sample course syllabus mcm 3321 media presentation

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Winston-Salem State University Department of Mass Communications

Fall 2009

Course Syllabus: MCM 3321 – Media Presentation 3 Semester Credit Hours Instructor: Dr. Brian Blount Office: Hall-Patterson Room 114 Office Hours: M 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

W 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM F 10:00 AM - 1:15 PM

Office Telephone: 336-750-3343 Email: [email protected] Required Textbook Television and Radio Announcing, 11th Edition; Hyde, Stuart W.; Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2009. Technology Resources 1) Inexpensive headset with microphone. 2) Two to three CD-R /RW audio diskettes or a USB storage device (2G or more portable disk drive). 3) One notepad of any size to log and document all critiques from the coaching sessions.

Course Description This course will cover the major aspects of radio, television, and new media delivery processes through the effective use of relevant media and technology. Course highlights include usage of broadcast terminology, writing for radio and television, and broadcast delivery through voicing and announcing. A final production project will be assigned after the midterm period of the course. Please refer to the course schedule for specific assignment dates and logistics. The project will involve student teams which will produce audio and video public service products for radio and new media. The Prerequisites are: MCM 2325. MCM 3315, and MCM 3365. Rationale Consolidation among broadcasting companies may lead to an increased use of syndicated programming and programs originating outside a station's viewing or listening area. Digital technology will increase the productivity of announcers, reducing the time spent on off-air technical and production work. Course Objectives The course is intended to improve the students’ knowledge and skills in order to gain and demonstrate proficiency in the area of announcing for the media. Only an earnest effort and hours of practice outside of the classroom can bring about a significant improvement. After completing the course successfully, the students should be able to:

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Course Objectives (Cont.d)

1. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology and techniques used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and deliver stories.

2. Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more comfortable in delivering reports in front of a traditional and/or new media audience.

3. Use technology to improve performance in announcing radio, television, and new media programs.

4. Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more effective communicators.

Materials and Equipment Each student must have a computer (Windows based recommended) running Windows2000/XP,Vista; Microsoft Office Word, and a Web browser such as Internet Explorer (version 6.xx) or Netscape 7.xx. In order to access some of the materials and software required for the course, the student must have a valid WSSU network access account. You will also use the account to log onto computers in the labs. Also, the student must have access to one working email address. Each student will also need 2 to 3 CD-R /RW audio diskettes or a USB storage device with at least 2G or more memory. You will also need an inexpensive headset with microphone. Please note that storage devices are not 100% reliable and they fail many times. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you make multiple backups of your recordings. Finally, students are required to obtain one notepad to log all critiques and comments from the coaching sessions. The notepad will allow the students to record and maintain a list of their deficiencies in an effort to improve on them. Each student will be requested to submit a copy of his or her Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor after each coaching session. Course Participation Policy Consistent participation will play an important part in determining your final grade in this course. Also, timely submission of projects and audio - video productions is very important.

Student Requirements Students will be required to be active learners in classroom and participate in all assigned exercises. To accomplish this objective, students must complete all assignments by their deadlines and attend all class meetings. In the event a student is absence from class, it is the student’s responsibility to find out about the required assignment for the purpose of submitting it on its due date or at the time the instructor approves. Only excused absences will be given consideration for extending the due date of the assignment. All students are required to check his or her email prior to the beginning of the each class. Several assignments require much thought and preparation. As a result, plan far ahead for these projects. The instructions for most performance assignments are specific and are intended to help you succeed in this course. Failure to consult the syllabus on a weekly basis is certain to lead to problems. Success in this class requires regular preparation. Code of Ethics Media practitioners must be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, producing, reporting and interpreting information. Never plagiarize. Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

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Disability Statement Students with a documented disability must register with the WSSU Disability Services Office each semester to receive consideration for any accommodations in this course. Accommodations are not retroactive. You may reach the Disability Services Office by emailing [email protected]. Diversity Statement The department seeks (1) to have a diverse student population where all students feel welcome while obtaining a quality educational experience; (2) to maintain a level of faculty and staff diversity that matches the student body; and (3) to create and maintain an environment where all ethnicities and genders feel empowered and one that encourages their participation that is free of discrimination. Cell Phones, Text Messaging, and Excessive Talking All cell phones must be turned off during the class time. The 2nd warning will result in the confiscation of the electronic device for the class period. Throughout the remaining semester, on the 3rd time the electronic device is confiscated, the student will be given an additional grade of zero (0) for that class period assignment(s). Also, on the 3rd issued request to the student to stop excessive talking during the class period, the student will be requested to leave the classroom and he or she will be given an additional grade of zero (0) for that class period assignment(s).

