Category: Communication

Listen to/view your speech multiple times (strong familiarity will assist your analysis).
Use the Speech Context Questions (listed below) to establish the speech’s situational context.
Analyze the speech for Aristotle’s classic appeals and provide strong examples from the speech.
CONTENT:
Your paper should include the following elements:
Title: Remember a creative title for your speech will create a lens for your reader.
Introduction:
Gets the reader’s attention.
Establishes a thesis statement.
Previews the main points that will be discussed in the main body.
Provide context such as who spoke, when/where the speech took place, et cetera. You may use the context questions below to guide you.
Speech Context Questions:
What is the occasion for this speech?
Who is the speaker?
What is the title of the speech?
When was the speech delivered?
Where was the speech delivered?
Who was the intended (target) audience?
Are there additional things that the reader should know about in the background or on the occasion for which the speech was given?
Body:
Develop each previewed main point (including each of Aristotle’s appeals**).
Make informed judgements using specific evidence from the speech to support each point.
**Aristotle’s three persuasive appeals are used by speakers to motivate their audience. Your task is to identify within the speech at least one example for each of Aristotle’s three appeals (ethos, logos, pathos). Make sure that you use direct quotations from the speech to support your claims.
Aristotle’s Three Appeals
ETHOS: Appeals based on the credibility and manner of the speaker.
LOGOS: Appeals to logic and fact, or to the power of reason.
PATHOS: Appeals to the emotions of the audience.
What evidence can you find of these persuasive techniques in speech?
Conclusion:
Restates the thesis.
Summarize the main points.
Comment on the speech’s overall effectiveness.
In addition to identifying Aristotle’s appeal use, you should also include concluding remarks that comment on the speech’s overall effectiveness. How does this speech rate….is it a “great speech” or “just okay”? Make sure to support your opinion with specific reasons/details and vocabulary that relate to the speech content as well as to our class lessons on effective speech structure and organization.
STYLE REQUIREMENTS:
Adhere to college-level academic writing by:
using course content specific vocabulary.
utilizing effective transitions to connect ideas and paragraphs.
checking grammar and spelling.
following MLA or APA format and appearance rules for submitting a professional looking academic assignment.
including a work cited for the chosen speech you analyzed and any outside sources you used for support.
SPEECH VIDEO HERE – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8YJtvHGeUU

Please follow the instructions on the attached document-The title is a little longer and it is in the attached document.

Informative speech
In an informative speech you
• Explain something to people
Help people to understand something
Show them how to do something
Please CAREFULLY read the directions below (more than once).
Topics
Be sure to do the readings on Informative Speaking and Visual Aids.
Then, think of a topic you either know a lot about or you would like to know more about it.
Either choice is fine.
It is important to narrow down your topic to make your research easier.
For example, let’s say you chose the topic of Football.
This is a very broad, general topic.
Ask yourself, “What specifically do I want to share with my audience about Football?”
For example, you could share information about a certain team player, or how a football is made/constructed, or the history of football. I WANT MINE TO BE ABOUT MANCHESTER UNITED
Remember, this is informative, not persuasive; in other words you are “educating” us on a topic (informing), not trying to “convince or change our minds” about something (persuasive).
Informative Speech Outline
Be sure to follow exactly the outline example on Canvas; use the outline skeleton to help you to write your informative speech outline.
Your speech has to be at least 4 minutes to 4 minutes, 30 seconds (at the most); 4 research sources required (minimum) and be sure to put your Works Cited page in proper MLA Format; 1 visual aid required (no more than 2 visual aids!)
You are to use your outline (be sure to put on index cards or points will be deducted) when you give your speech.
In other words, NO Manuscriipt (word-for-word) or Memorized Speeches allowed.
Your outline “guides” you to speak in a natural, yet formal manner.
Also, be sure to stand and use note cards during your speech or points will be deducted.
NO HATS or HOODIES
DO NOT READ off of your COMPUTER or CELL PHONE!
Submit your outline here.
Video Recording
Your Speech Video Recording will be submitted on Canvas in the Module 4 section by the same due date.
Also, please review the rubric requirements for this speech.
Rubric
Informative Speech Rubric (1)
Informative Speech Rubric (1)
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTitle
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExact Purpose
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBegin with Attention Getter
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Statement/Motivate Audience to Listen
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEstablish Credibility
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePreview Main Points
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMain Points Clear
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArranged in Effective Pattern: Followed Outline Format – Included All Subpoints, etc.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCharacterized by Two Good Transitions
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVisual Aids (1 required; 2 maximum)
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSummarize Topic and Main Idea
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClose in a Memorable Way
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAt Least 4 Credible Sources
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMLA Format Followed
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEye Contact
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFillers – Uh, Um, You Know, Like
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEffective Volume
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRelaxed, Confident Posture
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeNatural Conversational Speaking Voice
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTime
4:00 – 4:30
5 pts
I WILL MAKE THE VIDEO BASED ON YOUR PRESENTATION

