Speaking Objectives
Introduction
Hamilton students should learn to speak clearly, concisely, and with grace. To that end Hamilton’s FYC speaking objectives focus on three main areas:
- How to choose appropriate purposes and topics
- How to organize support for the argument
- How to polish the delivery
Hamilton’s FYC speaking objectives were adapted from the National Communication Association’s standards for students completing their first-year courses. These objectives are intended to provide a reference point for faculty regarding expectations of students in their first-year, particularly in relation to the skills that will be developed throughout students’ future coursework.
This page provides a description of each main area and lists specific objectives within those areas. It also includes links to relevant resources from the Oral Communication Center’s (OCC) website that may be useful as you develop speaking assignments and then support students through that process.
Just as preparing and refining a presentation is a process, so too is the development of students’ communication abilities. While a single course will not perfect a student’s speaking abilities, each step along the way contributes to shaping graduates who are excellent communicators.
FYCs provide an introduction to skills that students will use and develop throughout their time at Hamilton. You do not need to cover all of the objectives in every area, but you should aim to incorporate pertinent skills that can be further developed in subsequent courses.