Course Assignments Classwork involves a few lecture discussion sessions. Our chief activity is to record, play back, and evaluate the student performances. The required readings will be discussed prior to the requested performance activity or at the times designated by the Instructor. If you have questions about anything you read in the text, please feel free to raise them at any appropriate time. It is important to consult the Essential Resources (located at the end of this syllabus) to assist with preparing any listed corresponding assignment. All assignments must be completed on time and according to the guidelines provided for each assignment. Late assignments will only be accepted in the case of excused emergencies. Each student is expected to complete and submit the following requirements:

1. Recording Skills Pre-assessment. Students recording skills will be pre-assessed by recording “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The Diagnostic Center” (page 93). Each audio assignment should be no longer than 2 minutes in length and should be emailed to the Instructor prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. "William and His Friends" was chosen because it includes a medial “l” sound, one of the most common sources of trouble for many American speakers. This story is a "speed trap." Students who tend to speak too rapidly, or who slur their words, will really have a challenge with this exercise. “The Diagnostic Center” is also chosen because it will enable students to work on poor articulation areas which may include mumbling or omitting syllables and certain words. Students should make a conscious effort to form every syllable of every sentence with this exercise.

2. Articulation Exercise. Students will record a series of 3 out-of-class assignments that

demonstrate their articulation skill levels. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the

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corresponding Technology Requirement chart. The nine speech sounds usually cause slurred, unpleasant, or unclear speech and should be corrected by anyone who intends to become a professional announcer or public speaker in any field of study. Nine of the twenty-five consonant sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will be focused on in order to assist the students to overcome any difficulties they may possess. These nine consonants are “T”, “Th”, “S”, “Sh”, “N”, “Ng”, “L”, “Hw”, and “R” (pages 94 – 99). Examples are: “T” – metal, “Th” – think, “S” – asserted, “Sh” – shortly, “N” – now, “Ng” – sing, “L” – willing, “Hw” – where, and “R” – runner.

3. Marking Copy Exercise. Students will write two 30 seconds radio spots of any type using

the seven copy marks and record them in Voice Board via Black Board. The total time for both productions should be 1 minute in length. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Punctuation is useful to announcers because it shows the writer’s intentions regarding mood and meaning of the script. On page 36, there are seven marking copy symbols that are used in announcing scripts. The seven marking copy symbols are: Slant lines, Two virgules, Underline, Question and exclamation marks, Upside-down exclamation point, and Crescendo.

4. Four Aspects of Speech Exercise. Students will record the two “Celebration”

commercials (page 358) and utilize the four major aspects of speech such as: Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series that builds on each individual aspect until all four aspects are used in the recording. In other words, each series introduces and stresses a new aspect in the 60 seconds commercial. The assignment should be emailed to the Instructor prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. The exercise is designed to vitalize the students announcing skills, as well as to assist them to deliver the intended interpretations of the messages.

5. Interviewing Skills Pre-assessment. Students will interview their classmates about their

backgrounds, professional and personal interests, professional objectives, achievements, and any other noteworthy information. The purpose of this exercise is to pre-assess the abilities of the students to interview, write and record interview scripts. The recorded audio presentation should be 3 minutes in length and should be emailed to the Instructor prior to the selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart.

6. Interviewing Professionals Exercise. Students will record one professional of any

interesting discipline. The exercise will illustrate the techniques and skills learned from the pre-assessment interview. The audio recording should be should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Chapter 9 on pages 170 – 199 is devoted to practices and techniques appropriate to in-studio television show and radio call-in shows that may not include studio guests, as well as to gather and edit interviews for inserting them into radio, television, and new media documentaries.

7. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Project. Students will record three 30 seconds

PSAs via audio podcast as the final project for the semester. The final project should be emailed to the Instructor prior to a selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Also, the students will be required to attend a class meeting where evaluations and feedback will be provided by the Instructor. The project should address three significant local public service issues that present a challenge or obstacle for the students on a regular basis. The Federal Communications Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) and defined its

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areas of responsibility. One requirement was that station licensees broadcast “in the public interest, convenience, or necessity.” One of the most convenient and inexpensive ways of showing community service was by broadcasting, free of charge, brief messages promoting worthwhile nonprofit enterprises via PSAs.