Please read directions. 14 paragraphs. one concept in each 12 chapters in the book attached one from each chapter. That you could tie to the movie. Chapters 1-12 in order.

This assignment is designed to help you assess organizational communication, especially in a conflict situation.

General Descriiption of the Assignment:
Think about an organization, job or group project in which you have been a participant. Since conflict is pervasive, you should be able to think of one instance in which you observed or experienced or were involved in a conflict situation. It may be one with a superior, equal or subordinate. It may be an organization where you were a volunteer. Please take the role of a professional organization consultant who is objective about the situation that you are observing. This is assignment should be treated as a report.

Name the organization, and describe its organizational structure, i.e., is it a department, school district, sorority, etc. An organizational chart is not required, but you may include one, if you wish.

DQ1: Describe the situation. This is a formal paper, but you may use “I” in your narrative. Include a purpose statement: In this paper, I will analyze the XX organization and make recommendations about the organization. 2.5 points

DQ 2: Describe the 3-5 principal characters involved as thoroughly as possible.
You may use pseudonyms (fake names for the characters). Give the name of the character, his/her job title or role in the organization, and any other objective information that you can give. You may one of the characters, and, in fact, that is preferred. 2.5 points

For the actual BODY of the paper, you will be using textbook chapters to do an analysis of the organization:

DQ 3: What organizational approach characteristics have you /did you observe? Classical? Human Relations? Systems? Cultural? Do you see some elements of each (since the Systems approach is descriiptive)? 5 points

DQ4: Are there value differences involved? Ethical issues? See for example the Dark Side of Leadership (p. 235) or the Faulty Decision Making (p. 255) 5 points

DQ5: What are the group dynamics? Are there norms, rules, expectations that are operating? 5 points

DQ6: Analyze the management and leadership strengths and weaknesses or issues. . What appear to be the motivations behind actions? Are individuals trying to maintain face? Attack face? 5 points

DQ7: What type of decision making and/or problem solving have you observed?
Is there majority rule (power play), leader-mandate? Is problem-solving being employed? If not, what prevents problem-solving from being used? 5 points

Describe the conflict management that occurred or did not occur? What type of climate was evident—supportive? Defensive? Explain why. 5 points

DQ 8: What power orientations can you identify? Conflict tactics? 5 points

DQ9: What recommendations would you make to manage the situation and “fix” it? 5 points

DQ10: Conclusion–You may summarize your paper and/or leave some parting thoughts. 5 points

Modifications of this assignment may be considered to allow for a variety of organizational experiences to be addressed. In other words, you may, for example, wish to address the issue of power or ethics in an organization as opposed to or in addition to a conflict issue. I also understand that some of you may not be able to do each DQ about one organization. We can discuss alternatives for this situation also.
i need everything that is said in my teachers instructions to be done please.

