Public Speaking and Rhetoric
Summit College Preparatory — live coaching, classical foundations, and modern presentation
This course develops confident, ethical communicators. Students blend classical rhetoric with contemporary strategy to speak clearly, argue from evidence, and connect with audiences across academic, civic, and professional settings.
Foundational Concepts and Course Purpose
Students apply ethos, pathos, and logos while composing speeches that inform, persuade, and inspire. Through model speeches and guided practice, they refine structure, voice, and timing. Instruction emphasizes presence, audience analysis, and ethical argumentation.
Because progress is performance-based, learners rehearse often, receive precise feedback, and iterate. As skills grow, students deliver talks that are clearer, more persuasive, and more memorable.
Course Specifications
Grade Level: 10–12
Credit: 1.0 (full-year)
Format: Live online (1:1 and small seminar)
Language: English
Academic Year: 194 instructional days
Core Academic Content
- Classical rhetoric and modern argument
- Speech types: informative, persuasive, ceremonial
- Nonverbal delivery, tone, pacing, and presence
- Audience adaptation and rhetorical strategy
- Debate formats and media message analysis
Instructional Approach
- Real-time coaching with targeted drills
- Clear structure: thesis, support, cadence, call to action
- Ethical persuasion and evidence standards
- University-aligned rubrics and expectations
Texts and Resources
- Excerpts from Aristotle’s Rhetoric and Cicero’s De Oratore
- Modern addresses from civic and academic leaders
- Visual and digital rhetoric case studies
- Student-selected topics with structured peer review
Assessment Framework
- Formal and impromptu speeches with timed delivery
- Rubric-based instructor and peer evaluations
- Rhetorical critique and short analysis papers
- Capstone address with reflective commentary
Academic Model & Instructional Framework
How live teaching, feedback cycles, and mastery work together.
Empowering Gifted Learners
Designing challenge and support for high-ability students.
English Language Arts
Reading, writing, and research sequences across grades 9–12.
Ready to Learn More?
See the course catalog and calendar, or contact our team.