Interviewing Expectations: Classmates Interview. The interview should focus on an unfamiliar person. Spend a few minutes at the end of today’s class talking with the person to be interviewed, exploring possible topics to be brought out in the interview. Make notes. Do not try to cover a person’s entire life. Focus on one or two items of interest. Reverse the roles in an effort to understand some nuances of each. Do not fully write-out any of the questions. Do not pretend to interview a celebrity or a fictitious person. The success of the students’ interviews will be determined by how well the interesting facts and opinions of the guests are brought out by the interviewers. Interviews will be 4 minutes in length. Work for an appropriate beginning and ending. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Record the interviews on recordable CDs or USB storage devices as backup copies. Interviewing Expectations: Professional Interview. The interview should focus on a newsworthy individual. Explore possible topics to be brought out in the interview. Make notes. Do not try to cover a person’s entire life. Focus on one or two items of interest. Reverse. The success of interview will be determined by how well the interesting facts and opinions of the guest are brought out by the interviewer. For the purpose of obtaining additional techniques and facts about the interview process, research the topic by using Google Search. Do not use any Wikipedia sources. Submit a copy of all sources located to the Instructor for approval before they are used. Once you have gathered the appropriate websites, compile it through the use of RSS Feeds. The interview will be 4 minutes in length. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Record the interview on podcast and recordable CDs or USB storage devices as backup copy. Technology Requirements for Course Assignments

Date Topic Out-of-Class Experiences (Homework)

Technology Resources (Needed by Students)

Assignment Due Date

August 24th Pre-Assessment of Announcing Skills

Record “William and His Friends, and “The Diagnostic Center”.

Voice Board in Black Board (BB); 2G Portable Disk Drive. Dub (copy) to 2G Portable Disk Drive as backup).

August 27th

Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

September 15th Articulation Exercise Record a series of 3 out-of-class Consonant assignments that demonstrate the students’ articulation

Voice Board in Black Board (BB); 2G Portable Disk Drive. Dub (copy) to 2G

September 27th - (Part 1) September 22nd - (Part 2) September 24th - (Part 3)

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skill levels. Portable Disk Drive as backup.

All of the above parts should be emailed via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

September 24th Marking Copy Exercise

Write and record two 30 seconds radio script using the seven copy marks.

Voice Board in Black Board (BB); 2G Portable Disk Drive. Dub (copy) to 2G Portable Disk Drive as backup.

September 29th Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

October 22nd Interviewing Skills Pre-assessment

Interview classmates about their backgrounds, professional and personal interests, professional objectives, achievements, and any other noteworthy information.


October 27th Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

September 29th Four Aspects of Speech Effectiveness Exercise

Record the “Celebration” commercial (page 358) and utilize the four major aspects of speech effectiveness. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series.


October 1st - (Part 1) October 6th - (Part 2) October 8th - (Part 3) October 20th - (Part 4) Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

October 29th Interviewing Professionals Exercise

Write a brief 30 seconds radio script using the seven copy marks and record it as a 1 minute podcast.

Black Board; Google Search; RSS Feed; Podcast. Dub (copy) to 2G Portable Disk Drive as backup.

November 3rd Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

November 10th Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Project

Record three 30 seconds PSAs via audio podcast as the final project for the semester.

Black Board; Google Search; RSS Feed; Podcast. Dub (copy) to 2G Portable Disk Drive as backup.

November 24th - (1st Draft) December 3rd - (Final Submission) Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

November 12th Post-Assessment of Re-record “William Voice Board in November 17th

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Announcing Skills

and His Friends, and “The Diagnostic Center”.

Black Board (BB); 2G Portable Disk Drive. Dub (copy) to 2G Portable Disk Drive as backup.

Email via BB to Instructor at least 5 hours before the class meeting.

Schedule of Class Lessons Week 1: Tuesday, August 24th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology

and techniques used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and deliver stories

Use technology to improve performance in announcing radio, television, and new media programs.

In-Class Experience: Introductions. Review of syllabus. Students will write one page about

themselves and their expectations from the course. Included in the students’ information should be their classification, major, media experience, and professional objectives, etc.