Please see attached directions. 10 slides. The title and reference slide count. Pictures from book also attached.
Book Reference:
Mumby, D. K., & Kuhn, T. R. (2018). Organizational Communication: A Critical Introduction (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://purdueuniversityglobal.vitalsource.com/books/9781544357515

This assignment requires you to tell a story, based solely on your first-hand personal experience(s), told from the first-person point of view (meaning you write with the words “I”, “me”, “we”, and “us” throughout your paper), meeting the length requirement of 750 to 2500 words. This essay should not require or contain any type of research; it should be told from thoughts and memories. In short, this essay should be about you and your experience(s). Some topics you may write about include:
• How you and your best friend met
• The bravest moment of your life
• The experience of overcoming a fear
• The moment your life changed forever
• A difficult choice you have made
• A surprising turn of events you experienced
• The proudest moment of your life
• Your favorite vacation
• Your favorite holiday experience
• Your first day of school (middle school OR high school

Persuasive speech must be in Monroe’s motivated sequence. I have attached an outline of how it should be laid out and an example from a past class.

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Instructions
General information about the project options available to you can be found in the Senior Capstone Project Options and Requirements handout under Content > Assignments & Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit. Specific project objectives and requirements for each capstone project option can be found in the second handout in that folder titled Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments. Additional resources to help you complete your independent project have been provided in separate folders for each project in the Senior Capstone Project Toolkit. To find the resources for your project, follow this bread crumb trail: Content > Assignments & Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit > Additional Senior Capstone Project Resources > select your project option’s folder. You are encouraged to use the rubrics for your project’s assessment as a checklist for completing it:
Option 1 ~ Research Report Senior Capstone Project
Option 2 ~ Business Report or Business Proposal Senior Capstone Project
Option 3 ~ Executive Speech Senior Capstone Project
Option 4 ~ Media Kit Senior Capstone Project
Please submit your assignment by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Week 8 (note day!). Assignments generally cannot be accepted after the class has ended.
©2022 University of Maryland Global Campus
Due on May 5, 2024 11:59 PM
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Rubric Name: Option 1 ~ Research Report Senior Capstone Project_300_points
Senior Capstone Project Options and Requirements
Overview
The Senior Capstone Project is a comprehensive, professional, research-based project that you will develop in steps, some as discussion activities, some as graded assignments. This document describes the four types of projects and their components which are available to you for your last Communication Studies degree requirement.

Option 1: Research Report
Option 2: Business Reports
Option 3: Executive Speech
Option 4: Media Kit

Assessment will be based on the assumption you know and can execute the skills applicable to the project that you have chosen to complete, which would be skills learned in the listed courses or similar courses that you have taken at another institution. You should select the Senior Capstone Project that will best exemplify the Communications Studies knowledge and skills you can offer an employer. For example, if you have never taken a speech class, it would probably not be wise of you to select the Executive Speech option for your Senior Capstone Project.
Note: You may need to right-click to open some links here in a new tab or window.

Option 1: Research Report
Overview
Description
Required Components
Graded Deliverables

