...While the right to talk may be the beginning of freedom,
the necessity of listening is what makes the right important.
......................................................................... - Walter Lippmann

This week your work will focus on critical listening skills. You will concentrate on using your listening to become a better consumer of persuasive messages. You will also deliver your persuasive speech to your classmates.

1. Sign on to Blackboard and complete two options for Unit Nine on the discussion board. Interact with your group as well;
2. Watch videotape #9: Listening Skills;
3. Read Chapter 3 of your textbook, A Speaker's Guidebook;
4. Bring your videotape to class and present your persuasive speech; and
5. Critically listen and offer feedback to your classmates.

Make a presentation which seeks to compel your audience to make a voluntary change in their attitudes, values, or behaviors. Your talk might follow the Motivated Sequence format. Clearly establish your credibility and ensure that your approach follows the guidelines of ethical speaking. You are encouraged to offer a complement of ethos, pathos and logos. Deliver a well-organized 7-10 minutes speech in which you urge your classmates to make a change that you deem is important. At least three credible sources should be cited in your argument.

Don't forget to bring your videotape to the class session. We will be assigning roles for the upcoming Class Session Awards Banquet.