Home Assignment: 1) Bring to the next class meeting a new recordable CD or 2G or more

USB storage device. 2) As a pre-assessment of the student’s skill level, practice and record “William and His Friends,” page 55 in the text, and “The Diagnostic Center,” on page 93. Practice each exercise for a minimal of 20 minutes before recording them. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Thursday, August 27th Week 1: Thursday, August 27th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


In-Class Experience: Playback and coaching session by the Instructor on "William and His

Friends" and “The Diagnostic Center” will occur in the class meeting. During all coaching sessions, the strengths and weaknesses of each student will be provided by the Instructor and classmates (peer evaluation). Please note: A coaching session will be provided by the Instructor during every appropriate class meeting throughout the semester.

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of the needed skills for announcing in

“Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1). The specialization of announcing will be analyzed. Be prepared for a quiz on the chapter at the next meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 1): announcer, news anchors, ASNE, corporate media, defamation, drugola, EAS, indecency, industrial media, NAB, obscenity, payola, plugola, RTNDA, status-conferral function of the media.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 1st

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Week 2: Tuesday, September 1st Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology

and techniques used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and deliver stories.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1). Continue

playbacks and coaching session of "William and His Friends" and “The Diagnostic Center”. Immediately or on a continuous basis throughout the course the Instructor will assign additional exercises as needed to improve the performance of the students. Some examples of the additional exercises could be assigned are the Twelve Vowel Sounds (page 83), Voice Quality (page 65), and Breathing and Breathing Exercises (page 67).

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of how announcers are viewed in the industry in

“The Announcer as Communicator”, Chapter 2. Place special emphasis on Interpreting Copy and Ad-Lib Announcing. Duplicate and learn the Checklist (Analyzing Broadcast Copy) on page 26 and submit a copy to the Instructor via Black Board prior to the next class meeting. Be prepared for a chapter quiz. Key Terms (Chapter 2): allusion, cold copy, communication, crescendo, decrescendo, diacritical marks, ellipses, mood, reading ahead, structure, virgule.

Assignment Due: Thursday, September 3rd Week 2: Thursday, September 3rd Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology



In-Class Experience: Quiz on “The Announcer as Communicator” (Chapter 2). Discuss the

Checklist (Analyzing Broadcast Copy). During the remainder of the class, a powerpoint presentation on the “Capabilities and Skills Needed” as an announcer will be shown. This information is necessary in order for the student to appreciate the importance of developing confidence which is necessary to become effective communicators.

Home Assignment: Study the notes of the powerpoint and be prepared for a quiz on it at the

next class meeting. Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 8th

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Week 3: Tuesday, September 8th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology



In-Class Experience: Quiz on the “Capabilities and Skills Needed” powerpoint presentation.

During the remainder of the class session a powerpoint presentation on the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers” will be shown. The information describes the opportunities that are available for an announcer. As a result, the student is able to think about his or her possibilities and take advantage of the course offerings as preparation for his or her relevant choices.

Home Assignment: Study the powerpoint notes on the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers”

and be prepared for a quiz on it at the next class meeting. Assignment Due: Thursday, September 10th Week 3: Thursday, September 10th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology



In-Class Experience: Quiz on the “Roles of TV & Radio Announcers” powerpoint presentation.

During the remainder of the class meeting, a powerpoint presentation will be shown about Voice Quality. The chief resonators of speech sounds are bones of the chest and face the windpipe (trachea), larynx, pharynx, mouth, nose, cheekbones, and sinuses. These items will be discussed in the powerpoint.

Home Assignment: Read about the concept of “Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter

3). Provide special attention to the above corresponding information about how the quality of the voice can be improved on pages 65 – 71. Be prepared for a chapter quiz at next class meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 3): ambient noise, articulation, articulators, aspirate, back vowels, consonants, diaphragm, inflection, monotone, lavaliere mic, nasals, optimum pitch, nasality and denasality, pitch and inflection, plosive, popping, pronounciation, sibilance, speech personality, tempo, vitality, vocal folds, voice quality, volume.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 15th

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Week 4: Tuesday, September 15th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more

comfortable in delivering reports in front of a traditional and/or new media audience.