Overview
This section contains information about the Research Report assignment that will help you decide if it is the right option for your Senior Capstone Project.
Coursework Preparation
You will be best prepared for this assignment if you have completed an upper-level writing course (such as UMGC’s WRTG 391, 393, or 394), an upper-level research methods course (such as COMM 480) and 9 credits of upper-level coursework in the communication studies discipline (such as UMGC’s COMM 300 and some combination of COMM 302, COMM 390, COMM 400, SPCH 324, and SPCH 470).
This assignment requires strong research and writing skills, and a deep understanding of business audiences and business documents.
If you are interested in this Senior Capstone Project and are uncertain whether you have prepared well enough to fulfill its requirements, contact your instructor.
Description
If you select this assignment, you will
conduct an original investigation into a timely issue, problem, or question related to one of the communication studies major areas (human/speech communication, mass communication, media studies, journalism, professional writing, group communication, interpersonal communication, and so forth)
write a research report that defines the issue, its history, and its significance, and offers a meaningful analysis for a specific audience, including recommendations for change, possible solutions, or comparative advantages
Sample Topics/Questions
The following list offers some guidance on developing a topic for this Senior Capstone Project.
What is the impact of social media on organizational public relations efforts in a specific realm/industry?
What is the current state of diversity training in the US corporate environment or among multinational corporations? Based on current research in the communication studies field, what recommendations can you make to improve the training?
Select a public issue or problem and analyze the public discourse surrounding it from five different stakeholders.
Investigate the current trend in journalism toward hyperlocal journalism and offer some perspective on what impact this trend may have on the journalism industry.
Investigate, analyze, and evaluate a particular communication plan and/or procedure for a specific issue or organization. Make recommendations to specific stakeholders to make the plan/procedure more effective.
Required Components
The report’s content should be compiled in this order:
1. A Cover Page formatted according to American Psychological Association manuscript rules.
2. An Abstract summarizing the contents of your proposal and concluding with a list of key terms as a separate line (or lines). Include keywords list at end of abstract.
3. A Table of Contents with the page numbers where each section begins.
4. A List of Illustrations (title and page number only). Two illustrations are required.
5. A series of text sections introduced by Boldface Headings that include the following (but not limited to): Introduction, Theme, Background, Conclusion.
6. At least two informative (not merely decorative) illustrations presented on the same page as the text that discusses each; these graphics should be numbered and properly sourced in APA format. If they were generated by yourself then the source for each is Author; if you got their information from another source (Jones, for example) and presented it in a table or chart, then the source is Author, derived from Jones 2012.
7. A References page where your eight or more sources are presented in alphabetic order. These sources must actually be cited in the text and presented in this section and in the text in American Psychological Association format.
You will need to locate at least eight sources from at least 3 different source types. No more than two of your sources can be from interviews. No more than three of any other type of source may be counted toward the minimum number of eight references (although you certainly may use more sources). These eight sources must include peer-reviewed scholarly or professional journal articles.
The bulk of your research should come from the UMGC library’s databases.
8. Appendices.
9. Pagination. Front matter (Abstract through List of Illustrations) should be in lower case Roman numerals; the remainder in Arabic.
10. Word count. The body of the report should be at least 5,000 words.
These components should be submitted as one file.
Required Style
All elements of the report should follow American Psychological Association (APA) manuscript and documentation style rules.
It should follow American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style and include a minimum of eight sources (at least five of which are academic secondary sources).
Remember to proof your own work before submitting it.
Graded Deliverables
You will be responsible for the following graded interim assignments, which you will complete during the course of the development of your Senior Capstone Project.
Project Proposal Memo (addressed to professor) with Audience Analysis
Annotated Bibliography Memo (addressed to professor)
Draft Project to Class
Draft Project Peer Review Memo (two, each addressed to classmates)
Final Written Report
For instructions on how to complete the graded interim assignments that you’ll be doing for this project before you assemble it into your final project, see the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments under Content > Course Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit.

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Option 2: Business Reports
Overview
Description
Required Components
Graded Deliverables

