NCHU Course Outline

Course Name	(中) 演說技巧(5512)
	(Eng.) English Speech and Debate
Offering Dept	Continuing Bachelor Program in Foreign Languages and Literatures
Course Type	Elective	Credits	2	Teacher	邱幸珍
Department	Continuing Bachelor Program in Foreign Languages and Literatures(N)Undergraduate	Language	中/英文	Semester	2026-SPRING
Course Description	This course introduces students to the fundamentals of effective presentation and debate. Based on Talk Like a Pro: Making a Winning Presentation, it emphasizes clarity, structure, and delivery in public speaking while gradually building skills in critical thinking and argumentation. Students will learn how to analyze audiences, organize messages, design visual aids, and use voice and body language confidently. In addition to individual presentations, students will participate in debate activities that strengthen their ability to construct logical arguments, respond to opposing views, and engage in persuasive communication. Through practice, feedback, and teamwork, students will develop greater confidence as speakers and debaters.
Prerequisites				self-directed learning in the course	Y

Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%)			Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives	Competency Indicators	Ratio(%)	Teaching Methods	Assessment Methods
-Identify and adapt presentations to meet different audience needs. -Organize presentations with effective openings, main points, and conclusions. -Deliver presentations using confident voice, body language, and stage presence. -Create and integrate visuals to support and enhance delivery. -Respond to questions and unexpected challenges professionally. -Demonstrate teamwork and individual presentation competence in formal contexts.			topic Discussion/Production Discussion Lecturing	Other Attendance Oral Presentation Quiz
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content Week 1 2/27 (OFF) Class orientation / Seat & Group arrangement Week 2 3/6 Review & Conversation Strategies: warm-up conversation circles / asking follow-up questions / conversation fillers Activity: Speed chatting (3 minutes per partner) Week 3 3/13 Chapter 4: Opinions: giving opinions / softening opinions (I think / In my opinion / It seems) / Mini Debate: “Online classes are better than face-to-face classes.” Week 4 3/20 Supporting Ideas: giving reasons / giving examples Activity: Opinion ladder (students defend position) Week 5 3/27 Agreeing & Disagreeing: polite disagreement / reacting naturally Debate: “Homework should be banned.” Week 6 4/3 (OFF) Giving Advice: should / ought to / had better Problem-solving discussion: “Your friend wants to drop out of university.” Week 7 4/10 Making Suggestions: why don’t we / how about / let’s Group Task: Plan a school festival Week 8 4/17 Mid-term Oral Exam Week 9 4/24 Preferences & Comparisons: comparing choices Debate: “Living in a big city is better than living in the countryside.” Week 10 5/1 (OFF) Persuasion Skills: convincing language Activity: Sell a strange product Week 11 5/8 Social Issues Discussion: expressing viewpoints carefully Debate: “University students should have a part-time job.” Week 12 5/15 Making Plans & Negotiation: negotiating decisions Role-play: Roommates planning a trip budget Week 13 5/22 Problem Solving Meeting: group decision making Task: Save a failing restaurant (team discussion) Week 14 5/29 Formal Discussion: turn-taking skills / interrupting politely Debate: “Social media does more harm than good.” Week 15 6/5 Debate Preparation Workshop: argument structure (reason → example → conclusion) / rebuttal practice / Students prepare final debate. Week 16 6/12 Final Oral Exam self-directed learning    03.Preparing presentations or reports related to industry and academia. Individual Persuasive Speech What Students Do: Each student prepares and delivers a 3–4 minute persuasive speech on a social, educational, or daily-life topic. Students must take a clear position, give at least 2 supporting reasons, provide real examples, include an introduction and conclusion, speak without reading a full script (notes allowed) Suggested topics: 1. University classes should start after 10 a.m. 2. AI writing tools should be allowed for homework assignments. 3. Group projects are unfair to hardworking students. 4. Employees should not reply to messages after work hours. 5. Online shopping is better than shopping in physical stores.
Evaluation
Participation & In-class Activities: 35% Assignments (Visuals, Outlines, etc.): 15% Mid-term Presentation: 20% Final Presentation: 20% Reflection & Peer Feedback: 10%
Textbook & other References
Du-Babcock, B. (2023) Talk like a Pro: Making a Winning Presentation, Tung Hua ISBN：9786267130452
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
Office Hours
by appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs(Link URL)
04.Quality Education include experience courses：N

Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please respect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day：2026/02/12 16:08:48	Printed Date, year/month/day：2026 / 3 / 10
The second-hand book website：http://www.myub.com.tw/