In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter 3). Home Assignment: Record the first 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates the

students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will be focused on. The first 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are the “T”, “Th”, “S” sounds beginning on page 94. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Thursday, September 17th Week 4: Thursday, September 17th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more comfortable in delivering reports in front of a traditional and/or new media audience.


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “T”, “Th”, and “S” recording. Home Assignment: Record the second 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates

the students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will be focused on. The second 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are the “Sh”, “N”, and “Ng” sounds beginning on page 94. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 22nd

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Week 5: Tuesday, September 22nd Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology




In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “Sh”, “N”, and “Ng” recording. Home Assignment: Record the final 3 part-series out-of-class exercise that demonstrates the

students’ articulation skill levels. Three of the twenty-five consonant sounds in the English language that cause the most problems will be focused on. The final 3 consonants exercise that will be recorded are the “L”, “Hw”, and “R” sounds beginning on page 94. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, September 24th Week 5 : Thursday, September 24th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology




In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the consonants “L”, “Hw”, and “R” recording. Home Assignment: Write two 30 seconds radio spots of any type using the seven copy

marks (found on page 36) and record the spots in Voice Board via Black Board. Submit the two spots for the Instructor’s review. The total time for both productions should be 1 minute in length. The audio recording should be emailed to the Instructor before the selected class meetings as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, September 29th

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Week 6: Tuesday, September 29th Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more



In-Class Experience: Review of the copy marks in the scripts and coaching session on the two

30 seconds recorded spots will occur during this class session. Home Assignment: Record the two “Celebration” commercials (page 358) and utilize the four

major aspects of speech effectiveness such as: Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy for each commercial. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series. During this assignment (Part 1), Pitch and Inflection should be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 1st Week 6: Thursday, October 1st Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more



In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection recording. Home Assignment: Record the two “Celebration” commercials (page 358) and utilize the four

major aspects of speech effectiveness such as: Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy for each commercial. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series. During this assignment (Part 2), Pitch and Inflection, and Volume should be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, October 6th Week 7: Tuesday, October 6th Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more



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Week 7: Tuesday, October 6th (Cont.d) In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, and Volume recording. Home Assignment: Record the two “Celebration” commercials (page 358) and utilize the four

major aspects of speech effectiveness such as: Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy for each commercial. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series. During this assignment (Part 3), Pitch and Inflection, Volume, and Tempo should be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 8th Week 7: Thursday, October 8th Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more



In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, Volume, and Tempo recording. Home Assignment: Record the two “Celebration” commercials (page 358) and utilize the four

major aspects of speech effectiveness such as: Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy for each commercial. The audio assignment should be recorded by the students as a 4 part series. During this assignment (Part 4), Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality and Energy should be emphasized in the recording. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, October 20th Week 8: Tuesday, October 13th (FALL BREAK) Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


In-Class Experience: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Home Assignment: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Assignment Due: N/A

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Week 8: Thursday, October 15th (FALL BREAK) Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


In-Class Experience: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Home Assignment: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Assignment Due: N/A Week 9: Tuesday, October 20th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


In-Class Experience: Coaching session on Pitch and Inflection, Volume, Tempo, and Vitality

and Energy recording. Home Assignment: Read about performing well in the announcing field in “Audio

Performance” (Chapter 5). Place emphasis on Performance Skill (page 112) and Achieving a Conversational Style (page 115). Duplicate and learn the Checklist (Preparing to Perform) on page 114 and submit a copy to the Instructor via email prior to the next class meeting. Be prepared for a quiz on the chapter at the next class meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 5): audience rapport, hand signals, hard copy, mic fright, microphone

consciousness, plosives, self-esteem, sibilance, time signals, vocal folds. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 22nd Week 9: Thursday, October 22nd Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology



In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Audio Performance” (Chapter 5). Discuss the Checklist

(Preparing to Perform). Home Assignment: Interview and record classmates about their backgrounds, professional

and personal interests, professional objectives, achievements, and any other noteworthy information. The recorded audio presentation should be 3 minutes in length. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, October 27th

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Week 10: Tuesday, October 27th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology

and techniques used by radio and television broadcasters to develop and deliver stories. Use technology to improve performance in announcing radio, television, and new media programs.