Overview
This section contains information about the various Research Reports that you could pursue for this Senior Capstone Project option.
Coursework Preparation
You will be best prepared for this assignment if you have completed an upper-level writing course (such as UMGC’s COMM 390, WRTG 393, or WRTG 394), and upper-level research methods course (such as UMGC’s COMM 480) and 9 credits of coursework specialization in the communication studies discipline (such as UMGC’s COMM 300 and some combination of COMM 302, COMM 400, SPCH 324, and SPCH 470).
This assignment requires strong research and writing skills, and a deep understanding of business audiences and business documents.
If you are interested in this Senior Capstone Project and are uncertain whether you have prepared well enough to fulfill its requirements, contact your instructor.
Description
If you select this option, you will write an analytical or persuasive business report that provides a specific audience with a research-based review or solution to a problem or question related to business, technology, or the workplace. Your report should be written for a specific audience who can act on the information in the report.
The types of business report appropriate for this assignment are:
Analytical Reports – designed to help managers make decisions about problems and opportunities
Problem-solving Report
Investigatory or Trouble-shooting Report
Feasibility and Justification Report
Business Proposal – designed to help get products, plans, or projects accepted by others
Internal Proposal (solicited or unsolicited)
External Proposal (solicited in response to an RFP or unsolicited)
Sample Topics/Questions
The following list offers some guidance on developing a topic for this Senior Capstone Project.
Write a report for your current or past supervisor that investigates a specific problem at work, analyzes its causes, and recommends a solution. This problem could be something like an inefficient inventory process, lagging sales numbers in a particular region, or unprofessional customer-service attitudes in a particular department.
Write a report for a current or past supervisor that analyzes the feasibility of implementing a specific type of benefits program for employees (e.g., mental health, wellness, professional development, etc.).
Write an analytical report for your IT supervisor at work that answers this question: Should our firm convert from password authentication to biometric authentication for sensitive areas or functions? Investigate the problem, analyze advantages and disadvantages of the technology, and provide cost estimates.
Required Components
The report’s content should be compiled in this order:
1. A Letter of Transmittal or Routing Slip addressed to the Decision Maker through any approval authorities required.
2. A Title Page including the Decision Maker’s name and title, your name and title, the title of the proposal, and the date submitted.
3. An Executive Summary summarizing the contents of your report or proposal.
4. A Table of Contents with the page numbers where each section begins.
5. A List of Illustrations (title and page number only). Two illustrations are required.
6. A series of text sections introduced by Boldface Headings that include the following (but not limited to): Introduction, Issue, Problem, Background, Findings, Solution, and Recommended Action. The report should be at least 5,000 words (10 single-spaced pages, with integrated visuals).
7. At least two informative (not merely decorative) illustrations presented on the same page as the text that discusses each; these graphics should be numbered and properly sourced in APA format. If they were generated by yourself then the source for each is Author; if you got their information from another source (Jones, for example) and presented it in a table or chart, then the source is Author, derived from Jones 2012.
8. A References page where your eight or more sources are presented in alphabetic order. These sources must actually be cited in the text and presented in this section and in the text in American Psychological Association format.
You will need to locate at least eight sources from at least 3 different source types. No more than two of your sources can be from interviews. No more than three of any other type of source may be counted toward the minimum number of eight references (although you certainly may use more sources). These eight sources must include peer-reviewed scholarly or professional journal articles.
The bulk of your research should come from the UMGC library’s databases.
9. Appendices.
10. Pagination. Front matter (Abstract through List of Illustrations) should be in lower case Roman numerals; the remainder in Arabic.
Submit the components of your project as one file.
Required Style
The body of the report or proposal has a required minimum length of 5,000 words.
Its reference list should follow American Psychological Association (APA) documentation rules.
Graded Deliverables
You will be responsible for the following graded interim assignments, which you will complete during the course of the development of your Senior Capstone Project.
Project Proposal Memo (addressed to professor) with Audience Analysis
Annotated Bibliography Memo (addressed to professor)
Draft Project to Class
Draft Project Peer Review Memo (two, each addressed to classmates)
Final Written Report
For instructions on how to complete the graded interim assignments that you’ll be doing for this project before you assemble it into your final project, see the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments under Content > Course Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit.
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Option 3: Executive Speech
Overview
Description
Required Components
Graded Deliverables
Evaluation

