Defining 'Public' and Reconsidering Online Public Speaking Courses

Last week I attended the National Communication Association Convention in San Diego, California. Not only was the weather glorious, but I got to attend a short course titled "Virtual Asynchronous and Synchronous Training Program for Communicating Effectively in Higher Education".  Specifically, the course focused on using asynchronous and synchronous technologies in college-level communication courses.  The instructors of the course did a great job discussing  challenges they faced when trying to have a communication course online.  They mentioned several things, but what I would like to mention here are some of the things I thought about during the session in regards to how to put a public speaking class online. 

 

1) It seems many public speaking instructors think that it's impossible to have a public speaking course online.  Often times I hear, "it wouldn't be in front of people - it wouldn't be public speaking". So it got me thinking - how are we defining public? The phrase 'in public' is defined (by my computers dictionary) as 'in view of other people; when others are present'.  If we consider this definition, then we may first think, 'yes, they are right - they wouldn't be speaking in public'.  BUT, if we think about how our technology has changed how we communicate with people in general - perhaps we need to reconsider what we mean by being 'in view' of other people and being 'present' among others.  Are we not in the presence of others when we are talking with others online - especially when using synchronous communication tools? Are we not sharing a space as we would if we were face to face?

2) If we move past this argument that it wouldn't be public speaking, could we not open up more doors for creativity.  For instance, if a student decided to do a persuasive speech on recycling, the student could videotape themselves giving a speech with a polluted creek behind them, which could make the speech even more persuasive because the creek could act as a visual aid.  

3) If students present a speech online (either live or recorded and presenting it on Wimba or Elluminate), other students could re-visit the speeches of their peers or their own and critique the speeches more so than they are able to when they see it once when presented face to face.  Furthermore, since students can type messages about the speech during the presentation.  This would allow students to type in how a certain sentence, word or main point effected them at the time it was delivered.  This could then be viewed by the speaker later and allow them to reflect even more so on how the content/delivery of their speech could be improved.  Some people against the idea of online public speaking courses are worried about how the speaker will not have the audience's feedback.  However, this is not lost, it's just different - and there may actually be advantages to this online feedback they are receiving.  

4) While this could be said about any online course, I think that something needs to be said about the sense of accomplishment that students feel once they master a new kind of technology.  Some instructors worry about the students ability to use the technology necessary for an online course, but once this is mastered (which in my experience, didn't take long) does this not motivate them to want to learn more in the course in general.  If the students are feeling good about mastering the technology, I would think this has to have positive effects on their learning as a whole...perhaps researchers have discussed this already.

So there are my thoughts - hopefully it got you thinking (or perhaps re-thinking) any previous ideas you may have had about these issues.