In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the classmates interview recording. Home Assignment: Read about how to be an effective announcer in “Interviewer and Talk

Programs” (Chapter 8). Be prepared for a chapter quiz at the next class meeting. Duplicate and learn the Checklist (Becoming a Skilled Interviewer) on page 186 - 188 and submit a copy to the Instructor via Black Board prior to the next class meeting. Key Terms (Chapter 8): audience demographics, billing log, commercial cluster, debriefing log, equal time provision, fairness doctrine, interview, vox pop, ladder of abstraction, MOS, panic button, payola, personal attack, phone screener, plugola, program log. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, October 29th Week 10: Thursday, October 29th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology



In-Class Experience: Quiz on “Interviewer and Talk Programs” (Chapter 8). Discuss the

Checklist (Becoming a Skilled Interviewer). Home Assignment: Record one person in a professional position of any interesting discipline.

The exercise will illustrate the techniques and skills learned from the pre-assessment interview (classmates). See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 3rd Week 11: Tuesday, November 3rd Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more

comfortable in delivering reports in front of a traditional and/or new media audience

In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the interview recording of a person in a

professional position.

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Week 11: Tuesday, November 3rd (Cont.d) Home Assignment: Prepare questions about announcing techniques and experiences, future

trends, and career opportunities for the professional guest lecturer who will appear at the next class meeting. Submit the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, November 5th Week 11: Thursday, November 5th Objective(s): Select the appropriate announcing techniques to become more


In-Class Experience: Professional media guest will lecture to the class about announcing

techniques and experiences, future trends, and career opportunities. Home Assignment: Prepare questions about announcing techniques and experiences, future

trends, and career opportunities for the professional guest lecturer who will appear at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 10th Week 12: Tuesday, November 10th Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators.


In-Class Experience: Professional media guest will lecture to the class about announcing

techniques and experiences, future trends, and career opportunities. Home Assignment: Record three 30 seconds PSAs via audio podcast as the final project for

the semester. The final project should be emailed to the Instructor prior to a selected class meeting as indicated by the corresponding Technology Requirement chart. The project should address three significant local public service issues that the students face on a regular basis.

Assignment Due: 1st Draft: Tuesday, November 24th Final Draft: Thursday, December 3rd Week 12: Thursday, November 12th Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


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Week 12: Thursday, November 12th (Cont.d)


In-Class Experience: Analyze professional audio recordings of PSAs and Commercials to

provide examples of expected delivery standards for the final project. Home Assignment: As a post-assessment of the student’s skill level, practice and record

“William and His Friends,” page 55 in the text, and “The Diagnostic Center,” on page 93. Practice each exercise for a minimal of 20 minutes before recording them. See the corresponding Technology Requirements chart for additional details.

Assignment Due: Tuesday, November 17th Week 13: Tuesday, November 17th Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators. In-Class Experience: Coaching session “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The

Diagnostic Center (page 93). Home Assignment: Continue preparing the final project on three audio PSAs. Submit the

current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor at the next class meeting.

Assignment Due: Thursday, December 3rd Week 13: Thursday, November 19th Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators. In-Class Experience: Continue coaching session “William and His Friends” (page 55) and “The

Diagnostic Center (page 93). Home Assignment: Continue preparing the final project on three audio PSAs. Submit the


Assignment Due: Thursday, December 3rd Week 14: Tuesday, November 24th Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators. In-Class Experience: Coaching session on the 1st Draft of the final project on three audio

PSAs.

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Week 14: Tuesday, November 24th (Cont.d) Home Assignment: Continue preparing the final project on three audio PSAs. Submit the


Assignment Due: Thursday, December 3rd Week 14: Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving Day) Objective(s): Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and concepts related to the terminology


In-Class Experience: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Home Assignment: Out-of-class practice on prior weak performance(s). Assignment Due: N/A Week 15: Tuesday, December 1st Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators. In-Class Experience: Continue coaching session on the 1st Draft of the final project on three

audio PSAs. Home Assignment: Continue preparing the final project on three audio PSAs. Submit the


Assignment Due: Thursday, December 3rd Week 15: Thursday, December 3rd (Last Day of Class) Objective(s): Produce relevant and meaningful media programs and become more

effective communicators. In-Class Experience: Final coaching session on the final project on three audio PSAs. Home Assignment: Submit a copy of the current Coaching Evaluation Log to the Instructor Assignment Due: See final examination class session for final coaching session on the

final examination project (PSAs). Happy Holiday Seasons!