Overview
This section contains information about the Executive Speech assignment that will help you decide if it is the right option for your Senior Capstone Project.
Coursework Preparation
You will be best prepared for this assignment if you have completed an upper-level writing course (such as UMGC’s COMM 390, WRTG 391, WRTG 393, or WRTG 394), an upper-level research methods course (such as COMM 480), and SPCH 100 or some other public speaking course.
This assignment requires strong research and writing skills, and a deep understanding of rhetoric.
If you are interested in this Senior Capstone Project and are uncertain whether you have prepared well enough to fulfill its requirements, contact your instructor.
Description
If you select this option, you will write and record a speech to be given by a specific speaker of your choosing, to a specific audience in a specific situation of your choice. The speaker must be a real person and the issue must be genuine. The speech should be a persuasive one that argues for a particular side of an issue or for a particular action to be taken.
Sample Topics/Scenarios
The following list offers some guidance on developing a topic for this Senior Capstone Project.
Write a speech to be delivered by Dr. Andrew Weil to Congress in which he evaluates and recommends changes to the FDA’s current food and nutrition pyramid.
Write a speech to be delivered by Senator Barbara Mikulski to the U.S. Senate, taking a stand on any recent legislation or issue (for example, English-only laws, illegal-immigrant legislation, military-funding legislation, or budgetary issues).
Write a speech to be delivered by Dr. Barry Sears to a meeting of physicians in which he recommends whether or not pregnant women should eat fish.
Write a speech to be delivered by a specific sports commissioner to a public body about some issue in the sport.
Write a speech to be delivered by your PTA president to your local school board, advocating some issue related to education in your district (for example, arguing for the banning [or unbanning] of certain materials, such as books or films; arguing for additional funding for local sports teams; or arguing for funding for It’s Academic teams).
Write a speech to be delivered by your state legislator to the state legislature on a state issue (for example, cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay).
Required Components
Your recorded speech should include the following elements:
an introduction that establishes credibility for the speaker and contains an icebreaker as well as background information on the issue
a persuasive body—Emphasize at least three points that you want your audience to take with them when they leave. Remember, you are writing for the ear, and the ear will remember more if you stick to your points and discuss them in a variety of ways (allow about six minutes). You must decide how best to make a positive case for your position and how to address the main counterarguments or objections that you would anticipate.
a conclusion that summarizes your case and recommends future action (allow about two minutes)

The speech must be written for delivery hypothetically by a real person (not yourself) whom you have identified and researched to learn his or her views on your speech’s topic. It must be on an issue of importance and intended for delivery and an identified event and location to an audience you have researched for your project proposal.
Its written script must

begin with a Title Page
include an Introduction after title page that describes the intended speaker for the speech, the audience analysis, background information on the issue prompting the speech, and details on the event or situation for which speech would be delivered.
be double-spaced in any 16-point serif font
contain page numbers
reflect research from at least eight sources which have been cited in the script according to American Psychological Association documentation rules
contain a reference list formatted according to in-text APA-style citations from eight different authoritative and credible sources, of which no more than three should be peer-reviewed scholarly or professional journal articles relevant to the topic of the speech. The bulk of your research should come from the UMGC library’s databases.

The written components of the project should be submitted as one file, with a link provided to the recorded speech.
For the drafts assignment, students who elect to complete the Executive Speech will be expected to record the speech (as a YouTube or other video) and present it to the class. The video may need to be revised for final submission to your instructor, depending on the feedback it receives during the draft stage.
Required Length and Style
The typical speech rate for native English speakers in the U.S. is 120-150 words per minute. Teleprompters typically are set for 150 wpm, 180 wpm, and 228 wpm. The speech you craft for this project must be 9-10 minutes.
You can use this speech-length calculator to determine how many words you will probably need to write for a 9-10-minute speech.
One you’ve written the speech, you can use words-to-minutes converter to calculate how many minutes it will probably run upon delivery.
Some additional hints include:
Use spoken English. Read it aloud yourself to make sure you have written as we speak rather than as we tend to write.
Remember that someone else will be delivering this speech, not you. Do not include any personal information about yourself in the speech.
Grammatical errors are embarrassing and hurt the speaker’s credibility with the audience. Make your speech error-free.
Every word in the speech must be true and accurate. Do not invent scenarios. Do some research to find true anecdotes that are relevant to the topic.
You may use information from your research, but every word you write must be your own. Do not copy a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph—anything—word for word. Rewrite everything.
Be sure to cite or somehow give credit to your sources in your speech.
Graded Deliverables
You will be responsible for the following graded interim assignments, which you will complete during the course of the development of your Senior Capstone Project.
Project Proposal Memo (addressed to professor) describing the speaker, issue, and audience
Annotated Bibliography Memo (addressed to professor)
Video-recorded speech to Class (using YouTube or other video technology) with accompanying draft script
Draft Project Peer Review Memo (two, each addressed to a specific classmate)
Finalized video-recorded speech and accompanying written speech with references in APA style
For instructions on how to complete the graded interim assignments that you’ll be doing for this project before you assemble it into your final project, see the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments under Content > Course Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit.
Evaluation
Your written and oral speech will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Format
How well does your speech follow instructions? How readable is it for your speaker?
Style
This category includes spelling and grammar (make it perfect), fluency, and paragraph development.
Rhetoric
How well have you adjusted your material for spoken delivery? How well have you adjusted your material for your audience? How successfully have you convinced your instructor and fellow students (who will serve as your audience for this assignment) of your knowledge and authority?
Do a lot of research on your topic so that your speech doesn’t sound like it’s only your opinion. Back up every opinion with hard evidence.
Content
How well have you summarized your research and organized it for oral delivery? How accurate are your words? How effectively have you used true anecdotes and statistics? How effectively have you incorporated quotes?
Your speech should contain no spelling, grammar, or factual errors. Include 8–10 references from authoritative sources.
Length
The client will decide whether to use the speech you have developed, based in part on how well you deliver it. Use good eye contact, pitch, pacing, and diction while presenting the speech. The speech should be between 9 and 10 minutes long, no less or more. Use the script timers in the Course Resources to help you with the length of your speech.

