between classmates and/or the instructor, and even have virtual meetings through this application for group work. It can be accessed within Canvas' navigation tabs (named "Cisco Webex), or in the Stand Alone application for your phone.
- Cisco Webex Meetings: My virtual meeting room will be here for office hours, so make sure you download the app: https://nctclions.webex.com/meet/sspikeston

How much time should you expect to spend on this course? Often, students think online courses are easier or require less time than a traditional face-to-face course. However, this is not the case. You can expect to spend as much time reading the textbook, reading the course materials and linked pages, and researching and setting up your speeches and assignments as you would in a traditional face-to-face course. The difference for an online course is that you can determine what times during the week you will complete your coursework. If you are not willing to spend the necessary amount of time each week researching, reading, and setting up your assignments and speeches, you will probably not be successful in this course. How much time do you mean by "necessary time"? The rule of thumb is that a 3-credit hour course should take 6-9 hours a week.

How many speeches are in this course? There will be two speeches in the course, but keep in mind that this is a communication course; therefore, your grade in the course will be primarily based on your speaking skills, writing skills, your ability to work in teams, researching, and your overall effectiveness in applying the communication concepts learned in this class. You can expect to read several chapters each week (plus studying for quizzes and preparing for your speeches and other assignments).

How much computer knowledge should I have? You don't need to be a computer expert for this course. However, for your assignments, you will need to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs--and some of the less common commands. You will also need to be fairly familiar with capturing and uploading video.

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 (if not all) of your assignments. 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 one to two weeks within a 16-week semester but will ensure your feedback is quicker if it is a building block for another assignment, especially if it's a shorter semester. I will also post an announcement when all assignments are evaluated. It will often be within a few days, depending on the assignment. 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 or CANVAS messages promptly (within 24 hours, at the latest).

What Time are the Assignments Due? You will have weekly assignments that will be due anywhere from Thursday night by 11:59 pm to Monday night at 11:59 p.m.

How should we respond to each other and the instructor? You are expected to communicate with your classmates and me with civility and respect via email, text, or 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, be nice to each other. We're all learning here. Additionally, try your best to be as professional as possible in your correspondence with your classmates and me. Emails should be addressed to the receiver and worded as clearly and succinctly as if you were emailing a boss or co-worker, and profanity should not be used at all (use this as practice for the workplace).

Getting Behind? I understand that sometimes things come up, so send me an Webex message telling me 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. 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 in your navigation bar under the Syllabus tab, click on Modules, click on the first module you see (Lesson 1: Course Orientation), and proceed through the course using the "Next" button at the bottom of each module/lesson/assignment.

Get excited for a great semester!