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Grading Scale Participation 15 Points Assignments 20 Points Presentation Skills 20 Points Final Examination/Project 25 Points Attendance 20 Points 100 Points Course Grading Procedure 100 – 90 Points = A 80 - 89 Points = B 70 - 79 Points = C 60 - 69 Points = D 59 & Below = F

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Rubric Samples:

MCM 3321 – Media Presentation

PSA Final Examination Audio Project

Production Title ____________________________________________________

Student Producer ____________________________________________________

Crew Members ____________________________________________________

Genre ____________________________________________________

Length ____________________________________________________

Date ____________________________________________________

Rating Scale:

5=Excellent; 4=Very Good; 3=Good; 2=Fair; 1=Poor

Grading Scale: 60 Points – 49 Points = A; 48 Points – 37 Points = B; 36 Points – 25 Points = C; 24 Points – 13 Points = D; 12 Points and Below = F

Content and Organization

1. The information or story is well paced and developed in a manner that keeps viewers interested (The story has a beginning, middle, and end).

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated planning through all parts of the production.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Provided fresh, interesting insights into the subject of the audio (The story is creative and original).

5 4 3 2 1

4. Meets its purpose for intended audience; content accuracy and objectivity.

5 4 3 2 1

5. Documentation: Complies with requirements. Script attached; copyright permission credited.

5 4 3 2 1

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Delivery Techniques

1. Demonstrated the effective use of Pitch and Inflection.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated the effective use of Volume.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Demonstrated the effective use of Tempo.

5 4 3 2 1

4. Demonstrated the effective use of Vitality and Energy.

5 4 3 2 1

Technical Quality

1. Audio: Balanced background music; clarity; appropriateness of silence.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Editing / Clean Transitions; Synchronization; Time.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Use of Special Effects; Titles; Credits.

General Effectiveness

An overall evaluation of the production, based on the above points, combined with the considered judgment of the evaluator

5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL POINTS: _____________

COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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MCM 3321 – Media Presentation

Four Aspects of Speech Effectiveness

Assignment Title ______________________________________________________

Student ______________________________________________________

Date ______________________________________________________

Rating Scale:

5=Excellent; 4=Very Good; 3=Good; 2=Fair; 1=Poor

Grading Scale: 50 Points = A; 49 Points – 40 Points = B; 39 Points – 30 Points = C; 29 Points – 20 Points = D; 19 Points and Below = F

Delivery Techniques

1. Demonstrated the effective use of Pitch and Inflection.

5 4 3 2 1

2. Demonstrated the effective use of Volume.

5 4 3 2 1

3. Demonstrated the effective use of Tempo.

5 4 3 2 1

4. Demonstrated the effective use of Vitality and Energy.

5 4 3 2 1

5. Demonstrated the effective use of Articulation.

5 4 3 2 1

6. Demonstrated effective use of Voice Quality.

5 4 3 2

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7. Demonstrated effective use of Sibilance.

5 4 3 2 1

8. Demonstrated effective use of Plosives

5 4 3 2 1

9. Demonstrated effective use of the microphone.

5 4 3 2 1

10. Demonstrated content accuracy and objectivity.

5 4 3 2 1

General Effectiveness

An overall evaluation of the production, based on the above points, combined with the considered judgment of the evaluator

5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL POINTS: _____________

COMMENTS: _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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Essential Internet Resources “Announcing for the Electronic Media” (Chapter 1): www.bis.gov/oco/ocos087.htm - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

www.futurecasting2000.com/agency.htm - Talent agency www.pozproductions.com/agtmainp.htm - Talent agency

www.beaweb.org/directories.html - Talent agency

“The Announcer as Communicator” (Chapter 2): www.ozvoxaudio.com - Professional audition performances

www.voiceprofessionals.com - Professional audition performances “Voice Analysis and Improvement” (Chapter 3): www.etext.lib.virginia.edu/britpo.html - The UVA Library’s major Bristish and American poets’ collection

“Audio Performance” (Chapter 5) www.pbs.org/newshour/essays~dialogues.html - Commentary and radio essay scripts from NPR’s Jim Lehrer “Interview and Talk Programs” (Chapter 8) www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/ - CNN’s transcripts of interviews with newsmakers

sample course syllabus mcm 3321 media presentation

Education

course descriptionthis

course objectivesthe

course syllabus

course schedule

course highlights

radio announcing

course objectives cont

equipmenteach student