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Option 4: Media Kit
Overview
Description
Required Components
Graded Deliverables
Evaluation

Overview
This section contains information about the Media Kit (also known as a Press Kit) assignment that will help you decide if it is the right option for your Senior Capstone Project.
Coursework Preparation
You will be best prepared for this assignment if you have completed a newswriting course (such as UMGC’s JOUR 201), a basic PR course (such as UMGC’s JOUR 330), an upper-level mass communication theory or media literacy course (such as COMM 302), and a research methods course (such as UMGC’s COMM 480).
This assignment requires strong research and newswriting skills, and a deep understanding of the mass media and their audiences.
If you are interested in this Senior Capstone Project and are uncertain whether you have prepared well enough to fulfill its requirements, contact your instructor.
Description
If you select this option, you will construct a media kit (also known as a press kit) designed to be used by members of specific media, perhaps presented at a press conference. You should prepare this media kit for a special event or promotion, an issue-related news conference, a crisis, or a new product, service, or process.
Required Components
Your media kit must have the following five components:
folder cover design and logo for a 9- by 12-inch two-pocket folder
cover letter and contents page
press release: use a summary news lead and inverted-pyramid style; your writing style should reflect Associated Press style rules (250–500 words)
fact sheet and/or backgrounder (400–500 words with a reference list for at least eight sources, formatted according to American Psychological Association documentation style rules)
feature story or position paper in support of the cause, event, or organization (700–800 words, also written according to Associated Press style rules)
You should also include one of the following additional suggested items for media preparation:
YouTube video to promote the product, organization, or event (2–3 minutes)
report on plans for a media event—where, with whom, activities, and when—all focused on promoting the product, organization, or event (300–400 words)
potential questions and answers for the head of the organization to prepare for a press conference (300–400 words)
report on a strategic plan for new-media press materials: Facebook, website, Twitter, and so forth (300–400 words)
Each page of your media kit (cover letter/contents page, press release, fact sheet/backgrounder, feature story or position paper) should look as it would if you were actually handing it to journalists as part of a professional media kit and also publishing it on a website for future use.
Design each page in a unified way so it is clear that all of the pages belong to the same kit. You may use the logo, elements of the cover design, or other relevant graphics, colors, or designs on each page.
Remember: A press release always features a logo. (You have a lot of leeway with your “interior” design. Make it creative, simple, consistent, relevant, and professional … and have fun!)
Submit the project to your instructor as one file.
Sample Topics
The following list offers some guidance on developing a topic for this Senior Capstone Project.
Prepare a media kit on behalf of a local or national organic farmers’ alliance, introducing a campaign to encourage people to eat more organic foods.
Prepare a media kit on behalf of a consumer group or energy company, introducing a campaign to encourage consumers in a specific region to use energy more efficiently.
Prepare a media kit on behalf of a local bank, introducing a campaign to encourage people (or children) to save more money than they do now.
Prepare a media kit on behalf of a consumer group or lobbying organization, designed to present a position (and encourage citizen action) on a current issue.
Required Length and Style
The Media Kit has a required total minimum length of 5,000 words. (Word count includes the project proposal and annotated bibliography assignments submitted separately.)
Its contents should be written to reflect Associated Press (AP) style rules except for the reference list that is supposed to be submitted with the finalized Media Kit. That reference list should follow American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style rules. Do not submit your annotated bibliography again; submit only your final reference list in your finalized Media Kit.
However, as it is an academic work and must reflect research, its references should follow American Psychological Association (APA) documentation style. It must reflect research from a minimum of eight sources (at least five of which are academic secondary sources). For examples of primary vs. secondary sources, click here.
Remember to proof your own work before submitting it.
Graded Deliverables
You will be responsible for the following graded interim assignments, which you will complete during the course of the development of your Senior Capstone Project.
Project Proposal Memo (addressed to professor) describing the situation, intent, and components of the Media Kit
Annotated Bibliography Memo (addressed to professor)
Draft Project to Class
Draft Project Peer Review Memo (two, addressed to classmates)
Final Written Media Kit (all components finalized and assembled)
For instructions on how to complete the graded interim assignments that you’ll be doing for this project before you assemble it into your final project, see the Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Graded Interim Assignments under Content > Course Resources > Senior Capstone Project Toolkit.
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the following criteria:
your writing, including proper tone and style for each piece, appropriate selection of materials, effective organization, a coherent corporate voice, and adherence to standard public relations guidelines
content that is comprehensive and in-depth, and that serves the purpose of the media kit
your logo and folder design (relevant, appealing, striking)
mechanics, such as format, grammar, and spelling
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Change-Experiencing Communication in Our Lives Case Study: The Roommates Apply what you’ve learned in this chapter by analyzing the following case study, using the accompanying questions as a guide. Bernadette and Celia were assigned to be roommates a month ago when the school year began. Initially, both were pleased with the match because they discovered commonalities in their interests and backgrounds. They are both sophomores from small towns, they have similar tastes in music and television programs, and they both like to stay up late and sleep in. Lately, however, Brianna has been irritated by Celia’s housekeeping or lack of it. Celia leaves her clothes lying all over the room. If they cook in, Celia often leaves the pans and dishes for hours, and then it’s usually Brianna who cleans them. Brianna feels she has to talk to Celia about this problem, but she hasn’t figured out how or when to talk. When Celia gets in from classes, Brianna is sitting and reading a textbook on her bed. Celia: Hey Bri, how’s it going? Celia drops her book bag in the middle of the floor, flops on the bed, and kicks her shoes off on the floor. As Brianna watches, she feels her frustration peaking and decides now is the time to talk to Celia about the problem. Brianna: You shouldn’t do that. You make me nuts the way you just throw your stuff all over the room. Celia: I don’t “throw my stuff all over the room.” I just took off my shoes and put my books down, like I do every day. Brianna: No, you didn’t. You dropped your bag right in the middle of the room, and you kicked your shoes and left them in a mess where they landed. And you’re right—that is what you do every day. Celia: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be comfortable in my own room. Brianna: Comfortable is one thing. But you’re so messy. Your mess makes me really miserable. Celia: Since when? This is the first time I’ve heard about it. Brianna: Since we started rooming together, but I didn’t want to say anything about how angry you make me. I just can’t stand it anymore. You shouldn’t be so messy. Celia: Sounds to me like you’ve got a problem—you, not me. Brianna: Well it’s you and your mess that are my problem. Do you have to be so sloppy?
Questions for Analysis and Discussion:
1. Identify examples of you-language in this conversation.
2. How would you change it to I-language?
3. Identify examples of loaded language and ambiguous language.
4. Do you agree with Celia that the problem is Brianna’s, not hers?
5. Do Celia and Brianna seem to engage in dual perspective to understand each other